irritable infant - maybe teethingHi, My 5 month old daughter has been getting progressively irritable & cranky. I believe she is of teething age. We have tried a mild pain reliever, letting her chew on toys & fingers, & a teething belt. Those have usually worked but past the last 3 days they havent, & her crying & irritability have grown. Im worried she may have another ailment. Is it possible shes suffer from something else? Would just like to know when is best to see a health care provider. She doesnt have any other cold like symptoms.Regards
Irritability in a child usually indicates some discomfort. It could be anywhere. Generally child Chat Doctor.  It can be due to excess air entering the stomach during feeding. Proper burping in the form of keeping the child upright for around 20 mins after each feed, should help. Teething and gum irritation could be another possible cause. In such a case, gentle massage over the gums with a finger or giving her hard rusk (sugar-free) or teething belt to chew upon, is helpful. It might be worthwhile to visit the healthcare provider right now since the irritability is on the rise. They will be better able to assess if any other possibility needs to be considered. Fever and lethargy would be the signs that will call for urgent medical attention, and it can be indicative of infection.