Rhinopharyngitis in babies

Rhinopharyngitis in a 6-month-old baby is often mild. How to recognise it, what it can lead to... We tell you everything!

Rhinopharyngitis in babies: a mild viral infection

Often called a "cold", rhinopharyngitis is a viral infection of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and the pharynx, which is located at the back of the nasal passages.

In order to constantly humidify inhaled air and fight infections, the mucous membrane secretes a small quantity of fluid. When it swells, becomes irritated and produces a larger quantity of this fluid, it is a sign that contamination by a virus has occurred. This can be accompanied by redness, oedema and pain located in the pharyngeal mucosa.

Beyond the fact that it is mild, this infection is nevertheless highly contagious and is characterised by symptoms other than a runny or blocked nose.

Symptoms of rhinopharyngitis in babies

Rhinopharyngitis does not make itself known from the very start. Indeed, between contamination and the appearance of the first symptoms, there is a delay of one to seven days. It begins with a fever below 39°C, accompanied by a blocked nose and then a nasal discharge.

It is worth knowing that the symptoms do not all last the same length of time. Thus, you should expect a maximum of 3 days of fever alongside a runny nose lasting 2 to 10 days. A cough may also appear, lasting around ten days, along with a sore throat that is often not expressed by the baby or child.

It is also important to keep an eye on the colour of the nasal secretions. They are initially clear and transparent, then thicken and take on a yellow or greenish colour.

What encourages this illness to appear? And when should you worry? That is what we are going to tell you right now.

Factors that encourage rhinopharyngitis

It cannot be said enough: passive smoking is extremely harmful to our little ones! Equally, air quality (pollution or dry air) reduces the cilia that help drain secretions from the nasal passages. This in turn reduces our children's immunity.

Life in a community setting is wonderful, but it is also a genuine breeding ground for bacteria. Yes, it is important for our little ones to build up their immunity in order to protect themselves well later on, but in the moment, a child looked after at home avoids all these types of epidemic.

Among other things — and here we can point you to other articles — the absence of breastfeeding. Breastfeeding does protect our infants from this infection!

After rain often comes sunshine, but can we talk of a health forecast without worrying too much?

After rhinopharyngitis

One thing we have not mentioned in this article: under 3 months, this infection must be monitored very closely. It can be serious and can bring with it a risk of respiratory distress, apnoea, and purulent conjunctivitis!

It is worth remembering that every child goes through these mild infections and that they are even beneficial to their development. This particular one is expected to resolve spontaneously within fewer than 10 days. Nevertheless, it can also lead to bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or laryngitis. It can also recur frequently over weeks or even months, thus becoming a "perpetual cold".

Bacterial complications can lead to ear infections, sinusitis, sleep disturbances, etc.

Do bear in mind the barrier measures to protect those who are most precious to you!