Thrush Yeast Infection in Infants by Michael S. Holder

Thrush Yeast Infection In Infants

A thrush yeast infection, also known as an oral yeast infection, is an infection that affects the mouth and associated structures and most commonly affects infants and young children. Its cause is due to an overgrowth of the Candida albicans yeast which normally grows in the human body as well as other probiotic bacteria in symbiosis with each other. This exact yeast will also cause vaginal yeast infections and diaper rash. If the mouth is affected, it is known as thrush, or oropharyngeal Candidiasis.

One of the symptoms of the thrush yeast infection when it afflicts an infant is white patches coating the internal parts of the mouth, including the tongue, roof, lips, and gums as the infection spreads. These partches may be painful to your baby and may be indicated as irritability on his/her part. You should never try to clear the white patches from a baby's mouth because bleeding and ulcer formation commonly occur.

Diagnosis Of A Thrush Yeast Infection

There is no specific test or culture that can be used in the diagnosis of a thrush yeast infection, especially if it is afflicting your infant. To determine if this specific infection is what your baby is suffering with, you should take him or her to a pediatrician.

Treatment For A Thrush Yeast Infection

There are several treatments that are effective in treating a thrush yeast infection. Two of the specific treatments requiring a prescription from your pediatrician are Nystatin and Fluconazole (Diflucan). In order for Nystatin to work properly, the infant must take it four times a day for seven to ten days. Three days after the last symptom goes away will signal the end of treatment. A better, but more expensive, alternative to Nystatin is the one a day Fluconazole (Diflucan). Many studies reveal that a thrush yeast infection responds overwhelmingly better to the Fluconazole medication.

A non-prescription treatment that can also be used is Gentian Violet. One disadvantage is the staining of your baby's lips and clothing anod is relatively messy to use.

What You Need To Know About A Thrush Yeast Infection

Several things that you need to keep in mind when treating a thrush yeast infection include that when your baby is breastfeeding, he/she can spread the infection to you causing pain in your breasts and nipples. This will require that both of you be treated by your physician or pediatrcian.

Anything that can be inserted into the mouth, such as toys, bottles, and pacifiers, can still spread the thrush yeast infection, no matter how careful you are.

The purchase of new bottles and pacifiers can help prevent the spread of a thrush yeast infection if it is reoccurring frequently. Cracking of the mouth is often times the result of a recurring infection.

A chronic yeast infection may indicate diabetes mellitus or an impaired immune system in children who use antibiotics or steroids.

An immune system impairment should be diagnosed if the thrush yeast infection is chronic and more serious. It should be noted that a more serious condition than a thrush yeast infection could be occurring if there is a lack or proper growth or an unusual gaining of weight.

About the Author

I am a natural healthcare physician specializing in weight loss and women's issues. For more information on yeast infections, please visit yeast infections online.