What symptoms would the mother complain of with suspected thrush?

Understanding Symptoms of Thrush in Mothers
When a mother suspects she has thrush, a common fungal infection primarily caused by the overgrowth of the yeast *Candida albicans*, she may experience a range of distressing symptoms. This condition, often referred to as oral thrush, manifests in the mouth and throat, leading to discomfort and concern.
Visual Indicators
One of the most noticeable symptoms is the appearance of creamy white lesions on the tongue and inner cheeks. These lesions can resemble cottage cheese and may be painful or sensitive to touch. Mothers might find these spots alarming, especially if they are accompanied by redness or inflammation in the affected areas.
Discomfort and Pain
In addition to the visible signs, mothers may complain of pain or discomfort in the mouth. This can include a burning sensation, particularly when eating or drinking, which can make mealtime a challenging experience. The discomfort can also extend to the throat, leading to difficulty swallowing, which can be particularly distressing.
Altered Taste Sensation
Another symptom that may arise is a distorted sense of taste. Mothers might describe food as tasting different or less flavorful, which can further contribute to a lack of appetite and frustration during meals. This alteration in taste can be disheartening, especially for those who enjoy cooking or sharing meals with family.
Dry Mouth and Cracking
Mothers may also report experiencing a dry mouth, which can exacerbate the discomfort caused by the lesions. In some cases, the corners of the mouth may crack, leading to additional pain and irritation. This symptom can be particularly bothersome, as it may interfere with daily activities such as speaking and eating.
Systemic Symptoms
While oral thrush primarily affects the mouth, it can sometimes lead to more systemic symptoms, especially if the infection spreads. Mothers might feel fatigued or unwell, which can be attributed to the body’s immune response to the infection. This overall sense of malaise can be compounded by the stress of managing the symptoms and caring for children.
Seeking Medical Attention
Given these symptoms, it is crucial for mothers to seek medical advice if they suspect they have thrush. Early diagnosis and treatment can help alleviate discomfort and prevent the infection from worsening. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications, which can effectively clear the infection and restore balance to the oral microbiome.
In summary, a mother experiencing thrush may present with a combination of creamy white lesions, painful sensations, altered taste, and dry mouth, all of which can significantly impact her quality of life. Recognizing these symptoms early and consulting a healthcare provider is essential for effective management and recovery.

How to tell if you have thrush while breastfeeding?

Signs of thrush

1. a burning pain in your nipples, especially after every feed.
2. itchy nipples that mat be sensitive to touch.
3. flaking and/or shiny skin on the nipple or areola – nipple skin and areola may be red on lighter skin and darker brown, purple or grey on darker skin.

How does a woman know if she has thrush?

Symptoms of vaginal thrush
a thick, white discharge with a ‘cottage cheese’ appearance with or without a yeasty smell. redness or swelling of the vagina or vulva. redness and swelling and sometimes splits or cracks in the genital skin. stinging or burning while urinating or during sex.

What is thrush and its symptoms?

Thrush is a fungal (yeast) infection that can grow in your mouth, throat and other parts of your body. With oral thrush (oral candidiasis), you may develop white, raised, cottage cheese-like lesions (spots) on your tongue and cheeks. Thrush can quickly become irritated and cause mouth pain and redness.

What are two signs and symptoms of oral thrush?

Check if it’s oral thrush

• cracks at the corners of the mouth.
• not tasting things properly.
• an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• pain inside the mouth (for example, a sore tongue or sore gums)
• difficulty eating and drinking.

What can be mistaken for thrush?

5 vaginal infections that aren’t thrush (but look or feel like it)

• Herpes. Herpes, a common and extremely contagious STI, causes painful sores on the genitals.
• Trichomoniasis.
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• A sensitivity or allergic reaction.
• Gonorrhoea.
• Whatever your suspicions, get your symptoms checked out.

How can you tell if a baby has thrush?

How Will I Know if My Baby Has Thrush?

• White or yellow patches on the tongue, lips, gums, inner cheeks and roof of the mouth.
• Discomfort when swallowing or feeding (indicated by decreased sucking and less milk intake)
• Severe diaper rash with redness and sensitivity.

What happens if you get pregnant with thrush?

It is important to note that conceiving while a woman has thrush does not pose any risk to the health of her baby.

What does thrush feel like for mom?

Nipple thrush pain is often described as burning, itching, or stinging and may be mild to severe. The pain is usually ongoing and doesn’t go away with improved positioning and attachment of your baby to the breast. Your nipples may be tender to touch and even light clothing can cause pain. Breast thrush pain can vary.

What are the symptoms of thrush in pregnancy?

Symptoms of thrush

• itching and soreness of your vulva and vagina.
• vaginal discharge – this is usually thick and white.
• pain during sex.
• stinging when you urinate.
• red, cracked and inflamed skin on your vagina and vulva.

How do you treat oral thrush when pregnant?

While treating the oral thrush medically, it is best to do so in the second trimester as it is considered the safe trimester due to the lesser risk of miscarriages. Your doctor will prescribe you an antifungal gel to fight thrush. Some of the safe antifungal medications are, Nystatin.