Thrush is a fungal disease that affects the mucous surfaces. It is caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Normally fungi in small numbers are present in many children. Under favorable conditions, their number grows, provoking the development of the disease.
In infants, the thrush affects the genitals, the mucous membrane of the eyes, the intestines, but the thrush of the oral cavity is most common.
The causes of thrush in children
The main condition for the development of thrush is a decrease in the immunity of the baby. This often happens in premature infants, in babies with teething or after a disease.
Thrush can appear in children from antibiotics. A long course of taking these drugs can change the microflora of the mucous membranes and provoke an uncontrolled increase in the number of fungi.
One of the most common sources of the appearance of thrush in children is the presence of a similar disease in the mother. The baby can get sick during childbirth. Another way of transferring thrush from mother to baby is to damage the skin of the mammary glands during breast-feeding of the baby. Frequent regurgitation can also cause thrush, due to the acidic environment of the oral cavity.
Infants often take toys in their mouths. They are a potential source of infection if they were raised by the child from the floor or not sufficiently treated.
Symptoms of thrush
A clear symptom of thrush in children is a white coating on the affected mucous membranes. Gathering grains, it is a bit like cottage cheese. At the initial stages of the development of the disease, the child does not show concern. If the fungus develops at an intensive rate or the disease has not been eliminated at the very beginning, the baby becomes moody and may refuse to eat.
Among the signs of thrush in children is the temperature, but it should be noted that it does not always manifest itself, and, as a rule, not at the first stages of the disease.
Thrush in the mouth can be accompanied by redness and bleeding gums. In untimely treatment, it will spread further, for example, getting into the eyes and causing conjunctivitis.
The parents of girls may face the problem of genital tractions in children. The disease is often accompanied by inflammation of the vulva. If the disease is started, the girls may begin to fuse small or large labia.
Thrush of the gastrointestinal tract is the most rare type of this disease. It is caused by severe forms of dysbiosis, long courses of antibiotics or oncological diseases. Among the main signs of fungal disease of the esophagus, stomach and intestine, there are difficult and painful swallowing, acute pains in the affected area, and nausea and vomiting.
Thrush in infants
In infants most often diagnosed thrush of the oral cavity and diaper dermatitis. The latter disease is also caused by fungi of the genus Candida. Diaper dermatitis is easy to determine: the priest and the genital area of the baby blush, itch and can be covered with wound. Inflammation of the skin in the diaper area is a consequence of the child's inadequate hygiene.
The risk of occurrence of such types of thrush in children after a year becomes less.
Prevention of thrush in children
To prevent the development of thrush in the baby's mother should carefully monitor their own health and hygiene, especially if the child is
Before and after feeding, it is necessary to check and wash the skin of the breast. If there are signs of discomfort on the nipples and in the area of the areola, for example, itching, redness and scaling, a doctor should go to the doctor who will prescribe the treatment. Normally, mother should take a shower, wear cotton and comfortable underwear, and also put the baby to the breast correctly.
Nipples and bottles must be sterilized before giving the baby.
To avoid the appearance of diaper dermatitis, you need to monitor the frequency of changing diapers. After the baby has emptied, it should be washed and wiped dry. It is also recommended to arrange baby baths more often.