A sharp decrease in immunity in a woman after childbirth makes her body vulnerable to various pathologies. Pathogenic microflora receives all the conditions for active reproduction. Therefore, postpartum infections are widespread. One of them is thrush. The disease is caused by fungi of the genus Candida. In addition to its vaginal form, women often encounter breast thrush while breastfeeding. The causes and treatment of this pathology will be discussed in today's article.
Medical certificate
Thrush or candidiasis is a disease caused by the vital activity of fungi of the genus Candidae. They are present in the body of absolutely he althy people. However, under the influence of certain factors, they begin to multiply at an accelerated pace,causing thrush symptoms. The disease can affect both a woman and a man or even a child. A favorite place for the localization of the fungus are warm and humid places, such as the mouth or vagina.
During lactation, it primarily affects the mammary glands. In this case, there are unpleasant sensations on the nipples and in the milk ducts. If left untreated, the disease can harm both the woman herself and the newborn baby.
Main reasons
The causes of breast thrush during breastfeeding are manifold. Most often, the disease develops against the background of a decrease in immunity and a violation of the microflora in the affected area. Such disorders usually occur due to hormonal imbalance. He, in turn, is a consequence of the processes of bearing a child and delivery.
There are other causes of pathology:
- long-term antibiotics;
- treatment with glucocorticoids;
- progression of chronic diseases;
- high moisture of the skin.
Breast thrush during breastfeeding often develops in women suffering from metabolic disorders in the body due to diabetes, obesity or anorexia. Among the additional factors provoking the disease are the following:
- damage to the nipples during feeding;
- wrong diet with a predominance of yeast products, confectionery;
- progression of the vulvovaginal variety of candidiasis;
- persistent anemia.
Lack of quality sleep combined with chronic fatigue creates additional conditions for the vital activity of the fungal flora.
First symptoms
Many inexperienced mothers who have not previously had to deal with the lactation process may not be aware of the symptoms of breast thrush during breastfeeding. However, the lack of timely treatment is dangerous for both the woman herself and her child. To prevent the spread of infection, you should carefully listen to your own feelings.
The main symptoms of breast thrush while breastfeeding are:
- itching and burning in the chest area;
- nipples turn bright pink and shiny;
- areolas can peel off;
- wearing tight underwear causes pain;
- bubbles appear on the nipples, curdled plaque.
During lactation, burning pain may appear, which only intensifies towards the end of feeding. Discomfort is usually felt not only in the nipples, but also in the depths of the mammary glands. However, such pain can also occur due to improper attachment of the baby. Therefore, to make an accurate diagnosis, you need to see a doctor.
Manifestations of illness in a newborn
Thrush can be passed from mother to child during breastfeeding. In newborns, the disease is always manifested by a pronounced clinical picture:
- appearance of white plaque in the mouthcavity;
- baby becomes whiny, irritable, may refuse food;
- red sores form in the groin area;
- increased body temperature.
Also, thrush in infants manifests itself in the form of progressive irritation on the surface of the buttocks. A small blistering rash under the diaper usually does not go away for a long time even with the use of various diaper rash remedies.
Diagnostic Methods
When the first signs of breast thrush appear during breastfeeding, you should consult a gynecologist. Diagnosis of the disease begins with a study of the patient's history and physical examination. Laboratory research methods are required. A woman takes a scraping from the affected nipple, a sample of breast milk. Biomaterials are then subjected to microscopic examination, the results of which can determine the causative agent of the developing infection. After a comprehensive examination, the doctor selects the therapy.
Sometimes a complete blood count, glucose test, and immunogram may be additionally required. To exclude mastitis, an ultrasound examination is supposed.
5 rules for treating breast thrush while breastfeeding
During treatment, it is extremely important to adhere to the rules below. Following them allows you to speed up the healing process without harming the baby.
- After every contact with the breast, toilet, diaper change or other hygiene procedureshands must be washed with soap. Such a measure will not allow the fungus to spread. Soothers and utensils used for expressing milk should also be thoroughly cleaned.
- Underwear must be cotton. It is useful to arrange air baths for 2-3 hours daily. Breast skin is best kept clean and dry.
- Frequent breastfeeding with short feedings helps reduce inflammation. If the pain is severe enough, you can express milk to maintain lactation.
- The appearance of curdled discharge from the genital tract is a reason for a second visit to the gynecologist.
- Treatment of breast thrush during breastfeeding requires a woman to follow a strict diet. It is necessary to give up sweets and pastries, foods high in yeast.
If you follow the above recommendations and the treatment prescribed by your doctor, a noticeable improvement occurs in about 2-3 days.
Drug therapy
Treatment of breast thrush during breastfeeding is a long and laborious process. Drug therapy is prescribed only in extreme cases, when the pain becomes literally unbearable. The doctor selects the treatment for both the mother and the child. Therefore, you should also consult with a pediatrician. Otherwise, the likelihood of a relapse of the disease increases.
Various creams and ointments are used for topical therapy:
- "Ketoconazole". This antifungal drughelps to quickly eliminate itching and redness in the chest area. It is recommended to apply a thin layer twice a day. The duration of therapy is 14 days.
- "Nystatin". This ointment is a classic treatment option for breast thrush while breastfeeding. It can also be used therapeutically in children, but only after consulting a pediatrician.
- "Candide". The cream is characterized by a wide range of antifungal effects.
- "Pimafucin". The drug is used for local therapy, has virtually no side effects. Its active substances destroy fungal colonies well and do not pass into breast milk.
Treatment is best done after feeding the baby to prevent drugs from entering the oral cavity. In between, you can additionally treat the nipples with Purelan ointment. It allows you to speed up the healing process of cracks.
Systemic antifungal drugs for the treatment of breast thrush during breastfeeding are practically not used. Most of them are banned due to the high risk of penetration of active substances from the woman's blood to the child during lactation. The exception is medicines based on fluconazole, for example, Diflucan. However, during therapy, lactation should be stopped. Breast milk can be temporarily seen pre-frozen or artificial formula. The break is quite short. Usually such treatment takes no more than 3 days.
Helptraditional medicine
When initial signs and symptoms appear, breast thrush during breastfeeding can be cured with traditional medicine recipes. In combination with drug therapy, they are able to speed up the healing process, quickly stop discomfort.
The most effective method is the treatment of affected areas with a solution of soda. To prepare it, a teaspoon of the product must be dissolved in a glass of warm water. Then you can start treatment. Breast treatment is recommended immediately after feeding. After the procedure, you can not wipe yourself with a towel. It is better to let the breasts dry naturally, and then lubricate with a moisturizer.
Also, this remedy is suitable for the treatment of thrush in infants. A cotton swab dipped in the solution should be carefully processed in the baby's mouth.
Another traditional anti-inflammatory remedy is a decoction of chamomile. It relieves itching well. To prepare it, you will need 2 filter bags of raw materials, pour 0.5 liters of water, leave for about half an hour. It is recommended to wipe the affected area with a solution every time after feeding.
Tea tree oil has regenerating and antimicrobial properties, but can cause allergies. Before using it to treat breast thrush while breastfeeding, a simple test should be performed. A few drops of the product should be applied to the inside of the wrist, rubbed. If the area does not itch or become red within two hours, it can be used. Forpreparation of the medicine, you will need to mix 5 ml of any vegetable oil and 2-3 drops of tea tree oil. Then the affected nipples should be lubricated with the resulting mixture no more than three times a day.
Possible Complications
If you neglect the treatment of the disease, breast thrush during breastfeeding can cause complications. First of all, it is the cause of a decrease in the nutritional value of milk and its quantity, which happens against the background of a feeling of soreness during lactation. If a baby gets sick, they may be reluctant to breastfeed or lose their appetite.
Another common complication of thrush during lactation is mastitis, blockage of the milk ducts, lactostasis. In a newborn, the disease can lead to dysbacteriosis and the progression of tonsillitis. Therefore, it is so important not to neglect its first manifestations and immediately seek medical help.
Prevention Methods
In the photo, breast thrush looks quite unpleasant when breastfeeding. Therefore, many women have a question about how to prevent its occurrence. It is not possible to completely exclude the causes of the development of the disease. However, it is easy to reduce the chance of relapse by following simple rules:
- After feeding the baby, gently blot the breast, leave it open for a while. The disease develops best in a warm and humid environment.
- When using special bra pads, it is better to choose thin and breathable onesoptions, change them as often as possible.
- The appearance of cracked nipples requires immediate treatment. For this purpose, you can use creams "Purelan", "Medela".
- If a woman has previously been diagnosed with vaginal thrush once, you should not ignore her symptoms or refuse treatment. It is better to additionally consult with a gynecologist about measures to prevent relapse.
- One of the main causes of thrush is a decrease in immunity against the background of chronic fatigue. Therefore, a woman should pay attention to the daily diet and lifestyle: give the body more rest, eat a balanced diet, walk more often in the fresh air.
- Underwear is recommended to choose from natural materials.
Breast thrush is quite common. Various factors can lead to its appearance, starting with reduced immunity and ending with untreated vaginal candidiasis in a timely manner. The disease manifests itself aggressively, accompanied by unpleasant symptoms in the form of itching and pain. All this can negatively affect the well-being of a woman and a child, the process of lactation. Therefore, you can not start the disease. If its initial symptoms occur, you should immediately contact a gynecologist, pediatrician. The doctor will be able to choose the most effective means to eliminate thrush without harming the he alth of the baby.
