How to Diagnose Thrush

Thrush is a yeast infection most common in babies, older adults and other people with compromised immune systems. It can also occur during a round of treatment of antibiotics or inhaled steroids. The overgrowth of the yeast, Candida, is recognizable by the white furry patches on the tongue and inside the mouth. Read on to learn more about how to diagnose thrush.

Instructions

Diagnose Thrush in Babies or Children

1

Look for the characteristic white patches inside a child's mouth. Since thrush can look like milk curds, it's sometimes overlooked in children. However, if you try to wipe away the patches, the skin underneath will be red, raw and sometimes even bleed.

2

Watch out for an unhappy baby who refuses to breastfeed or suck on a bottle. Because thrush can be painful, babies will often try to avoid sucking or eating, and sometimes even exhibit increased gassiness.

3

Look out for a characteristic painful diaper rash that is also associated with thrush. The same overgrowth of yeast that causes the white patches in the mouth can cause a yeast infection. The rash is often red, itchy, raised and patchy, and looks very different than a typical diaper rash.

Diagnose Thrush in New Mothers

4

Pay attention to new and unusual pain when breastfeeding. Mothers who experience burning, itching or shooting pain in the breast or nipple accompanied by bright pink or flaking skin may have thrush.

5

Diagnose symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection, which may often accompany thrush.

6

Ask your doctor to take a culture of your breast milk. Though the presence of yeast in the milk is not a definitive indicator of thrush, a positive culture in addition to the presence of yeast in a urine sample is a fairly reliable diagnosis.

Treat and Manage Thrush

7

Use a prescribed topical oral anti-fungal medication, like nystatin, directly on the thrush patches in the mouth. The medication comes in liquid form for children and babies and is available as a lozenge for adults. Some adults will need to take an anti-fungal pill in addition to the topical medication.

8

Apply topical anti-fungal ointments to diaper rashes or affected nipples. Some medications are available over-the-counter, while others are available by prescription only. It's best to check with your doctor before using a medication, in order to use the one that will be most effective for you and your baby.

9

Treat yeast infections with an over-the-counter remedy. However, since some strains of yeast are resistant to some medications, you may have to speak to your doctor about a more powerful prescription medication if the over-the-counter one doesn't seem to be working.

10

Clean bottles and pacifiers frequently in very hot water, and wash and dry your nipples after breastfeeding. Likewise, if the affected person wears dentures, they should be cleaned thoroughly and frequently.