Ask The Doctor (12-19-2007) Health Article

Claire McCarthy, M.D., is a senior medical editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is an instructor in pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, an attending physician at Children's Hospital of Boston, and co-director of the pediatrics department at Martha Eliot Health Center, a neighborhood health service of Children's Hospital. The author of two books, "Learning How the Heart Beats" and "Everyone's Children", Dr. McCarthy was a regular columnist for "Sesame Street Parents Magazine" from 1995 to 1998 and is currently a contributing editor for "Parenting Magazine".

Question:

What can be used for a 7-month-old who has a sore throat or strep throat?

Answer:

Strep throat is very rare in infants, but sore throats from common cold viruses happen all the time. It's not always so easy to know when an infant has a sore throat; sometimes the only sign is crankiness and reluctance to eat or drink.

Because it is hard to know exactly what's going on with an infant, and because a sore throat can be part of a more serious illness, it's important to check in with your doctor if your baby:

• Has a high fever (102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), or any fever that lasts more than a couple of days

• Has any trouble breathing

• Is refusing all liquids, especially if the baby is wetting fewer diapers, has a dry mouth or fewer tears

• Has visible sores in the mouth

• Is either much crankier or much sleepier than usual

• Has a rash

• Doesn't improve within two to three day

If none of that is going on, or if your doctor has checked your baby and isn't concerned, then there are a few things you can do to help the baby feel better:

• Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (check with your doctor for the correct dose).

• Give cool drinks, as they feel best going down.

• If there are mouth sores, avoid anything salty or acidic (like orange juice or lemonade) as they can sting.

• If your baby is breastfed, breastfeed as much as possible; the milk goes down easily, and the antibodies in the milk help fight the infection.

• Use a humidifier in your baby's room, as dry air can irritate a sore throat.

Do not use throat lozenges, as babies can choke on them. Do not use anesthetic sprays, as they aren't meant for babies. Do give your baby lots of cuddling. That always helps.