When your infant complains of a stuffy nose, you may be at a loss for what to do and whether or not to worry. Newborns and infants frequently experience episodes of nasal congestion, so rest assured that this is quite normal. Congestion in a baby is usually nothing to worry about and can be handled simply at home.
Remember that a newborn baby will have a tiny nose with even smaller nasal passages. This may cause your infant to sneeze frequently. When people sneeze, it’s not always because they’re sick; rather, it’s their body’s way of expelling irritants from the nasal passages.
Baby nasal congestion
This list includes symptoms that may accompany nasal congestion in a baby:
Nasal congestion can cause a variety of symptoms, including
- Nasal mucus that is thick and discolored
- Snoring or noisy breathing while asleep
- A persistent cough
- Difficulty eating due to the inability to breathe while sucking due to a stuffy nose.
- Congestion in a baby’s nose could be due to allergies, viruses (including colds), or even food.
- Air quality is low due to dryness
- Incorrect placement of the cartilage separating the nostrils (deviated septum).
Taking care of a congested nose at home
It’s worrying if your infant is having trouble sleeping or eating because of congestion and difficulty breathing. Here are some all-natural methods for relieving your baby’s stuffy nose.
1. Try some saline (saltwater) drops.
This is available for purchase in the shop. Some mucus can be removed with a bulb syringe after a few drops have been inserted into each nostril. It is safe to use for multiple times. It will also help with meals if you do it right before your baby eats.
There is, however, a catch. Your baby needs to be under six months old for this to be effective. Using the light bulb could cause some fussiness in older infants. The saline drops will help thin the mucus, allowing it to drain more easily.
2. Try a steam bath.
When used to release dry congestion, steam can do wonders for the nasal passages. You may “steam” the bathroom by taking a really hot shower and then letting the steam settle about you. Relax there for 20 minutes while you nurse your child or simply sit with your kid. If you’re having trouble breathing, diluting some peppermint or eucalyptus oil in your bath water may assist.
3. Baby’s room needs a humidifier.
Humidify the baby’s room by filling a humidifier and leaving it on. It is best to forego the use of essential oils during this time, as a humidifier placed near the cot can assist the infant to breathe easier. An added bonus of using a humidifier is that it can help soothe your baby’s dry skin even when he or she isn’t ill.
4. Encourage hydration and rest
If your infant sleeps longer than usual because of illness, that’s okay, but don’t skip the calming parts of your routine. Make sure your baby is getting enough to drink, whether it’s breast milk, formula, or water. To help alleviate congestion, you can feed your infant when he or she is sitting up.
5. Use a Bulb Syringe
After applying saline drops, you can suction the mucus out of your baby’s nose with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator. However, it is simple to cause more harm than benefit by being too forceful when using these gadgets.
6. Natural chest rubs
If your infant has a stuffy nose, try making a homemade chest rub with a thick lotion and essential oils like lavender, chamomile, and eucalyptus. Natural products like Zarbee’s chest rub are available over the counter if you prefer a rub. Before turning in for the night, a chest rub can help. Baby can be put to sleep with a simple chest rub.
7. Sleeping positions for a stuffy nose
If your infant is unwell, or if you’re a new parent in general, you probably wake up multiple times during the night to check on them. To improve your baby’s respiration, try elevating the mattress by placing a rolled towel underneath. Keep in mind that the crib should never have any hanging objects inside of it.
Extra belly time, which encourages mucous drainage, can help your child feel better during the day.
Possible risks
A stuffed nose can lead to several complications among young babies. Infants in dry or high-altitude regions, as well as those who were exposed to irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, or perfume, are at a greater risk of developing congestion, birth defects including Down syndrome prematurity and delivery complications like diabetes and STIs in mothers are possible.
Conclusion
All cases of a stuffy or runny nose do not necessarily require medical attention. If your infant seems unconcerned, there’s no need to take any action. As long as your child is eating and drinking normally and behaving normally, you can wait and see. However, if your infant has a fever, isn’t eating, is wheezing, or has trouble breathing, you should consult the most experienced child specialist.
FAQs
1. When does a baby’s stuffy nose become intolerable?
Babies frequently experience mild to severe congestion, which typically resolves within a few days. A baby’s ability to breathe, or the presence of a fever in an infant less than 3 months, are both reasons to seek immediate medical attention.
2. Can infants choke from nighttime congestion?
When a newborn has too much mucus in his or her nose or throat, he or she may gag or perhaps experience some slight choking. Your infant will likely vomit or spit up the excess mucus.
3. What causes a stuffy nose?
Anything that aggravates the nasal tissues and causes inflammation might lead to congestion. Nasal congestion and runny nose are common symptoms of infections like the common cold, the flu, or sinusitis, as well as allergies. Tobacco smoke and vehicle exhaust are two irritants that can trigger nasal congestion and a runny nose.
