All About Thrush

Thrush is a fungal infection that usually affects breast tissue or nipples. The organism Candida albicans is the cause of the infection, and women who are infected with thrush may feel severe nipple or breast pain. If the condition is not treated at an early stage, it may lead to early weaning in lactating mothers.

• Identifying and Treating Thrush

• Information about Thrush

• Thrush and Breastfeeding

Candida albicans propagates in moist conditions, and they are normally found in the mouth, vagina, or the gut. Under normal circumstances, the immune system of the human body can keep the yeast in check, but sometimes, certain hormonal changes in the body may cause the yeast to overgrow, and this will result in thrush. Symptoms of thrush can also appear when a person is taking contraceptive pills or certain antibiotics, or suffering from diabetes. Even sex with a partner who is infected with thrush can cause the infection.

The typical symptoms of thrush include nipple pain and breast pain. In nipple pain, the intensity of pain can vary from burning or stinging to itching, and for breast pain, the symptom can be a strong burning sensation or a shooting pain. The pain can sometimes be so severe that even friction with clothing can hurt the breast or nipple. Such pain can appear during or after breastfeeding. The signs of thrush may include rashes on the nipples, excessive reddishness of the areola, or cracks in the nipples. Also, babies may show visible signs of a thrush infection. The baby’s mouth and bottom need to be checked for a white coating or white spots.

• Yeast and Thrush

• Baby Thrush

• Breastfeeding and Antibiotics

Thrush can be treated with the application of antifungal medication on the infected area. Miconazole oral gel is generally prescribed by doctors for the treatment of babies with thrush. The gel should be applied after cleaning one’s hands, and the dosage should be ¼ teaspoon. Babies who have not crossed six months should not be treated with the gel. For mothers who are infected with thrush, the nipples should be rinsed twice a day with sodium bicarbonate solution. Citricidal Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is also considered an effective treatment for thrush. It is also recommended that the breast pads are changed regularly, and the nipples are kept as dry as possible, since thrush grows in areas that are moist. 

To prevent thrush, it is essential to have a healthy diet . Supplementing diet with capsules or powder of Lactobacillus acidophilus will reduce the chances of having thrush as well. It is equally important to avoid foods such as grapes, alcohol, peanuts, dried fruit, cantaloupe, refined sugars, and Vegemite. As mentioned before, antibiotics can cause thrush. Those who are on antibiotics should take a cup of yoghurt everyday. Probiotics can help to prevent a thrush infection when a person is on antibiotics.

All in all, a thrush infection can be very agonizing, and it should be treated as soon as the symptoms are detected. If a sharp nipple pain is experienced, one should immediately consult a physician or a lactation consultant.

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Disclaimer: The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion. This site is for informational purposes ONLY. Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.