WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Thrush, a yeast infection of the cheeks, gums, and
tongue, is seen most often in infants and older people. It can
be painful and is known to return after treatment. However, it
is not a serious disease; and, with proper care, you should be
better in about 3 days.
Causes
Thrush is caused by Candida
(CAN-did-uh), a fungus normally found in the mouth. Taking
antibiotics can lead to an outbreak of the fungus, especially
in older people who use large doses of antibiotics to cure a
stubborn bacterial infection. Newborns may get thrush if the
mother had a vaginal yeast infection during delivery. The
infection can also occur after an injury to the lining of the
mouth.
Signs/Symptoms
You'll notice white patches in
the mouth that look like milk curds and do not wipe off easily.
Other signs may include a dry mouth or pain while eating or
swallowing.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Take prescribed medicine exactly as directed. If the
medicine causes problems or doesn't seem to be working,
call your doctor. Don't stop taking the medicine on your
own.
-
You may use over-the-counter medications such as
aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen to help relieve
pain.
-
If possible, wash silverware and drinking glasses in
an automatic dishwasher. Otherwise, boil them or use
plastic items. For infants, soak bottle nipples in hot
water for 15 minutes.
-
Older children and adults may rinse their mouths with
a salt solution. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of
water. Rinse 3 or more times a day after eating. Do not
swallow the salt water. Do NOT give salt water to young
children.
-
Drink lots of fluids and eat foods that are easy to
swallow. Use a straw for drinking if your mouth is
painful.
-
If sucking is painful for your child, reduce sucking
time to no more than 20 minutes per feeding. Let the baby
use a pacifier only when really needed for going to sleep.
Breastfeeding may be continued.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
A high temperature develops.
-
You notice sores on your skin or vagina, or your baby
gets diaper rash.
-
Your child fails to gain weight or refuses to
eat.
-
The thrush gets worse or lasts more than 10
days.
-
Problems arise that may be related to the medicine
you are using.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
Your child is not drinking enough fluids and has
signs of dehydration, including listlessness, dizziness,
dry mouth, increased thirst, and little or no
urine.
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