Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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What is thrush?

Thrush is caused by a yeast. The yeast grows around the mouth in areas irritated by extra sucking (as when a baby sleeps with a bottle). A large pacifier or nipple can also injure the mouth. A baby fed by a bottle or breast can get thrush. Thrush cannot be spread to other people.

A baby with thrush has:

• White patches on the inside of the mouth and sometimes the tongue.
• A sticky coating on the mouth that cannot be wiped off.

How can I take care of my child?

• Give medicine.

  The medicine for thrush is called nystatin oral suspension. Your doctor must prescribe it. Give 1 ml of the medicine four times a day after meals or at least 30 minutes before you feed your baby. Place the medicine in the front of the mouth on each side. It doesn't do any good once it's swallowed).

  If the patches of thrush in the mouth don't get better in 2 days, rub the medicine directly on the patches. Use a cotton swab. Keep giving the medicine until all the thrush has been gone for 3 days.

• Decrease sucking time during feeding.

  Only let your baby suck for 20 minutes or less per feeding. If it is painful for your baby to suck on a nipple, try to use a cup for a few feedings. If the thrush comes back after treatment and your child is bottle-fed, switch to a nipple with a different shape and made from silicone.

• Use the pacifier for bedtime only.

  While your child has thrush, only use the pacifier when it's needed for going to sleep. If your baby is using an orthodontic-type pacifier, switch to a smaller one.

Call your child's doctor during office hours if:

• Your child refuses to drink.
• The thrush gets worse during treatment.
• The thrush lasts beyond 10 days.
• You have other concerns or questions.