Nasal congestion in babies is, unfortunately, quite
common. This condition is more bothersome in newborns,
as they are actually nasal breathers from the early
neonatal period to about 2 months of age or so. Congestion
happens when baby's nasal passages are blocked by
mucus. This is typically a symptom of cold, allergy
or teething. It clears up with the associated condition.
Most healthy babies have six colds or more before
age 1. A baby will insist on breathing through the
nose, even when it is blocked. Therefor a clear nose
is essential to nursing or bottle-feeding as the baby
either has the teat or nipple in his/her mouth. A
blocked nose can make feeding time difficult, as the
baby may become irritable.
Congestion can occur as part of a cold and if accompanied
by other symptoms of a cold, you may need to consult
your doctor.
Symptoms
• Difficulty with feeding
• Crying or becoming agitated
• Nasal discharge
• Noisy nasal breathing
• Difficulty sleeping
• Possibility of fever
• Greater comfort when sitting upright
• Snoring
• Snorting
• Sneezing
• Coughing
Causes?
• Viral infections caused by close proximity
to other infected adults or children can trigger the
common cold.
• Acid reflux
• Sinusitis/adenoiditis (secondary bacterial
infection)
• Allergies (especially in children over 2 years
of age) can cause a runny or blocked nose.
• In the winter or autumn months, indoor heating
may dry the nasal passages, making it easier for a
cold virus to occur.
Duration?
The symptoms in a typical virus can last for three
to seven days. Since children are prone to viral
infections, there may appear to be short intervals
between sickness and wellness, as children may have
as many as 10 to 12 viral/cold infections per year.
When
your baby needs doctor's attention?
If the nasal congestion is causing your child difficulties,
particularly with their breathing (especially a
young infant) or if there is a fever or malaise
or the condition continues for a number of days,
you should always have your child examined by your
doctor. If your baby is 3 months or older, call
the doctor if he or she:
• Isn't wetting as many diapers as usual
• Has a temperature higher than 100 F for
more than three days
• Seems to be tugging at her ears
• Has yellow eye discharge
• Has a cough for more than one week
• Has thick, green nasal discharge for more
than two weeks
Relief through your efforts?
Bulb syringe or saline drops
Use a nasal bulb syringe to remove
loose mucus from the baby's nostrils. Squeeze the
bulb. Insert the tube into one nostril. Release the
bulb and withdraw the tube. Expel the mucus into a
napkin or tissue. Repeat with the other nostril.
Use saline drops provided by baby's
doctor to lubricate nasal passages lined with dry
or thick mucus. Place one drop inside each nostril.
Your baby might start crying. These should only be
used on a short-term basis as over-use may dry out
the nasal passages.
Wipe baby's runny nose with soft cloth and keep areas
around nose moist using baby emollient to prevent
chafing.
Moisten the air
Humidifiers, which provide a warm vapor to moisten
the atmosphere, can be used to ensure that the baby
s nasal passages are kept moist and free of congestion.
If using a humidifier, make it is placed safely and
out of the reach of any children, as it will be full
of vaporising water. Aim the mist away from your baby's
crib to keep the bedding from becoming damp. To prevent
mold growth, change the water daily and follow the
manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the unit.
Sleeping in an elevated
position
Let the baby sleep upright ' in a car seat, swing
or lying on a parent's chest.
Precautions?
Do not use over-the-counter medicine such as pain
relievers or decongestants without consulting your
baby's doctor first, especially in babies aged three
months and below.
Prevention?
Colds typically cause congestion and it is spread
through droplets coughed or sneezed into the air.
Common sense and plenty of soap and water is the clear
defense.
• Keep your baby away from anyone who's sick,
especially during the first few days of illness. If
possible, avoid public transportation with your newborn.
• Wash your hands before feeding or caring for
your baby. When soap and water aren't available, use
sanitizers.
• Clean your baby's toys and pacifiers often.
• Encourage every family member to practice
hygiene.
FYI
The signs of a cold are:
• Congested and runny nose
• Clear nasal discharge that may thicken and
turn green
• After a few days, the discharge becomes clear
and runny again
• A low grade fever in the first few days of
a cold
• You baby may sneeze, cough, develop a hoarse
voice or have red eyes
The signs of an allergy are:
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Repeated sneezing attacks
• Possible itchy skin
• Clear mucus
• No fever
THE FINAL WORDS
Stuffy noses tend to linger for a few weeks, even
when the cold is over. Since babies can't blow their
noses you need to provide the appropriate help. As
babies below 4 months breathe mainly through their
nasal passages rather than their mouth, it is important
that such a problem does not persist. Babies prone
to nasal congestion should always be kept in a well-ventilated
environment, which is neither too "stuffy"
nor too cold. Never place your infant in aggravating
situations such as dusty or smoky environments.
