my baby is crying like something is stuck in his throat

Question

Accepted Answer

If your baby is crying and seems like something is stuck in their throat, it could be distressing. It's important to act promptly to ensure their safety. Here are some possible reasons and steps you can take:

Possible Causes:

1. Choking or Gagging:

The baby might have swallowed something small that could be blocking their airway or causing discomfort in their throat.

2. Post-nasal Drip:

If the baby has a cold or cough, mucus might be dripping down their throat, causing irritation and discomfort.

3. Acid Reflux:

Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) can cause food or stomach acid to come up into the throat, causing irritation and discomfort, which might make the baby cry.

4. Teething:

Babies who are teething might experience excessive drooling, which can sometimes make them feel like something is in their throat.

5. Throat Infection:

An infection like strep throat or a viral infection could cause irritation or pain in the throat.

What You Should Do:

1. Check for Choking:

Quickly check if the baby is choking by observing if they are able to breathe or make sounds. If you notice difficulty breathing or inability to cry or cough, perform infant first aid (back blows and chest thrusts) and seek emergency help immediately.

2. Calm the Baby:

If the baby isn’t choking but just seems uncomfortable, calm them by gently patting their back, rocking them, or giving them a soothing pacifier.

3. Check the Mouth and Throat:

If your baby is old enough to open their mouth, check for any visible foreign objects, mucus, or signs of teething. Do not attempt to insert anything into the baby's mouth unless you're trained to do so (like a first responder).

4. Give Fluids:

If the baby is old enough to drink fluids, offer small sips of water or breast milk/formula to help soothe their throat.

5. Humidify the Air:

Use a humidifier in the baby’s room to add moisture to the air, which can help soothe a dry or irritated throat.

6. Check for Fever or Other Symptoms:

If the baby has a fever, cough, or other signs of illness, consider consulting a pediatrician to rule out infections like a sore throat or respiratory infection.

When to Seek Medical Help:

If your baby is unable to breathe properly, showing signs of choking, or if the crying persists.

If you notice signs of fever, difficulty swallowing, or signs of a respiratory infection.

Please ensure that you monitor the baby closely. If the symptoms don't improve or worsen, seeking immediate medical attention is advisable.