Thrush - Symptoms

SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS

Thrush can be a mild infection that causes no symptoms. If symptoms develop, they may include the following.

In infants

Symptoms of thrush in an infant may include:

  • White patches inside the mouthClick here to see an illustration. and onthe tongue that look like cottage cheese or milk curds. Thrush is oftenmistaken for milk or formula. The patches stick to the mouth and tongue andcannot be easily wiped away. When rubbed, the patches may bleed.
  • Asore mouth and tongue and/or difficulty swallowing.
  • Poor appetite.The infant may refuse to eat, which can be mistaken for lack of hunger or poormilk supply. If the infant is unable to eat because of a sore mouth or throat,he or she may act fussy.
  • Diaper rash, which may develop because theyeast that causes thrush also will be in the baby's stool.

In adults

Symptoms of thrush in an adult may include:

  • A burning feeling in the mouth and throat (atthe start of a thrush infection).
  • White patches that stick to themouth and tongue. The tissue around the patches may be red, raw, and painful.If rubbed (during tooth brushing, for example), the patches and the tissue ofthe mouth may bleed easily.
  • A bad taste in the mouth or difficultytasting foods. Some adults say they feel like they have cotton in theirmouth.

A breast-feeding mother may get a yeast infection of her nipples if her baby has thrush. This can cause sore, red nipples. She may also have a severe burning pain in the nipples during and after breast-feeding.

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 6, 2010
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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