What causes it and what is the best way of dealing with it. It makes it difficult to eat when its on the tongue.
Answer:
What's the cause?
The yeast Candida albicans is all around us. Most people have some on their skin and it can be found in the mouths of more than half of us, but it doesn't usually cause any problems.
However, if the immune system is weakened or the normal environment of the mouth changes (if the healthy bacteria are killed, for example, or if too little saliva is produced or the acidity of the mouth changes) then candida yeasts may grow and cause symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
Oral thrush usually causes white, creamy or yellow raised spots on the surface of the pink membranes in the mouth. These are sometimes described as having a 'cottage-cheese' or 'curd-like' appearance, and can be confused with milk residues on a baby's tongue after a feed.
The spots can be scraped off, leaving a tender, red area beneath, which may bleed. The spots are usually limited to the mouth but may spread down the throat. They're not usually very painful but may interfere with feeding.
Older children and adults may complain of burning or soreness in the mouth or throat, or at the angles of the lips. Thrush doesn't usually cause a temperature - if your baby has a fever get medical advice.
Severe thrush may be a sign of an important underlying illness but this is rare in small babies.
Who's affected?
Oral thrush is common in newborn babies but rarely linked to any serious problems. In children and adults, exposure to the factors that encourage the growth of candida may lead to thrush.
These factors include anything that reduces natural resistance, such as general illness, viral infections, antibiotics (which kill off the protective bacteria in the mouth) and other medications, including the steroids often used in asthma treatments.
Almost everyone who wears dentures will have candida in their mouths but problems only tend to develop when they don't fit properly and damage the delicate membranes in the mouth.
What's the treatment?
In most cases, especially in babies, thrush can be diagnosed simply by looking at the spots. In difficult cases a sample may be scraped off and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
If there are predisposing causes (especially in older children or adults) these should be investigated and treated first.
Otherwise, treatment consists of anti-fungal medicines such as nystatin (which can be given as drops or pastilles) or miconazole.
It's unusual for a breastfeeding baby to develop thrush, but if this happens the mother should use an antifungal cream on her nipples to prevent cross-infection between mother and child.
In bottle-fed babies, the bottle teats should be thrown away and new ones bought because the yeast may get into the teats and cannot be easily eradicated.
Oral thrush usually responds quickly to these treatments. If it persists, it may be necessary to check for any underlying illness that could be causing it.
This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in July 2006
Damn you for correcting the spelling!!
"Thrush - Topic Overview
What is thrush?
Thrush (oropharyngeal candidiasis, or OPC) is a yeast infection that develops in the mouth and throat and on the tongue.
Thrush is most common in newborns, infants, and older adults, but it can occur at any age. In healthy newborns and infants, thrush is usually not a serious problem and is easily treated and cured.
What causes thrush?
Thrush occurs when a yeast called candida grows out of control. Candida normally is present in small amounts in the mouth and on other mucous membranes. However, under certain circumstances, candida can grow rapidly, causing thrush.
Thrush can be a recurring problem for people who have chronic illnesses or who take medications that impair the body's ability to fight infection (weakened immune system). Since these people have difficulty fighting infections, the fungus that causes thrush can spread throughout the body, causing life-threatening blood or organ infections.
What are the symptoms?
Some babies and young children with thrush do not have any symptoms. Others will have general symptoms of not feeling well, such as acting cranky and not eating very much. White patches on the tongue or other areas in the mouth are the most obvious symptoms of thrush. These patches may look like cottage cheese or milk curds. In infants, thrush is often mistaken for milk or formula. The patches adhere to the tongue and mouth and cannot be easily wiped away. However, with scraping or rubbing (during brushing, for example), the patches may come off. The tissue around and under the white patches may be red and raw-looking and may bleed. If thrush becomes severe, it can extend into the throat, causing pain and difficulty swallowing.
How is thrush diagnosed?
A visual examination is usually all that is needed to diagnose thrush. In addition to looking in your mouth, your doctor will ask you questions about your health.
How is it treated?
Medications that inhibit the growth of fungi (antifungals) are the standard treatment for thrush. These medications are either applied directly to the affected area (topical) or swallowed (oral)."
go to the doctor...it needs a fungicide to clear up. It is caused by an imbalance in the amount of yeast in the mouth
try having plenty of plain natural yogurt,and stay away from sugary things!!i found brushing the tongue helps
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