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Throat Infection in Babies: Causes, Symptoms, Remedies

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

We all know how discomforting a throat infection can be. And a throat infection in babies is so painful that it leaves you in a quandary. Several questions float in your head, such as, what is causing the problem, what are the symptoms and when to rush to a doctor?

Contents

Throat infections could be a symptom of various conditions:
Redness of the baby’s throat:
Remedies for throat infection in babies

Throat infection in babies is so common that it doesn’t come with an alarm. However, if you check the symptoms at an initial stage, you can safeguard your child from a sore throat getting extreme.

Remedies for throat infection in babies are very effective and you can treat your baby’s sore throat using the same. Throat infection in babies throws the routine out of place and affects the everyday life of your baby like breastfeeding or sleeping. It is vital to treat the infection promptly so that your baby can be at ease and continue getting adequate nutrition.

Causes of throat infection in babies

Pharyngitis (an inflamed or a sore throat) is an infection that has a fairly typical set of symptoms associated with it although it can be caused by many different organisms. Babies with sore throats almost always have: painful swallowing; neck soreness in the glands right under the jaw; decreased eating, especially of salty or "sharp" food; and decreased drinking, he will push his bottle away, often crying as he refuses to drink.

A sore throat can also be part of an illness that includes: fever, rash, and even cold or cough symptoms.

Throat infections could be a symptom of various conditions:

 Viral infections: They are the leading cause of a sore throat in babies. The common viruses cause throat infection babies are the cold virus, adenovirus, influenza (flu) virus, coxsackievirus, and herpes virus.

 Bacterial infections: These are caused by Streptococcus (strep throat) and Corynebacterium diphtheriae (diphtheria). Both lead to a severe sore throat.

 Allergies: Irritants in the air such as pollens, particles of wheat flour, second hand tobacco smoke, cat or dog fur particles, pollution, can lead to an itchy and sore throat and triggers cold like symptoms known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever.

 Ingastroesophageal reflux disease: In this, the baby’s poorly developed lower esophageal sphincter does not close properly. The stomach acids and other contents flow upwards and cause constant irritation to the throat, leading to the chronic throat infection.Symptoms of throat infection in babies

Redness of the baby’s throat:

If you see inflamed mucus lining or a dark-red hue at the back of the mouth where the throat begins of your baby he is likely to have a sore throat.

Inability to feed or difficulty in swallowing:

In babies, the sore throat will cause inflammation of the mucus membranes, thus causing difficulty in swallowing. The baby may cry and have trouble taking breastmilk or other liquids. Also, your baby will show sudden aversion towards eating.

White patches in the throat:

There may be white patches in your baby’s throat and have enlarged tonsils. These patches are made from white blood cells that defend the body against pathogens.

Swollen lymph glands:

A throat infection in babies can be noticed from swollen lymph glands, which shows his body is fighting against the infection.

Hoarse voice or wheezing noise:

Infants produce a wheezing noise if their chest is congested with a cough. Older infants who can speak a bit will have a hoarse tone due to the inflammation of the tonsils.

Irritable and restless child:

A sore throat and the inability to swallow or feed will make your child restless and irritable. His restlessness increases due to lack of sleep and hunger.

Fever and bad breath:

Depending upon the cause of the infection, your baby may have a fever along with the sore throat. Also, due to the inability to feed, your baby will have dry mouth and thus, bad breath.

Remedies for throat infection in babies

Humidify

Dry air in the room will make it difficult for your child to swallow while sleeping. Turn on the humidifier in your baby’s room to add moisture to the surroundings. Or you along with your baby can sit in the bathroom with hot water to make the air warm and humid to soothe the throat irritation.

Cool down

Give your baby a frozen washcloth or frozen breastmilk or formula popsicle to soothe the throat.

Breastfeed often

Offer as much breastmilk as you can. Breastmilk has antibodies, which help your baby to fight the infection. It will keep your baby hydrated and soothe a sore throat.

Offer fluids

If your baby is above 6 months old, give him warm liquids like water, pulse soups, and vegetable or chicken broth, which provides nutrition and ease the pain of a sore throat. Warm fluids will thin the mucus and help it to drain. Do not give fruit juice as it can increase the soreness.

Medical help

Experts recommend avoiding medication for a sore throat in babies unless the problem is severe. Seek medical help if the sore throat is accompanied by fever, diarrhea, vomiting, red blisters around the baby's mouth, dizziness, excess mucus discharge. Do not apply any home remedy like tulsi or honey on your baby, if he is less than 6 months of age.

A sore throat caused by the common cold or bacteria may resolve in a couple of days but it may last longer if it occurs due to herpes. Therefore, it is recommended to prevent your baby from getting a sore throat.

Keep the surroundings clean around the baby to prevent him from any infection or allergy. Clean the toys, the baby’s hands, which he tends to take in his mouth. Keep him away from persons suffering from cold and the flu. Do not take your child outside if it is dusty.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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