Pharyngitis in babies is inflammation of the pharynx, or throat, which can cause symptoms such as fever, refusal of food and/or liquids, coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge and a red or pus-filled throat.
Typically, pharyngitis in babies is caused by infection of the pharynx with a virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria, such as streptococcus, especially in older children.
If you suspect pharyngitis in your baby, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician. Treatment may involve medications such as analgesics, antipyretics and, in the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics.
Symptoms of pharyngitis in a baby
The main symptoms of pharyngitis in babies are:
- Fever;
- Refusal of food or liquids;
- Coughing and/or sneezing;
- Nasal discharge;
- Red and/or pus-filled throat;
- Sore throat;
- Hoarseness.
It is important that pharyngitis in babies is quickly identified and treated according to the pediatrician’s instructions due to the risk of complications, such as rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis, which can arise in the case of a bacterial infection.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of pharyngitis in babies is made by the pediatrician taking into account the symptoms present and changes identified during the physical examination, especially during observation of the oral cavity.
If you want to make an appointment, you can find the pediatrician closest to you using the tool below:
In addition, the doctor may also recommend tests, such as measuring antistreptolysin O (ASLO) in the blood, a test to detect streptococcal antigen in pharyngeal secretions or culture of these secretions, to confirm the diagnosis. Check out what the ASLO exam is and what it is for.
Causes of pharyngitis in babies
Most often, pharyngitis in babies is caused by infection of the pharynx with a virus, such as adenovirus, influenza or parainfluenza. Although bacteria, such as streptococcus, can also cause pharyngitis in babies, they are more common in children aged 3 and over.
Normally, pharyngitis in babies develops as a result of flu and colds, for example.
How the treatment is carried out
Pharyngitis in babies can be treated with antipyretic and analgesic medications, such as dipyrone or ibuprofen, according to the pediatrician’s advice, in cases where the cause of pharyngitis is viral.
If bacterial pharyngitis is suspected, the doctor may recommend antibiotics, such as amoxicillin or penicillin V, which must be taken for 10 days, or an injection of benzathine penicillin G, in a single dose.
Viral pharyngitis tends to improve in about 7 days and, in the case of bacterial pharyngitis, the child usually starts to feel better 3 days after starting the antibiotic, which should be continued even if symptoms disappear, according to guidance of the pediatrician.
Care in case of pharyngitis in the baby
Some precautions recommended in case of pharyngitis in a baby are:
- Give your baby softer foodswhich are easy to swallow;
- Give the baby plenty of waterto avoid dehydration;
- Rinse the baby’s nose with saline solution in case of secretions.
Additionally, giving your baby a warm bath with the bathroom door and windows closed allows the baby to inhale some water vapor, which can help thin the secretions in the nose and clear the throat. Check out other tips for treating a baby’s sore throat.
When to go to the doctor
It is important to take your baby to the pediatrician if he has a fever or if symptoms persist for more than 24 hours.
Furthermore, it is recommended to seek emergency care if the baby has difficulty breathing, is not accepting any food or is excessively drowsy, for example.
