How to decongest a baby's nose?
A stuffy nose is a relatively common situation but it can be very uncomfortable for the baby, since up to 6 months of age babies are able to breathe through their nose. Therefore, when the nose is stuffed up, the baby requires more effort to breathe, which can cause him to lose his appetite and end up making it difficult for him to gain weight and develop normally.
To unclog the baby’s nose there are some resources, such as applying a few drops of saline solution in each nostril, using a nasal aspirator or even giving a warm bath.
Throughout the day it is also very important to clean the baby’s nose several times to remove the secretions that are generated. This allows the baby to be more relieved, sleeping peacefully and feeding better.
The main home remedies to decongest the baby’s nose are:
1. Give a warm bath
The bath with warm or hot water produces steam that, when breathed by the baby helps to fluidify and eliminate the secretions found in the nose.
A good tip is to close the bath door to accumulate as much steam as possible. At the end of the bath, it is very important to dry the baby well, dress him and prevent him from being in drafty places.
2. Apply drops of saline solution
Applying 3 to 5 ml of saline solution in each nostril, 2 to 3 times a day, helps to fluidify the secretions, making them easier to eliminate naturally.
Another option is to use a proprietary nasal solution to remove nasal secretions from babies, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
3. Suction with a bulb syringe
The bulb syringe is similar to a small pear-shaped air pump that can be purchased at the pharmacy. To use it, squeeze the body (the wide part) of the pump and insert it into the tip at the beginning of the baby’s nostril. Then, slowly release it and the secretions are gently aspirated.
It is very important not to squeeze the syringe inside the baby’s nose, as it can push the secretions to the bottom, making them more difficult to eliminate.
After using the syringe it is very important to wash it with hot water and soap to avoid the development of fungi and bacteria, and to let it dry completely before using it again.
4. Humidify the environment of the room
Placing a container with hot water in the room where the baby spends more time allows humidifying the environment, making him breathe more water particles that help fluidify the secretions.
It is very important that the container remains far from the baby’s reach, especially when he is already crawling or walking, to avoid accidents.
5. Place a pillow under the mattress
Placing a pillow or cushion under the baby’s crib mattress is also a good way to uncover the baby’s nose. This way, the headboard stays higher and the secretion does not accumulate in the throat, allowing the baby to sleep more peacefully.
Causes of nasal congestion in babies
It is normal for babies to have a stuffy nose during the first months of life, since their immune system is still maturing. Although it is not serious for the baby, it is necessary to treat a stuffy nose, as it can cause great discomfort and interfere with sleep and feeding.
1. Flu or cold
Due to the underdeveloped immune system, it is normal for babies to have flu or colds during the first year of life, with symptoms such as watery eyes, stuffy nose and fever being common.
What to do: The best way to treat the flu or cold in the baby is through breastfeeding. In addition to that, babies older than 6 months, can drink natural juices to fight the flu and improve the immune system such as acerola juice with orange.
2. Allergy
Allergy in babies can be caused by contact with dust or animal hair, which easily sensitize the baby’s immune system, causing sneezing, coryza and constant coughing. Learn more about rhinitis in babies.
What to do: It is important to identify what is causing the allergy and prevent the baby from coming into contact. In addition to this, the baby should be kept hydrated and visit the pediatrician if the allergy becomes more intense and frequent.
3. Enlargement of the adenoids
The adenoids are the lymphatic tissue located at the bottom of the nose and are part of the immune system protecting the body against microorganisms. This tissue grows with the baby’s development, however, in some cases, the adenoids may be aAdenoids can become overgrown and interfere with a baby’s breathing. Learn more about adenoids.
What to do: The most recommended thing to do is to go to the pediatrician when you notice difficulty breathing, continuous coughing and stuffy nose without apparent cause, as it may be an indication of an increase in the adenoids. Therefore, the pediatrician will be able to guide how the treatment should be carried out.
When to go to the doctor
A stuffy nose is, in most cases, a situation of little concern and temporary. However, it is advisable to consult the pediatrician whenever there are doubts about the baby’s health, as well as when he/she presents with a stuffy nose on several occasions or when the following symptoms arise:
In addition, in case the baby shows signs of respiratory distress such as rapid breathing, bluish coloration or pallor, you should immediately go to the hospital.
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