Infant Thrush: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Infant thrush is a common fungal infection of the mouth and throat in infants. It is caused by the fungus *Candida albicans*, which is normally present in the body but can overgrow and cause infection under certain conditions.

Symptoms of infant thrush include:

* White or yellow patches on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks

* Difficulty breastfeeding or bottle-feeding

* Fussiness and irritability

* Diaper rash

* Fever

Treatment for infant thrush typically involves antifungal medication, such as nystatin, which can be given as a liquid or a lozenge. The medication is usually taken for 10 to 14 days.

To prevent infant thrush, it is important to:

* Keep your baby's mouth and feeding supplies clean

* Avoid sharing food or drinks with your baby

* If you are breastfeeding, treat any nipple thrush that you may have

Infant thrush is usually a mild condition that resolves with treatment. However, if left untreated, it can lead to more serious infections.