Severe Thrush Symptoms

Thrush is a yeast infection caused by the organism Candida albicans and is usually associated with the mouth. Breastfeeding women with thrush will also experience symptoms on their breasts. According to the Mayo Clinic, most thrush cases can be treated easily with medication and lifestyle changes, but if severe thrush symptoms develop, long-term treatment may be required.

Predisposition

• People with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to developing thrush. This weakness may be caused by age, as in babies or the elderly; diseases such as HIV/AIDS and cancer; or medications such as prednisone or antibiotics.

Symptoms

• The primary symptom of thrush in adults is white patches inside the mouth. The patches may be painful and bleed slightly if you try to scrape them off. In severe thrush these patches may spread down the esophagus and make swallowing difficult.

Symptoms in Babies

• Babies with thrush may also have white patches inside their mouths that do not wipe off. They may be fussy during feeding and even refuse to eat due to mouth pain. A baby with a yeast infection may also have a yeast diaper rash.

Symptoms in Breastfeeding Women

• La Leche League describes the primary severe thrush symptom in a breastfeeding mom as acute, searing pain in the breasts. Other symptoms include cracked nipples, itching nipples or breasts, shiny nipples and nipples that are darker than normal.

Treatment

• Treatment of severe thrush can be difficult and requires anti-fungal medication from your doctor. For breastfeeding women, both mom and baby must be treated. Severe thrush may require treatment of your sexual partner as well.