When to Worry About Newborn Congestion
What is newborn congestion and what can you do about it?
Bringing a precious newborn into your life is an incredible experience filled with love and joy. However, it can also be a pretty scary time for parents, who only want the best for their helpless little pea. One common worry is newborn congestion, which can cause distress for babies and parents alike.
In this blog post, we'll delve into what newborn congestion is, what might be causing it, and when it's time to seek medical advice. While it's natural to feel concerned, arming yourself with accurate information can and guide you in providing the best possible care for your bundle of joy – and feeling a little calmer, yourself.
What is Newborn Congestion?
Newborn congestion refers to the stuffy or blocked nose often experienced by infants and by similar swelling and mucus build-up in the lungs. Newborns only breathe through their nose, and have very, very small airways. When the nasal passages or lungs become inflamed and produce excess mucus, it quickly becomes hard for them to breathe comfortably.
The condition is fairly common and usually harmless. However, severe or prolonged congestion can occasionally indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention.
Causes of Newborn Congestion:
Nasal Swelling: The nasal passages of newborns are quite narrow and easily congested. This can be aggravated by dry indoor air, irritants such as dust or smoke, or exposure to respiratory viruses.
Allergies: Some infants may develop congestion as a result of allergies to certain substances, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Allergy symptoms may also include sneezing and watery eyes.
Common cold: Newborns are more susceptible to viral infections, and the common cold can cause nasal and chest congestion. Colds are usually accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and a mild fever.
Sinus Infection: In rare cases, newborn congestion may be caused by a sinus infection. This condition is typically accompanied by persistent symptoms such as a high fever, greenish nasal discharge, or prolonged congestion.
Tips to Relieve Newborn Congestion
If your baby's congestion is mild, it will usually resolve itself on its own, especially if caused by a respiratory illness like a cold. However, that doesn’t mean it won’t be a couple of frustrating days for the both of you. Luckily, there are several home remedies that can provide relief.
Saline Drops: Saline drops are a newborn parent’s best friend! Completely harmless for a child of any age, saline drops or saline spray can help loosen and remove mucus, making it easier for your baby to breathe. Administer a few drops in each nostril throughout the day about as often as you yourself would blow your nose if you had a cold.
Some parents like to use a bulb syringe to suction out the mucus with the saline. If you use one, be very gentle and limit the practice to just a few times a day, to avoid irritating the nasal passage further.Humidifier: Adding a cool-mist humidifier to your baby's room can increase moisture in the air, which can help alleviate congestion.
Elevate the head: Place a rolled-up towel under the head of your baby's mattress to elevate their head slightly during sleep. You can also prop up the head end of the crib with books or similar, so long as it’s still stable. This helps the sinuses drain and can aid in reducing nasal congestion.
Clear air = clear airways: Keep your baby's environment clean from dust and mites by regularly changing bedsheets, vacuuming, and avoiding exposure to smoke or strong odors. But don’t overdo it – some studies show that growing up around pet dander or on farms can actually protect your baby from developing allergies and asthma!
When to Seek Medical Attention:
While most cases of newborn congestion resolve on their own, there are situations where you should consult a healthcare professional.
Difficulty Breathing: If your newborn is having significant trouble breathing, breathing rapidly, or showing signs of distress, seek immediate medical attention. Newborns already breathe much quicker than adults, but if your baby is taking more than 60 breaths/minute or seems to be having difficulty breathing, seek care.
High Fever: If your baby's congestion is accompanied by a high fever (over 100.4°F or 38°C for babies under 3 months), it could indicate a more serious infection.
Whooping sound: If your baby is making a whooping sound, turning blue, or vomiting, they may have whooping cough, which can quickly turn serious for infants. Get help immediately.
Prolonged Congestion: If your baby's congestion lasts longer than ten days or worsens over time, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions. Chances are, your baby is fine and still recovering from the infection, but it’s always best to be sure.
Poor feeding or lethargy: If your baby is experiencing difficulty feeding, has reduced appetite, or appears excessively lethargic, it is crucial to seek medical attention right away. It’s hard for the baby to feed while they can’t breathe through their nose of course. The concern is that an infant's health can deteriorate quickly as a result of dehydration or not getting enough food. Poor appetite and lethargy are in general strong indicators that a baby isn’t doing well.
Remember, pediatricians are used to frazzled parents coming in with their newborns for all manner of questions – especially if it’s a parent’s first child. If you are at all worried, it’s better to call them or go in and get the green light than to worry.
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