How To Know If Your Ba Has Thrush
Article by Amanda
Oral thrush in babies is very common but because your baby cannot tell you what is wrong, it is important to look out for the signs that may suggest your child has developed an oral thrush infection.
Thrush, also known as a yeast infection, candida and candidiasis is caused by an imbalance of bacteria. Around 50% of the population carry the CandidaAlbicans bacteria that causes thrush without having any ill-effects. This is because the human body balances it with other ‘good’ bacteria. However, if the balance is upset, Candida Albicans can grow out of control and thrush can develop.
Thrush is fungal infection and is characterized by patches of yellowy-white, cottage-cheeselike substance around your babies mouth and throat. The patches can be rubbed off easily with your finger and the tissue underneath will be red and sore and may even bleed a little.
Although theylook very similar, these patches should not be confused with milk curds, which commonly appear around a babies mouth during feeding.
Other secondary symptoms include difficulty in getting you baby to feed – this is because the little guy or gal is finding it painful to suck.
Also, look out for other signs such as nappy rash, a ‘clicking’ sound during feeding and a whitish sheen to your babies saliva.
Thrush is common in babies because they’re immune systems are not fully-developed and consequently they are more susceptible to infection. This is also why it is especially commonplace in premature babies.
Mild oral thrush in babies will clear up without intervention over the course of a few days, which is what a lot of doctors will advise you to do in the first instance. If it doesn’t clear up or becomes more sever, your doctor will prescribe anti-fungal medicines which will kill the bacteria.
Thrush is only contagious between individuals with weak immune systems. Although the candida albicans bacteria can pass between people during close contact, most people’s bodies will automatically control the population of the bacteria.
Other areas that that thrush can develop include around the genitals and inside the vagina. This is because the candida albicans fungus thrives in warm damp areas. Again, your body should be able to deal with it naturally, but failing that anti-fungal medicines are available from your doctor.
If you or your baby suffers from recurring thrush, I’d advise checking out the how to get rid of thrush website.
About the Author
My name’s Amanda and I write about getting rid of thrush and yeast infections over on my blog here: http://www.howtogetridofthrush.org