A sore throat in infants is usually a mild condition although there are some causes that can be more serious. Some of the most common causes of sore throats in infants include viruses that result in the throat swelling and allergies. Although in most cases a sore throat in infants will get better by itself, antibiotics may be required to get rid of a bacterial infection. If a small object becomes lodged in the throat of a child then this can sometimes cause a sore throat, although other symptoms are often present such as difficulty in breathing.
One of the most common causes of a sore throat in infants is a virus. There are a number of viruses that can cause the throat to swell and become painful. The common cold, for example, can often cause a sore throat. Other examples include adenovirus and influenza. If a child is suffering from a virus infection then he or she will often show other symptoms such as diarrhea, runny nose and a cough.
Strep throat occurs when a child has a bacterial infection. This type of sore throat usually happens during the winter months and may result in symptoms such as a fever, nausea and a headache. The glands of the child may also be swollen. Although this type of sore throat in infants is more serious than a virus, it can usually be treated relatively easily using antibiotics. A parent may get confused between the symptoms of a virus and strep throat, which is why a child should always be taken to a doctor if a sore throat lasts more than 24-48 hours.
There are a range of other things that could cause a sore throat that don’t include an infection of any kind. For example, sore throat in infants is commonly caused by the child breathing dry air during winter. An allergic reaction can also cause a sore throat although other symptoms will often be present.
Treatment for a sore throat in infants depends upon the cause. Viral sore throat will usually last for around five days and in this time treatment will often focus on reducing the pain rather than getting rid of the virus. There are a number of throat medicines that can be used to dull the pain of a sore throat. If the pain is caused by an allergy then the cause will have to be discovered.