Health Information
Thrush
When To Call a Doctor
If you think you may have thrush but it has not been diagnosed, see the topic Reference Mouth Problems, Noninjury to evaluate your symptoms.
Call your doctor today if you or your child has been diagnosed with thrush and:
- You have symptoms that show the infection may be spreading, such as white patches on the skin outside of the mouth.
- Your symptoms are getting worse or have not improved within 7 days of starting treatment.
Thrush in an infant's mouth can spread to the breast of the nursing mother. This can cause nipple redness and pain. Contact your doctor if you have redness and pain in the nipples in spite of home treatment or if you have burning pain in the nipple area when you nurse. Your doctor will likely examine your baby's mouth to find out whether thrush is causing your symptoms.
Watchful waiting
If you have previously been diagnosed with thrush and you believe you may have another thrush infection, home treatment may help. Very mild cases of thrush may clear up without medical treatment. Talk to your doctor if:
- Your symptoms are getting worse or are not improving in spite of home treatment.
- Your symptoms recur frequently.
- You have HIV infection, cancer, or another condition that weakens your Reference immune system Opens New Window.
Who to see
The following health professionals can diagnose and treat thrush:
- Reference Pediatrician Opens New Window
- Reference Nurse practitioner Opens New Window
- Reference Physician assistant Opens New Window
- Reference Family medicine doctor Opens New Window
- Reference Internist Opens New Window
Other specialists may be required if other organs become infected or other conditions develop. The type of specialist depends on the organs affected and may include the following:
- Reference Gastroenterologist Opens New Window
- Reference Dermatologist Opens New Window
- Reference Gynecologist Opens New Window
- Reference Infectious disease specialist Opens New Window
To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Reference Making the Most of Your Appointment.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 25, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Reference Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
