Each person’s mouth contains millions of organisms, some beneficial and some harmful. In most people, a healthy immune system controls harmful organisms; But Candida albicans, otherwise known as thrush, is a type of fungus that spreads easily in the oral cavity. This overgrowth of fungus in the mouth of babies is a common problem that mothers and babies sometimes face.
Causes of oral thrush in children
Oral thrush occurs in children for various reasons, but the main reason is that the immune system in children does not develop and is not able to fight certain organisms. Mothers who have a vaginal yeast infection during pregnancy or childbirth may pass this infection on to their babies in the form of thrush.
In addition, thrush also grows in the fungus present in breast milk, infecting the mother’s nipple and milk duct and leading to oral thrush in the baby. If a sick child takes antibiotics, this medication affects the balance between beneficial and harmful microbes and provides ideal conditions for the growth of oral thrush.
It is also possible for thrush to be passed on to the mother while the baby is breast-feeding. Cross contamination may occur if the mother took antibiotics during pregnancy or near the time of delivery. Steroid medications and birth control pills are also other causes of thrush. The use of lollipops, as well as the unbalanced consumption of sweets and dairy products by nursing mothers, increases the risk of developing thrush in a child. Breastfeeding mothers who are anemic or diabetic are more likely to develop a yeast infection, which may cause thrush in their babies.
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Symptoms of oral thrush
White and cream-like lesions, difficulty sucking and feeding with irritability and fussiness are symptoms of thrush in infants. Some babies cannot latch on to the mother’s breast well or make a crackling sound when feeding. Other symptoms of oral thrush include diaper rash that does not go away with common ointments, as well as gas in the stomach due to the presence of a large number of fungi in the digestive tract.
Sometimes women suffer from a type of fungal breast infection called thrush, which is mainly caused by Candida albicans. This type of infection may occur while breastfeeding, in women with vaginal yeast infections, or while using antibiotics. Thrush can also damage the nipple.
Symptoms of nipple fungus appear:
- Chest or nipple pain that often appears as a sudden, deep shooting pain.
- A burning feeling often after breastfeeding
- Nipple sensitivity, burning, itching and tingling
- Sudden and deep chest pain
Oral fungus treatment
Because this infection is easily transmitted from breastfeeding mothers to the baby, any symptoms in the baby’s mouth or the mother’s chest should be checked and treated by a doctor immediately. According to the Maternal and Child Health website, to prevent re-infection, the mother and child should be treated at the same time. Treatment usually lasts for one to two weeks until all symptoms of thrush are gone.
Breastfeeding should not stop during treatment, as most periods of treatment do not cause problems for breastfeeding. Nystatin oral drops and ointment for the mother’s breast usually prescribe for the baby. If the breast milk ducts also involved, oral drops also need to treat these areas. The doctor may also recommend other treatment methods.
Prevent re-infection
In addition to the simultaneous treatment of mother and child, compliance with the following health protocols also reduces the possibility of re-infection:
- Boil pacifiers and toys that the child puts in his mouth for twenty minutes every day.
- Change the pacifier and bottle every week.
- During the treatment period, boil the parts of the breast pump that come into contact with the breast for twenty minutes each day and discard the wet breast pad.
- To get rid of mildew on clothes, wash them with bleach or a cup of vinegar.
- Wash your hands regularly, especially after changing diapers, but don’t use antibacterial soap, as it kills beneficial bacteria.
- Dry your hands with a paper towel and dispose of it after use.
- Do not use wet wipes if the baby has diaper rash. Instead, use a washcloth and water and rinse with vinegar.
Do not nappy the child as much as possible. Use cloth diapers instead of disposable diapers. Although oral thrush is very common in babies, it can cause discomfort to the baby. If you follow strict hygiene precautions and call your doctor at the first symptoms of thrush, breastfeeding will be a pleasant experience for you and your baby.
