Which condition can lead to fussy infants due to dehydration?

Viral stomatitis, often seen in infants and young children, can lead to fussy behavior due to dehydration primarily because it causes painful lesions in the mouth. These lesions can make it difficult for the child to eat or drink, leading to decreased oral intake and subsequently dehydration. Infants and young children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration since their fluid reserves are limited.

In this context, the pain and discomfort associated with viral stomatitis can make infants less willing to eat or drink, causing them to become more irritable and fussy. Therefore, recognizing the signs of this condition is crucial for caregivers, as timely intervention can help prevent dehydration.

While other conditions like otitis media, aphthous stomatitis, and the common cold can cause discomfort or irritability in infants, they do not typically lead to dehydration as directly as viral stomatitis does. For example, otitis media may cause ear pain and irritability but does not interfere directly with the infant's ability to eat or drink. Similarly, the common cold may lead to congestion and discomfort, but it is less likely to affect hydration status unless accompanied by severe symptoms that inhibit feeding.