Throat Infection in Babies: Causes and Remedies

Causes

The causes of throat infections in babies includes:

• Bacterial and Viral infections

Viral and bacterial infections are the primary causes of throat infections in babies. The common cold, influenza, cold, herpes, adenovirus, coxsackievirus, etc., are some examples of viral infections. Tonsillitis, where the tonsils of babies are inflamed, can also lead to throat infections.

Two of the most common bacterial infections that affect the throat of babies are Strep throat (caused by Streptococcus) and diphtheria (caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae). Your baby may need antibiotics to get relief from these viral and bacterial throat ailments.

• Allergies

The immune system of babies is not very strong. Hence, infants are easily affected by dry air, pollen, flour, tobacco smoke, pet fur, changes in climate, chemicals, and the like. When exposed to these allergens, babies can easily develop throat infections, itching sensations in the throat, sore throat, hay fever, and allergic rhinitis.

• Hand, foot and mouth disease

Caused by a combination of viruses, the hand, foot and mouth disease can result in severe throat pain, fever, and skin rashes in kids. Since this disease is contagious, kids should be kept under observation and given lots of rest and fluids to recover quickly.

• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)

When your baby’s oesophageal system doesn’t work properly, the sphincter in this part doesn’t close after getting the food particles. Due to this, the acids produced in the stomach reach the throat, causing irritation, pain, nausea, and other gastrointestinal issues.

Symptoms of Throat Infection in Babies

Watch out for these baby throat infection symptoms to identify the problem early so that your kid can be relieved of the discomfort as early as possible.

• Difficulty Swallowing

In a baby throat infection syndrome, your kid has trouble swallowing breastmilk, formula milk, or other soft foods. The internal mucus membranes are damaged in case of a throat infection, thereby making the baby lose his/her appetite suddenly.

• White patches on your baby’s throat

The white blood cells, responsible for your baby’s immunity, may create white patches on his/her throat or tonsils if there is a case of infection or inflammation.

• Swelling in the lymph glands

Check the lymph glands found around your baby’s neck to see if your baby shows any discomfort when you do so. When these glands are warm, tender, or swollen, it might indicate throat infection in babies.

• Hoarse texture of voice

Has your toddler’s voice turned to a hoarse texture, and is the problem continuing for many days? If yes, check with your doctor, as it may indicate tonsillitis.

• Wheezing sound from the chest

When your little one has a severe cold and cough, you may hear a wheezing noise from your baby’s chest. This could also indicate a sore throat issue.

• Irritability

If your baby doesn’t eat well, sleep well, and remains cranky throughout the day, check with your doctor for throat infections. The loss of appetite and inability to sleep due to throat pain can make your baby extremely uncomfortable.

• Fever

When your baby has a cold and fever, he/she could be suffering from a throat infection as well. Consult your doctor to treat it early.

• Bad odour when breathing or speaking

Since your baby cannot feed properly due to throat pain, his/her mouth remains dry. As a result, your baby will develop a bad breath problem.

Remedies to treat throat infections in babies

Some effective remedies are —

• Using a humidifier

Dry air can trigger allergies in babies, causing sore throats and infections. The best way to control this is to use a humidifier in your room.

• Cool treatments

Your baby may feel better when given a cold popsicle to suck on when he/she has throat pain. You can make a popsicle from frozen breastmilk or formula milk to ensure your baby doesn’t remain hungry. This is one of the most effective infant sore throat home remedy treatments you can try.

• Regular breastfeeding

Although your baby may not be able to feed properly, you should continue to breastfeed him/her regularly. As breastmilk goes down the throat, he/she will start feeling better. Breastmilk is loaded with nutrients that help in helping your babies recover quicker than expected.

• Hydration

If your baby has started to have solid foods, you can try feeding coconut water, warm soups, and other healthy fluids to keep him/her hydrated. This will help in thinning the mucus, thereby providing relief from throat pain.