Congestion In Newborns: How Long Does It Last?

Congestion in newborns is a common issue, especially when they catch a cold or other respiratory infection. Unlike adults, newborns cannot clear their stuffy noses or chests on their own, so they may need your help to find relief. Congestion occurs when extra fluids (mucus) accumulate in the nose and airways, causing a blocked nose, noisy breathing, or mild trouble feeding. While mild congestion is usually not a concern, if your baby is taking more than 60 breaths per minute or appears to be struggling to catch their breath, seek emergency medical attention.

Home remedies for newborn congestion

Congestion is common in newborns and is usually not a cause for concern. It is often caused by irritants such as cigarette smoke, dust, viruses, allergens, and dry air. Newborns' lungs are immature, and their airways are tiny, so they may need extra help to clear congestion. Here are some home remedies to help relieve your newborn's congestion:

Warm Bath:

A warm bath can help clear congestion and offer a pleasant distraction for your baby. The warm water can loosen mucus and make it easier for your baby to breathe.

Humidifier and Steam:

Use a cool-mist humidifier in your baby's room while they sleep. This will help loosen mucus and make it easier for your baby to breathe. If you don't have a humidifier, you can create a similar effect by running a hot shower and sitting in the steamy bathroom for a few minutes several times a day.

Saline Drops:

Ask your doctor to recommend a saline solution. Putting one or two drops of saline in your baby's nose can help loosen mucus. It is best to do this just before feeding your baby. You can use a small syringe or a bulb syringe to administer the drops and then gently remove the mucus.

Breast Milk:

Some people find that putting a few drops of breast milk in their baby's nose works just as well as saline drops to soften mucus. Put a few drops in your baby's nose while feeding, and when you sit them up afterward, the mucus will likely slide out. Avoid this method if it interferes with your baby's feeding.

Massage:

Gently massage your baby's nasal bridge, eyebrows, cheekbones, hairline, and the bottom of the head. This can be soothing and help ease congestion.

Remove Irritants:

Keep your home environment as irritant-free as possible. Avoid smoking near your baby, use unscented candles, and vacuum frequently to reduce pet dander and allergens. Also, ensure you replace your home air filter as recommended.

Suction:

Use gentle suction to help clear your baby's nasal passageway, especially before feeding. You can use a rubber suction bulb or a nasal syringe to remove excess mucus. Ensure to clean the suction device after each use.

Wipe Away Mucus:

Use a soft, dry tissue or cloth to gently wipe away any excess mucus from your baby's nose and face.

Fluids and Rest:

Keep your baby well-hydrated and ensure they get plenty of rest. Offer frequent feedings and provide a calm and comfortable environment for your baby to heal.

It is important to note that you should not use medication or vapor rubs on newborns. Most cold medications are not safe or effective for babies, and vapor rubs can be dangerous for children under two years old. If your baby's congestion persists or worsens, or if they have difficulty breathing or feeding, contact your healthcare provider for advice.

When to seek medical attention for newborn congestion

Congestion is common in newborns and babies, and it usually clears up within a few days. However, there are some instances where you should seek medical attention for your newborn's congestion.

Firstly, if your newborn's congestion is severe or lasts for a long time, especially if it affects their ability to breathe, eat or sleep, you should contact your doctor. If your baby is congested and struggling to breathe, exhibiting rapid or hard breathing that interferes with feeding, or has flaring nostrils, you should take them to the emergency room. Other signs of respiratory distress include moaning or grunting at the end of each breath, ribs pulling in on each breath, and a blue tint to the skin, lips or nails. Get urgent care if your baby shows signs of dehydration, such as not wetting enough diapers, or if they start vomiting or running a fever, especially if they are under 3 months old.

Additionally, if your baby's congestion is accompanied by other symptoms, such as a persistent cough, thick nasal discharge for several days, trouble breathing or stridor, red eyes or yellow or green discharge from the eyes, you should call your doctor. If your baby has a bluish tint to their skin, is struggling to breathe or cannot breathe, or is having trouble eating or talking, you should call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.

It is important to monitor your newborn's congestion and seek medical attention if you are concerned or notice any of the above symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of newborn congestion

Congestion is a common condition in newborns, and it can be worrying for parents and caregivers. Newborns naturally accumulate mucus in their noses but often can't clear it out effectively, leading to congestion. Here are some signs and symptoms of newborn congestion to watch out for:

• Noisy breathing: Congestion in the nose or chest can lead to louder or more laboured breathing. This is due to the blockage of airways and the need to work harder to breathe.
• Mild difficulty feeding: Nasal congestion can make it challenging for newborns to breathe and feed simultaneously. This may lead to mild difficulties in feeding or a reduced appetite.
• Snorting: The sound of snorting while breathing is a typical symptom of newborn congestion.
• Coughing: Congestion in the chest, often associated with respiratory tract infections, can lead to a wet cough with green or yellow mucus.
• Wheezing and breathlessness: Chest congestion can cause wheezing and difficulty in breathing, indicating respiratory distress.
• Discoloured nasal mucus: The colour of mucus can vary and may be clear, white, yellow, or green. White mucus is more common in older babies and is caused by dairy consumption. Yellow mucus may indicate a developing sinus infection, while green mucus suggests a progressing cold or the end of a sinus infection.
• Snoring: Congestion can lead to snoring during sleep due to the blockage of airways.
• Reduced diaper wetting: If a newborn is not getting enough food due to feeding difficulties, it may result in fewer wet diapers, indicating possible dehydration.
• Fever: A fever, especially in newborns less than three months old, may accompany congestion and require medical attention.
• Ear or sinus pain: Congestion can lead to pain in the ears or sinuses, causing discomfort to the newborn.
• Yellow eye discharge: This may be a sign of an infection or congestion-related issue.
• Persistent cough: A cough that lasts more than a week could be a symptom of congestion and may require medical attention.
• Trouble breathing: In severe cases, congestion can lead to significant breathing difficulties, such as grunting or moaning at the end of each breath, ribs pulling in with each breath, or a blue tint to the skin, especially around the lips and nails.

Most cases of congestion in newborns are mild and can be managed at home with simple remedies. However, if you notice any of the above symptoms or if the congestion persists or worsens, it is essential to seek medical advice from a pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can provide guidance and treatment options to ensure the newborn's comfort and well-being.

Causes of newborn congestion

Congestion is a common condition in newborns and babies, and it occurs when extra fluids (mucus) accumulate in the nose and airways. This is typically the body's way of fighting foreign invaders like viruses or air pollutants. Newborns can only breathe through their noses, so congestion can cause a blocked nose, noisy breathing, or mild trouble feeding.

Causes of Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is more common than chest congestion in newborns. Possible causes include:

• Viral infections, such as the common cold
• Dry air
• Air pollutants, including smoke, strong odors, and dust
• Allergens
• Objects stuck in the nasal passages
• Deviated septum, a misalignment of the cartilage that separates the two nostrils
• Exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke, dust, or perfume
• Frequent exposure to viruses, such as in daycare or with young siblings
• Living in dry or high-altitude climates

Causes of Chest Congestion

Chest congestion, when there is fluid in the airways of the lungs, is less common and tends to develop with illness. Possible causes include:

• Bronchiolitis, usually caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• Transient tachypnea, which typically occurs only in the first day or two after birth

Treatment

Mild to moderate congestion is common and usually clears up within a few days. Home remedies such as saline drops, bulb suctioning devices, and warm baths can help relieve congestion and keep newborns comfortable.

How to prevent newborn congestion

Newborn congestion is common and not usually a concern. It occurs when extra fluids (mucus) accumulate in the nose and airways, causing a blocked nose, noisy breathing, or mild trouble feeding. Here are some ways to prevent congestion in newborns:

Keep the Air Moisturised

Use a humidifier in the baby's room to moisturise the air and help loosen mucus. Cool mist is safest as it doesn't have any hot parts. If you don't have a humidifier, an alternative is to run a hot shower and sit in the steam-filled bathroom for a few minutes several times a day.

Saline Drops

Ask your doctor to recommend a brand of saline drops. Putting one or two drops of saline in the nose can help loosen mucus. It is best to try this just before feeding.

Breast Milk

Some people find that putting a small amount of breast milk in the baby's nose works just as well as saline drops to soften mucus. Put a little milk in the baby's nose while feeding, and when you sit them up after eating, the mucus will likely slide out. Avoid this method if it interferes with feeding.

Keep the Baby Upright

Keep babies in an upright position for longer after they eat to reduce spit-up.

Avoid Irritants

Avoid smoking near the baby, use unscented candles, and keep pet dander down by vacuuming frequently. Also, follow the instructions to replace your home air filter regularly.

Wipe Away Excess Mucus

Use a soft, dry tissue or cloth to wipe away any excess mucus from the baby's nose.

Suction Devices

Use a rubber suction bulb or a nasal syringe to remove excess mucus from the baby's nose.

Keep the Baby Comfortable

Give the baby a warm bath, which can help clear congestion and provide a pleasant distraction.

Monitor Feeding and Diapers

Keep up with regular feedings and monitor the number of wet diapers. Young infants should wet a diaper at least every 4 to 6 hours. If they are ill or not feeding well, they may be dehydrated and need immediate medical attention.

Avoid Medication

Most cold medications are not safe or effective for babies. Vapor rubs, for example, are proven to be dangerous for children under 2 years old. Remember, increased mucus production is the body's way of clearing out the virus, and it is only a problem if it severely affects the baby's ability to eat or breathe.

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