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Nasal congestion in babies: Causes, symptoms, treatment

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

Nasal congestion is a common problem that affects all babies. As most babies have a narrow nasal passage, it makes breathing difficult for them, giving them a stuffy feeling.Symptoms of Nasal Congestion in Babies

Contents

1. Common cold
2. Allergies
3. Inflamed tonsils or adenoids
4. Asthma and other nasal disorders
1. Saline drops
2. Vaporizer
3. Tissue
4. Nasal suction bulb
5. Hydration
Preventionsn:

The common symptoms of a nasal congestion in babies are:

1.Your baby will have a runny nose that just doesn’t stop mucus. You will have to keep wiping your babies nose often.

2.Your baby will make an audible sound every time he breathes in and out, which can be distinctly heard. This sound is severe if the congestion is bad.

3. If your baby has nasal congestion he will snore whenever he is sleeping.

4. Your baby might be picking his nose often since the cold will irritate his nasal passage.

5. He will be sneezing often. Sneezing might clear his nose at times, but other times it might block the passage further.

6. He will also be frequently coughing if he has a nasal congestion.

7. He will have difficulty in sleeping and become cranky. He will prefer to sit upright than lying down.

8. He will be tired, crying and fussy. He will not enjoy eating or feeding.

Causes of Nasal Congestion in Babies:

Nasal congestion is normally caused when there is a build-up of mucus in the baby's nose that inflames the nasal tissue, thereby causing difficulty in breathing. Few causes of nasal congestion are:

1. Common cold

One of the most important causes of nasal congestion is the common cold. The virus increases the formation of mucus in the nose thereby restricting the flow of air in the passage leading to congestion. The cold is accompanied by a cough, fever, etc.

2. Allergies

Allergies can also cause stuffy nose in babies. Babies are very small and get affected by pollen, dust, dry air, etc. which can inflame their nasal passage leading to a stuffy nose. Dry air can cause the difficulty in breathing as the mucus gets dried up in the baby's nose.

3. Inflamed tonsils or adenoids

An enlarged tonsil or tissues in babies will lead to inflammation and difficulty in breathing for them.

4. Asthma and other nasal disorders

Nasal congestion can be caused if the baby has asthma or a genetic nasal disorder where there is an inflammation and it restricts the breathing passage leading to congestion in tissues of the nose. It can be cured by medications by the doctors.

Simple Remedies for Nasal Congestion in Babies

Some of these can be done at home so that it provides relief to your baby and makes breathing relatively easier for him.

1. Saline drops

To treat and soothe dry and irritated nose, use the saline drops available at the pharmacist. This salt water helps to moisten your baby’s nose. Let your baby lie on their back with a blanket below his shoulder. Hold the baby’s nose and put 2 to 3 saline drops into the nostrils. Allow it to slide in. Wait for a few seconds before turning your baby over and removing the mucus, if any.

2. Vaporizer

You can use a humidifier or vaporizer near your baby. This helps in clearing the baby’s nose. Clean the vaporizer daily and then refill.

3. Tissue

To clear baby’s nose, always use tissue outside the nostril; never insert the cotton swab inside the baby’s nose. Always put some vaseline or baby lotion on his upper lip to protect the skin from the constant wiping.

4. Nasal suction bulb

If you are using an infant nasal suction bulb to remove the mucus, always place it carefully at the tip of the baby’s nose. Never put it inside as it may damage the delicate inner part of the baby's nose. Use it as per the instructions that are given and gently pull the mucus out. Always rinse the bulb well before and after each use.

5. Hydration

In case the baby is very small, offer breastmilk or formula more frequently throughout the day to keep baby well-hydrated. When you put your baby to sleep, place a pillow between the crib springs and the mattress, so the mattress is slightly inclined, this will ease breathing for your baby and there will be less mucus build-up.

When is Nasal Congestion in Babies Serious?

Though nasal congestion in babies is a common scenario, it can become serious too. When you notice the following symptoms, you have to consult the doctor immediately:

1. If you notice blood-stained mucus, you must visit the doctor immediately, it could be a sign of bacterial infection.

2. If the nasal mucus is of green or yellow color, it could be due to sinus or due to some presence of foreign body in the nose, which needs to be removed only by the doctor.

3. If you notice a sore throat, troubled breathing, high fever or body rashes along with nasal congestion in your baby, it could be a viral infection or allergy and needs a doctor's attention.

4. If the running nose lasts for over a week to 10 days, you have to visit the doctor.

5. If the baby is less than 2 months old and has nasal congestion, it can interfere with feeding and sleep patterns of the baby. Hence, it is very important to visit the doctor at the earliest else your baby will get dehydrated.

Preventionsn:

1. Always keep the baby’s surroundings clean. Never have any dust around, use air purifier if required. Always keep personal items of the baby's reach, including toys clean so there is no scope of infection.

2. Never use deodorant or perfumes in and around the baby. It can cause allergy.

3. Use a humidifier to maintain the levels of humidity in your baby’s room.

Nasal congestion can become troublesome for the baby and you if you do not take proper care. Treat it early and treat it right!

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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