Thrush can be a frustrating, persistent condition. Simply put, thrush is a yeast infection in the mouth. It most often strikes babies -- often nursing infants -- although the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system can develop thrush. According to MayoClinic.com, thrush can recur even after it's been treated, which can be an annoyance. However, unless the affected person is ill and has a weakened immune system, thrush is rarely serious or dangerous.
Symptoms
The symptoms of thrush are distinctive. The main sign is the appearance of white patches on the inside of the mouth. This is typically easily seen in babies and is often the first sign that a breastfeeding baby has caught thrush, often if its mother has developed a yeast infection. Other symptoms of thrush include painful cracks at the corners of the mouth, lesions that appear cottage cheese-like, pain, fussiness and difficulty feeding in babies and a dry, cottony feeling inside the mouth, says MayoClinic.com.
Thrush and Yeast
Several different variables can cause excessive growth of the bacteria candida, which causes thrush. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that candida normally lives in your body and usually does not cause problems; however, when too much candida grows, it develops into candidiasis, or a yeast infection. Overgrowth of candida -- and thus thrush -- can be caused by illness, certain medications such as antibiotics and steroids or other bacterial infections, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. In addition, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some health providers believe that a diet high in yeast can lead to thrush, and therefore advise the "candida diet," which excludes all yeast-containing foods as well as other suspected thrush-causing culprits such as sugar and alcohol. The Mayo Clinic also advises limiting the amount of yeast-containing foods you eat, stating that a diet high in yeast may encourage the growth of candida.
Treatment
Treatment for thrush is usually straightforward. Thrush in babies usually goes away on its own within a couple of weeks, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. For a mild case of thrush in older children or adults, such as after taking a course of antibiotics, eating yogurt or taking probiotics supplements may resolve the symptoms. In more serious cases, antifungal mouthwash or other medications may be prescribed.
Complications
While typically not a serious issue, thrush can cause complications for some individuals. Those with severely weakened immune systems may have difficulty getting over thrush, which may spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health issues. If your infant shows signs of thrush that do not resolve within two weeks, or if you develop thrush and are otherwise ill and thus immune-compromised, see your doctor for evaluation and recommendations. Your doctor can advise you whether medication is necessary or if simple home remedies can solve the problem.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Oral Thrush: Complications; November 2010
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Candidiasis; Steven D. Ehrlich, N.M.D.; December 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Oral Thrush: Prevention; August 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Thrush -- All Information; David C. Dugdale, M.D.; August 2009
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