Pediatrics

Oral thrush in babies

introduction

Oral thrush is a fungal infection that is 90% from yeast Candida albicans caused. This infection is commonly referred to as candidiasis. Different parts of the body can be affected. If the mouth is affected, it is called oral thrush. The yeast Candida albicans can be found on the skin and mucous membranes of around 30% of the healthy population and is usually not a problem for immunocompetent individuals. An infectious disease can result from a long period of antibiotic therapy or an HIV infection or a change in the bacterial flora of the mucous membranes. It is therefore a facultative pathogenic germ.

Oral thrush is caused by the colonization of the mouth with yeast. For this purpose, we recommend that you also read the following article: Yeast in the mouth

A Oral thrush expresses itself through characteristic, peelable, whitish deposits on the palate. A Oral thrush in babies is particularly common in the first few months of life. This is mostly due to the fact that in babies the natural bacterial flora of the mucous membranes is not as mature as in adults. Therefore, it can get to such faster Fungal infections of the oral mucosa come. Other reasons can be a Immunosuppression due to previous illnesses or therapies immunosuppressive drugs be. However, this is not so often the case.

Infection can also occur Breastfeeding done through the mother's nipples. Oral thrush in babies often goes with a fungus in the diaper area (Diaper thrush) hand in hand. Overall, it's more like a harmless diseasethat still with Antifungal drugs (Antifungal agents) must be treated.

Symptoms

Of the Oral thrush in babies expresses itself through whitish, partly gray deposits the lining of the mouth and palate, which are difficult to remove. They usually show up under the stripped covering inflamed and bloody spots. Furthermore it can be caused by the inflammation too Pain when drinking or eating come. Babies then often show a drinking weakness or refuse to drink completely.

It can also rarely be slight fever and one general exhaustion come. If the esophagus is also affected by the fungus in severe cases, one speaks of one Thrush esophagitis. In many cases this can be asymptomatic. But it can also go through a Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing) or a Odynophagia (painful swallowing). Vomit is also rarely possible.

It comes next to that Oral thrush in babies also to the diaper bum, one shows up Inflammation of the skin around the diaper area. Diaper thrush is favored by the infrequent changing of diapers and poor body care of the baby.

therapy

A Oral thrush in babies is mostly a harmless matter. Adequate therapy should nevertheless be initiated so that the child's symptoms are alleviated and systemic infection is prevented. At a Oral thrush one is usually enough topical (local) therapy with antifungal ointments, gels or solutions. These kill the fungus. In these Anti-fungal agents are the active ingredients Clotrimazole, Nystatin or Ciclopirox contain. They are applied to the affected areas and should lead to healing within 8-10 days.

At a systemic infestation is using oral therapy Fluconazole initiated. If the fungus is resistant to this active ingredient, you switch to the active ingredients Caspofungin or Amphotericin B out.

If necessary, can in addition to antifungal therapy antipyretic or pain reliever Medicines are used.
Care should be taken to ensure that the baby is drinking enough fluids. On Camomile tea should be waived, however, as this is probably the Worsen the clinical picture can.
A good one is still important hygiene. Objects that the baby puts in their mouth, such as pacifiers, should always be cleaned properly. It is recommended that breastfeeding mothers apply an antifungal ointment to their nipples to help protect one Oral thrush in babies to prevent.

Drug therapy of oral thrush in babies

Fungal infections are with so-called Antifungal drugs treated. These are drugs that are effective against fungi and can kill them.

At a Oral thrushwhich has not affected any internal organs, a topical (local) Therapy off. Parents usually receive a gel or solution from the doctor to rub the affected areas with. These drugs include Clotrimazole, Ciclopirox or Nystatin. These are usually obtained in the form of ointments.
Should the baby also be under fever sufferers, they are also given an antipyretic drug.
Is it a systemic infection in which internal organs affected such as the intestine, systemic therapy is initiated. Typically this is done with the drug Fluconazole prescribed.
If the fungus is resistant to it, you soften it Caspofungin and in very severe cases Amphotericin B out. These drugs are given orally. Until the doctor's visit, parents can also share the affected areas diluted myrrh tincture dab. This can alleviate the symptoms somewhat, but is no substitute for adequate therapy.

Homeopathy for oral thrush in babies

There are a few homeopathic remediesthat are used for the treatment of the Oral thrush in the baby can be used. However, their benefit has not been scientifically proven and can in no way lead to a cure. Rather, the following homeopathic remedies should be considered as a kind supportive measure for medical therapy of oral thrush.

borax (Sodium Borate): This is a crystalline mineral. It is called in homeopathy Borax D 6 orally for fungal infections presented. Typically, babies who take borax are described as restless. They refuse to drink and do not want to be laid down. In addition, they always seek to be close to their mother. The baby's tongue is white and sore.
Potassium chloratum: This homeopathic remedy is administered in the form of globules in the potency D4, D6 or D12 three times a day and is also used for Inflammation of the mucous membranes. There are clear white deposits on the baby's oral lining.
Mercurius solubilis D12: This remedy is used in children who typically show symptoms such as foetor ex ore (smelly Bad breath), inflamed oral mucosa and heavy drooling.

Risk of infection of oral thrush

In principle is a Oral thrush contagious. He can get through direct contact transmitted from person to person. Also contaminated food or objects (for example pacifiers) can lead to transmission. However, it is very unlikely to deal with a healthy one immune system at his baby with one Oral thrush to infect. People with a weakened immune system are at risk, for example, from drug therapy or an immune deficiency such as AIDS. Otherwise you don't have to be afraid of getting infected with the baby.
However, in order to generally have infections Yeasts Preventing that cause oral thrush is one good hygiene very important. Objects that the baby puts in the mouth should always be cleaned. This is also in the interest of the sick child, as otherwise they will come into contact with the germs again and again. Breastfeeding mothers should coat their nipples with a prescribed antifungal ointment to prevent the baby from becoming infected.