Oral thrush in babies
Sep 26, 2010
AT only four weeks, Winnie is disturbed. She cries all the time and refuses to suckle. Her mother, Maureen Nakatudde, is worried about her. <br>Nakatudde first thought the baby had developed a fever. She went to a village nurse who told her Winnie’s situation was temporary.
By John Agaba
AT only four weeks, Winnie is disturbed. She cries all the time and refuses to suckle. Her mother, Maureen Nakatudde, is worried about her.
Nakatudde first thought the baby had developed a fever. She went to a village nurse who told her Winnie’s situation was temporary.
However, Winnie got worse. She drooled, her mouth was yellowish and had developed an abnormal white coating,’’ says Nakatudde.
Then she went to a clinic. Nakatudde says her baby was diagnosed with oral thrash.
Oral thrash is a yeast infection which causes inflammation in the mouth and throat. The mouth of a baby that has contracted the infection is whitish and at times develops yellowish coatings.
Jane Achan, a paediatrician at Mulago Hospital, says oral thrush is mainly as a result of an overgrowth of bacteria Candida.
“Naturally babies have Candida in their mouths. An overgrowth of Candida can occur if the baby’s immune system gets compromised,†she explains.
This can happen as a result of an illness, poor nutrition and even medication.
“Antibiotics can reduce the ‘good’ bacteria that monitor the levels of Candida in the mouth,†she says.
Then a baby can acquire the infection at birth. Naturally, yeast exists in a mother’s vagina. If the baby is delivered through the birth canal, he can be at risk, she says.
Dr. Achan says oral thrush is common in babies below 10 weeks, and babies whose immunity is compromised.
“Oral thrush can occur as a result of poor feeding and too much usage of antibiotics. It is common among HIV positive babies,†she says.
Children could also get infected if the bottles they feed from are not cleaned properly. Babies that have contracted oral thrush experience discomfort.
Dr. Achan says they usually develop white coatings on the tongue and palate. The condition can worsen, and the affected membranes turn yellowish or grayish. She says at such a stage, the baby may slaver saliva or even refuse to suckle or feed.
However, Sarah Kiguli Walubi, also a pediatrician at Mulago Hospital, says babies that have contracted oral thrush can get well if treated immediately.
She says a gel that contains anti-rash properties can be used to treat oral thrush.
“The gel is smeared on the affected parts of the mouth to kill the Candida bacteria inside the mouth,†she says.
Dr. Walubi adds that Nystastin can also be used to treat oral thrush.
She says the baby should be examined after seven days to be sure the infection has cleared.
However, Walubi says oral thrush in babies can be prevented. She advises mothers to ensure hygiene for the good health of their babies. She gives the tips:
Breast feed the baby for at least six months.
If you must bottle feed, regularly sterilise all feeding equipment, especially nipples. You can use a clean spoon to feed the baby.
After weaning, ensure the baby eats a balanced diet.
Sterilise all the baby’s toys.
AT only four weeks, Winnie is disturbed. She cries all the time and refuses to suckle. Her mother, Maureen Nakatudde, is worried about her.
Nakatudde first thought the baby had developed a fever. She went to a village nurse who told her Winnie’s situation was temporary.
However, Winnie got worse. She drooled, her mouth was yellowish and had developed an abnormal white coating,’’ says Nakatudde.
Then she went to a clinic. Nakatudde says her baby was diagnosed with oral thrash.
Oral thrash is a yeast infection which causes inflammation in the mouth and throat. The mouth of a baby that has contracted the infection is whitish and at times develops yellowish coatings.
Jane Achan, a paediatrician at Mulago Hospital, says oral thrush is mainly as a result of an overgrowth of bacteria Candida.
“Naturally babies have Candida in their mouths. An overgrowth of Candida can occur if the baby’s immune system gets compromised,†she explains.
This can happen as a result of an illness, poor nutrition and even medication.
“Antibiotics can reduce the ‘good’ bacteria that monitor the levels of Candida in the mouth,†she says.
Then a baby can acquire the infection at birth. Naturally, yeast exists in a mother’s vagina. If the baby is delivered through the birth canal, he can be at risk, she says.
Dr. Achan says oral thrush is common in babies below 10 weeks, and babies whose immunity is compromised.
“Oral thrush can occur as a result of poor feeding and too much usage of antibiotics. It is common among HIV positive babies,†she says.
Children could also get infected if the bottles they feed from are not cleaned properly. Babies that have contracted oral thrush experience discomfort.
Dr. Achan says they usually develop white coatings on the tongue and palate. The condition can worsen, and the affected membranes turn yellowish or grayish. She says at such a stage, the baby may slaver saliva or even refuse to suckle or feed.
However, Sarah Kiguli Walubi, also a pediatrician at Mulago Hospital, says babies that have contracted oral thrush can get well if treated immediately.
She says a gel that contains anti-rash properties can be used to treat oral thrush.
“The gel is smeared on the affected parts of the mouth to kill the Candida bacteria inside the mouth,†she says.
Dr. Walubi adds that Nystastin can also be used to treat oral thrush.
She says the baby should be examined after seven days to be sure the infection has cleared.
However, Walubi says oral thrush in babies can be prevented. She advises mothers to ensure hygiene for the good health of their babies. She gives the tips:
Breast feed the baby for at least six months.
If you must bottle feed, regularly sterilise all feeding equipment, especially nipples. You can use a clean spoon to feed the baby.
After weaning, ensure the baby eats a balanced diet.
Sterilise all the baby’s toys.