Signs Of Thrush
A Quick Guide to Understanding the Signs of Thrush
Recognizing the signs of thrush can help to ensure that this condition does not go untreated. Thrush is a type of oral yeast infection that can be found in the mouth, and is most frequently seen in infants. Although adults can develop thrush, it is very unusual; in most cases when an adult does have this disease it has developed due to other medical conditions.
The yeast fungus that causes thrush is something that is normally found in the mouth, the problem occurs when that fungus begins to grow out of control, which can happen if there are medical conditions that prompt this. If you know how to recognize the signs of thrush, you will know when you or your infant must get treatment for the condition.
If you suspect that your infant may have thrush, you can examine the mouth and face for the most common signs of thrush, which are white yellow patches. These patches of skin will look a little like a rash with some raised bumps.
You will want to pay attention to any signs of discomfort. These white and yellow patches do look terrible, but in most cases they are not painful. In some instances thrush can be somewhat uncomfortable; an infant will usually show their discomfort with crying and whining, or they may act like they are wiping at their mouth.
When there are signs of thrush you will have to watch your child carefully to make sure they do not try and rub at the patches in their mouth. If the child is doing this it could lead to open sores in the mouth and these can become infected.
You will also want to watch carefully that your child does not find it difficult to feed from the bottle or breast. Due to the fact that thrush can cause some tenderness inside of the mouth, it may cause a baby to feel discomfort when feeding, which will keep them from wanting to eat. If this should happen it could cause some nutrition problems if left untreated.
Another of the common signs of thrush is dry mouth. If you notice that the child or infant does not have enough saliva in the mouth, examine him or her for any sign of thrush. Dry mouth can be an early sign of thrush and so it will be necessary to continue watching for additional signs. If you do not notice any further indication of thrush, it is still a good idea to take your child into the doctor so that they can determine if the lack of saliva is a sign of another problem.
For adults who are taking antibiotics or have dentures, it is important to watch for the signs of thrush, as it will more commonly develop under these conditions. It can also become a problem in pregnant women. Due to the fact that thrush can cause a problem with eating, you will want to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you notice any weight loss or signs of dehydration.
For pregnant women it is a good idea not to eat processed foods if you have signs of thrush, plus you can take extra vitamin E and C to help your immune system. Another remedy is rinsing the mouth with salt water. Of course you will want to talk with your doctor before taking any type of action to treat thrush if you are pregnant.
Although thrush isn’t usually dangerous, it can be uncomfortable. If you or your child has signs of thrush, contact your doctor for further advice.