What is Thrush?

Thrush, also known as Candidiasis, is a fungus found in mouth, genitalia areas, digestive tract and skin. In healthy people, production of “friendly” bacteria in system prevents fungus from causing disease. However, weakened or damaged immune systems may result in dangerous growth of ailment-causing fungus. In addition, certain prescription drugs may offset balance of natural organisms in body. Such drugs include extended use of: antibiotics, chemotherapy, AIDS/HIV treatments, antihistamines, steroids and oral contraceptives with a high estrogen content. Different parts of body can be afflicted with Thrush: Oral and Esophageal Candidiasis are fungal infections which occur in mouth and throat, while Candidiasis found in genital area (it is often sexually transmitted) affects both men and women. Thrush in mouth looks like creamy white patches or small red spots on tongue, roof of mouth, gums or throat. This type of Thrush can be very painful to swallow and can result in chest pain. Oral Candidiasis is found in babies, elderly, young children, and can also be an early symptom of AIDS. If left untreated in AIDS and HIV patients Oral Candidiasis can become a serious problem, because people with disease develop fungus deep within body—at this stage, treatment becomes difficult. Candidiasis in genitalia area is commonly referred to as a “yeast infection” and is recognized by a “cottage cheese-like” discharge. Men and young boys may suffer from yeast infections, however; condition more commonly affects healthy women of all ages, those who are pregnant, and on occasion, it is also an indicator of AIDS virus in women.

Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Teething Process

The teething process can be a difficult period for both baby and parents. The process starts at different ages depending on each baby but usually by age of 3 most infants have their primary teeth in place. If by one year your baby still has not got his first tooth it would be wise to see your doctor and dentist. There are 20 primary or “baby” teeth that every child has during their lifetime, with ten in upper jaw and ten in lower. Usually, appearance of baby teeth is as follows: upper and lower incisors come first, then upper lateral incisors come in a few months later, followed shortly thereafter with bottom lateral incisors. The top and bottom molars are next set to come through, usually right around 18 months. The cuspids, or eyeteeth, usually follow soon after molars. At approximately two, to two and a half years, second set of molars will appear. Usually there is no set order in which baby teeth appear – again this depends on individual baby. It is unusual for a child not to get all twenty teeth. Some babies can be born with a front tooth (this happens in about 1 in every 2000 cases). In this even it is wise to consult a paediatric dentist. This situation can affect breastfeeding process so a paediatric dentist should be consulted as soon as possible, especially if you intend to breastfeed. Here are signs that your baby may be teething:

·Bulging gums – you’ll be able to see outline of teeth as they try and push through his gums. ·Nighttime crying and walking. ·More fuss than normal. · “Clingy" behaviour. ·An increase in amount of drooling seen. ·Chewing on fingers, teething rings, and other objects. ·Swollen, red, inflamed gums. ·Poor appetite. ·Interrupted sleep.

There is some debate about this, but it is now generally accepted that teething will not cause fever, sleep issues or lower immunity to infection. Teething is very painful – if you have ever bitten inside of your cheek you know how painful this can be – now imagine a baby that is used to a soft smooth surface (gums) and suddenly she has a hard and sharp tooth pushing through her swollen gums. Generally it’s first tooth that will cause most discomfort. When babies are going through teething process they sometimes bring their hands to their mouths – this brings some relief when gums have pressure applied to them. You can gently massage your baby to reduce discomfort of teething – clean your fingers and rub gums firmly – this may be uncomfortable for your baby initially but she will get used to, and appreciate, massage more you do it. Give your baby something cool to chew on – this again provides relief for a little time. Wet washcloths (you can soak this in apple juice if you wish) that have been left in freezer for 30 minutes or so – can be given to your baby to chew. Just remember, whatever you use make sure that your baby cannot choke on it. Other things that your baby can chew on include a chilled banana or an iced Popsicle. An old wives tale remedy recommends that you dab some alcohol on your baby’s gums – it is strongly recommended that you do NOT do this.