Thrush in Babies
Thrush in babies usually affects infants less than a month old. Adults and older children with healthy immune systems normally don’t have to worry about this condition. So, what exactly causes oral thrush in newborns?
Causes
One of the main causes of fungal infection is the use of antibiotics. This is due to the fact that antibiotics also get rid of helpful bacteria. This can be a problem if your baby is taking them or if you’re taking them and breastfeeding. Mothers can also pass thrush along to their newborn if they have a vaginal yeast infection during delivery.
Symptoms
The main symptom of thrush in babies is the appearance of white patches in the mouth. These patches can occur on the tongue, but are normally found on the sides of the mouth. They may bleed if disturbed and can be very painful for your baby. He may be reluctant to feed due to the pain caused by sucking on a bottle or nursing.
Treatment
This condition is relatively easy to treat. You will have to coat your baby’s mouth with antifungal medication a few times a day for up to a week. If this treatment fails to get rid of the infection, the doctor may prescribe an antifungal pill.
Prevention
If your baby has thrush while breastfeeding, you two can pass the infection back and forth to each other. Therefore, you may be advised to apply medication to your nipples to prevent this from happening. It’s also important to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics as they also kill off bacteria that normally keep yeast under control. You should also make sure that no one puts their hands in your baby’s mouth and that your hands are washed thoroughly before feeding.