Non-emergENT: Common ear, nose and throat issues for babies
Does it seem like your baby may be getting sick frequently? Any illness can feel like an emergency when your little one is still small, but that doesn’t always mean a trip to the ER. Here’s a quick rundown of ear, nose and throat (ENT) issues that may seem scary but are completely common in growing babies.
Respiratory illnesses
Respiratory (airway) illnesses may occur frequently in babies. Respiratory illness include: colds, COVID-19, flu (influenza), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and whooping cough (pertussis). Most coughs, colds, flu or fevers are non-emergent. Unless baby is short of breath, a cough or cold can be managed with a call to your child’s provider first. The best way to protect baby from common respiratory illnesses is to stay up-to-date with vaccines at their well-child checkups.1
Ear infections
Ear infections can happen frequently in babies and may be referred to as ‘otitis media.’ Symptoms include fussiness, decreased appetite, fever, “tugging at ear”. This can happen when there’s inflammation and fluid in the middle ear.2 Ear infections can often accompany other colds and respiratory illnesses. These infections typically go away on their own, but if they last longer than 48-72 hours, or ear drainage occurs, call your child’s healthcare provider for direction.
GERD and reflux
Healthy babies can often spit up milk or formula after eating. Most babies outgrow it without treatment. If your baby is spitting up frequently, but is happy and eating well, they likely may have ‘uncomplicated reflux’. In some reflux cases, it can lead to problems called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If your baby is refusing to eat, has forceful vomiting, a lack of weight gain, or crying and arching their back as if in pain, it could be a sign of GERD. You can talk to your child’s doctor as the first step to managing and treating it.
Allergies
Itchiness, rashes, or watering eyes and sinuses are common among babies and are rarely an emergency. Common allergy symptoms can include a skin rash, sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, upset stomach. If your baby is showing signs of an allergy, contact their healthcare provider to talk about allergy testing and treatment options. If baby is showing signs of mouth swelling or trouble breathing, look to get help right away.