One of the common things that can infect children is oral thrush, so what is thrush in children? Here's the answer.
Oral thrush in children is a common health condition, and this condition is called thrush, and it is a common infection that affects the mouth of children, caused by a yeast such as fungi, Candida albicans, and it causes severe inconvenience to children, but it is of course treatable.
What is thrush in children?
Oral thrush, or thrush, is an infection caused by Candida, a yeast germ. The mouth is a common location for this problem.
This fungus usually appears in the mouth in the first weeks or months of birth, and the baby may feel uncomfortable because of it, especially when feeding.
Other common areas considered predisposed to fungus growth are the vagina, nappy area, and baby nail folds.
Causes of thrush in children
Yeast or fungi are usually found in everyone's digestive system, and infection occurs in children for the following reasons:
In general, these fungi are found naturally in the mouth area, but the immune system maintains its levels so that it does not cause any problem, but because the immune system in children is still weak, they can get oral thrush.
Some babies come into contact with fungi in the birth canal during birth.
It can happen after childbirth, especially as a result of taking antibiotics, as they kill the good bacteria that keep the fungi under control.
Your baby can develop thrush if you are breastfeeding and your nipple area has a fungal infection from taking antibiotics.
Symptoms of thrush in children
Oral thrush infection in children is associated with a number of different symptoms, which are as follows
White spots on the roof of the mouth, inside the cheeks and on the tongue.
There may be red tissue that bleeds easily in the affected area.
Redness may appear around the white spots.
These spots can be painful.
Cracks are possible around the corners of the mouth.
These white spots resemble milk, but cannot be removed.
They may drool or refuse to breastfeed properly due to the pain from thrush.
The occurrence of a red, patchy, light or dark red rash with distinct borders.
Treatment of thrush in children
There are some treatments, but it is advised not to take any medication as it resolves on its own within two weeks.
The doctor may prescribe an anti-fungal medication for the child to take by mouth, or if you are breastfeeding your baby, the doctor may prescribe an ointment such as niacin or clotrimazole to be used on the nipples.
It is possible for the doctor to prescribe drops or gels to be applied around the inside of the child's mouth.
Prevention of oral fungi in children
Unfortunately, thrush infection usually occurs in children without a clear cause, but it is possible to be careful and reduce the risk of this annoying health problem by following these tips:
Sterilize toys and everything a baby uses regularly, plus bottles if they are used for feeding.
Some suggest giving the child a drink of sterile water after a meal. This will rinse out any milk remaining in the mouth that may be growing on candida, but you should consult your doctor before doing this.
