Oral Candidiasis (Thrush)

Question 1

Def

Answer 1

Fungal infection of the oral mucosa

Question 2

Risk Factors

Answer 2

• immune disorders
• using corticosteroid inhalers
• receiving therapy that suppresses the immune system (chemotherapy)
• antibiotics
• infant that is breastfeeding mother who’s infected

Question 3

S/S

Answer 3

• thick white patches on the tongue, mucosa, or palate, resembling curdled milk
• assess for the presence of candidal diaper rash (beefy-red rash with satellite lesions).
• infant’s inability to feed due to lesions

Question 4

Management/Tx

Answer 4

Management:
- educate mother who is infected to receive anti-fungal treatment
- can continue breastfeeding
- handwashing
- clean bottle nipped and pacifiers

Tx:
-Nystatin (with cotton tip applicator)
-Fluconazole (monitor for hepatotoxicity and give with food)