Babies can experience sore throats. Since they cannot verbalize discomfort, observing changes in behavior offers clues. Recognizing these indicators and understanding causes is important for providing care and knowing when to seek medical advice.
Signs Your Baby Has a Sore Throat
Since infants cannot express their feelings verbally, parents must observe behavioral cues. An infant with a sore throat might exhibit increased irritability or fussiness, crying more frequently or with a higher-pitched sound than usual. Feeding difficulties are common, as swallowing can become painful, leading to refusal of bottles or the breast, or grimacing during feeds.
A baby might also show changes in their cry, sounding muffled due to throat inflammation. Excessive drooling can occur if swallowing saliva becomes uncomfortable. Parents might notice a fever, or, if safely able to observe, see swollen tonsils or redness in the back of the throat.
What Causes a Baby’s Sore Throat
Many sore throats in infants stem from viral infections, such as the common cold, influenza, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Bacterial infections, like strep throat, are less common in babies under three but can occur. These infections trigger an immune response that causes swelling and discomfort in the throat tissues.
Non-infectious factors can also contribute to a baby’s sore throat. Allergies to environmental triggers like pollen or dust can cause post-nasal drip, irritating the throat as mucus drains down. Dry air, especially during colder months, can dry out and irritate the delicate throat lining. Gastroesophageal reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, can also cause a burning sensation in the throat.
Home Care and When to See a Doctor
Providing comfort at home for a baby with a sore throat involves several measures. Ensuring adequate hydration is important; offer frequent, small feeds of breast milk or formula to soothe the throat and prevent dehydration. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room can moisten the air and help alleviate throat dryness, making breathing and swallowing easier.
For nasal congestion that might worsen throat discomfort, saline nasal drops can help clear the passages before feeds. If fever or pain is present, age-appropriate pain relievers like infant acetaminophen can be given, but always consult a pediatrician for proper dosage based on the baby’s weight. However, certain symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention.
Seek prompt medical care if your baby exhibits difficulty breathing, such as rapid or labored breathing, or if they appear severely lethargic. A high or persistent fever, especially in infants under three months, warrants a doctor’s visit. Signs of dehydration, like fewer wet diapers than usual or a lack of tears when crying, along with persistent refusal to feed or the appearance of a rash, are also reasons to consult a pediatrician.