The goal of any treatment is to stop the rapid spread of the fungus, but
the best approach for you may depend on your age and the cause of the
infection.
Treating oral thrush in children
Toddlers with mild oral thrush who are otherwise healthy may need no
treatment at all. If the infection develops after a course of
antibiotics, your doctor may suggest adding unsweetened yogurt to your
child's diet to help restore the natural balance of bacteria. Infants or
older children with persistent thrush may need an antifungal medication.
Treating oral thrush in infants and nursing mothers
If
you're breast-feeding an infant who has oral thrush, you and your baby
will do best if you're both treated. Otherwise, you're likely to pass
the infection back and forth. Your doctor may prescribe a mild
antifungal medication for your baby and an antifungal cream for your
breasts. If your baby uses a pacifier or feeds from a bottle,
wash and rinse nipples and pacifiers every day until the thrush clears
up.
Treating oral thrush in healthy adults
If
you're a healthy adult with oral thrush, you may be able to control the
infection by eating unsweetened yogurt or taking acidophilus capsules or
liquid. Acidophilus is available in natural food stores and many drug
stores. Some brands need to be refrigerated to maintain their potency.
Yogurt and acidophilus don't destroy the fungus, but they can help
restore the normal bacterial flora in your body. If this isn't
effective, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication.
Treating oral thrush in adults with weakened immune
systems
Most
often, your doctor will recommend an antifungal medication, which may
come in one of several forms, including lozenges, tablets or a liquid
that you swish in your mouth and then swallow.
The normal course of treatment is usually 10 to 14 days. Unfortunately,
Candida albicans can become resistant to antifungal
medications, especially in people in the later stages of HIV infection.
A drug known as Amphotericin B may be an option when other medications
aren't effective.
Some antifungal medications may cause liver damage. For this reason,
your doctor will likely perform blood tests to monitor your liver
function, especially if you require prolonged treatment or have a
history of liver disease.
Prevention
The following measures may help reduce your risk of developing Candida
infections:
-
Try using yogurt
or acidophilus capsules when you take antibiotics.
-
Treat any vaginal
yeast infections that develop during pregnancy as soon as possible.
-
If you smoke, ask
your doctor about the best ways to quit.
-
See your dentist
regularly — at least every six to 12 months — especially if you have
diabetes or wear dentures. Brush and floss your teeth as often as
your dentist recommends.
-
Try limiting the
amount of sugar and yeast-containing foods you eat, including bread,
beer and wine. These may encourage the growth of Candida.
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