
Newborns commonly experience nasal congestion, and it can be challenging for parents to determine whether it is a regular occurrence or a symptom of a more serious issue. Occasional nasal stuffiness and sneezing are typical in newborns, and sneezing is a natural defence mechanism to clear germs and particles from the nose. However, frequent sneezing and stuffiness could indicate a cold or other health problem. This article will explore the causes, treatments, and warning signs of a newborn's runny nose.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
How common is it? | Very common during a baby's first year |
Cause | Viral upper respiratory infections, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID, irritation from a foreign body in the nose, irritation from something in the air, cold weather |
Duration | A little over a week (up to 10 days) |
Treatment | Suction device, bulb syringe, saline drops or spray, fluids, cool-mist humidifier, vapor rub, honey (for children over 1 year) |
When to see a doctor | If the baby is having trouble breathing, not eating as much as normal, is more sleepy than usual, has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or shows signs of respiratory distress |
What You'll Learn
- The colour of mucus can indicate the type of infection
- Babies are prone to colds due to immature immune systems
- Colds can be caused by other children, the time of year, or exposure to illness
- A runny nose can disrupt sleep and feeding
- A runny nose can be treated with bulb suction, saline drops, and a humidifier
The colour of mucus can indicate the type of infection
It is normal for newborns to experience nasal congestion, and this can be caused by a cold or an allergy. A newborn's mucus colour can change from clear to coloured, and it is not necessarily a sign of infection. However, the colour of mucus can indicate the type of infection, and this is true for both newborns and older children.
Clear mucus is considered "normal" and healthy. It is often a sign of rhinitis, or swelling of the mucosal membrane in the nose. Allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever", can also cause clear, runny nasal discharge.
White or cloudy mucus is often thicker and can be a sign of congestion. This occurs when the nasal passages become swollen or inflamed, causing the mucus to lose moisture.
Yellow mucus indicates that the body is fighting an infection. The colour comes from the white blood cells rushing to kill the offending germs.
Green mucus is a sign that the immune system is working hard to fight off an infection. It is thick with dead white blood cells and other waste products.
Pink or red (bloody) mucus can be caused by nosebleeds, which may occur if you've blown your nose a lot or had a hit to the nose. It can also be caused by an infection.
Brown mucus may be the result of old blood exiting the body or from inhaling something red or brown, such as dirt or paprika.
Black mucus is most commonly found in people who smoke or are exposed to second-hand smoke. It can also be caused by heavy air pollution or, in rare cases, a serious fungal infection.
While the colour of mucus can provide some indication of the type of infection, it is not always reliable. Seasonal allergies, for example, can cause a variety of nasal discharge colours and textures even though there is no infection present. It is important to consider other factors such as duration of symptoms and the presence of additional symptoms when determining the cause of discoloured mucus.
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Babies are prone to colds due to immature immune systems
Babies are born with complex immune systems that are fine-tuned for infancy. However, they are not fully developed and are prone to colds due to their immaturity.
The immune system in newborns
A newborn baby's immune system is not fully developed when they are born. It gets stronger as the baby gets older. A mother's antibodies are shared with her baby through the placenta during the third trimester (last 3 months) of pregnancy. These antibodies help protect the baby when it is born and can last for weeks or months after birth. They can help the baby fight diseases before the first vaccines are given.
Babies are prone to colds because their immune systems are still developing and maturing. Their bodies are still building up immunity to different viruses. In the first year of life, healthy children get about 6 colds on average.
An infant's runny nose caused by a common cold should last a little over a week. Cold viruses tend to last about 10 days, and a runny nose will often last a day or two less than that. If a cold lingers for two weeks or more, it is recommended to have the baby evaluated by a doctor to rule out other, more serious viruses such as RSV or sinusitis.
How to treat a baby's runny nose
There are several ways to treat a baby's runny nose at home:
- Use gentle bulb suction or another suction device to clear the mucus from the baby's nostrils.
- Loosen things up with saline drops or a saline spray before suctioning.
- Keep the baby well-hydrated with their usual amount of breast milk or formula.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to help moisten the air and prevent the mucus from thickening.
- Gently wipe away any nasal mucus with a soft tissue or cloth, and apply a soothing balm like petroleum jelly to the skin under the nose to prevent redness and irritation.
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Colds can be caused by other children, the time of year, or exposure to illness
It is normal for newborns to have runny noses. In fact, it is estimated that babies experience six to eight colds in their first year, with some sources giving an estimate of up to 10 colds. This is because they are often around older children and have not yet developed immunity to many common infections.
Colds can be caused by other children
Babies are especially susceptible to colds caused by other children, particularly older siblings who bring the virus home from school. Exposure to anyone with a cold can increase the risk of getting a cold, and babies can pick up colds at daycare.
The time of year
Colds are more common from autumn to late spring, but your baby can get a cold at any time.
Exposure to illness
The cold virus can be transmitted through the air when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes. It can also land on surfaces such as toys and tables. When babies touch these surfaces and then put their hands in their mouths, they give the cold virus an easy entry route.
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A runny nose can disrupt sleep and feeding
A runny nose can be surprisingly disruptive to a newborn's sleep and feeding patterns. A stuffy nose can make it difficult for a newborn to breathe, eat, and sleep well. Newborns can only breathe through their noses, so when their nose is congested, it can be much harder for them to breathe and feed. This can lead to crankiness and fussiness, and skin irritation from wiping their tender noses.
A runny nose can also be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as a cold, influenza, COVID-19, or a bacterial or viral infection, which can further disrupt their sleep and feeding. In some cases, a runny nose may be caused by irritation from a foreign body in the nose, or from something in the air, such as oil or scent diffusers.
It is important to monitor your newborn's breathing and seek medical attention if they show signs of respiratory distress, such as struggling for each breath, tight breathing, ribs pulling in with each breath, noisy breathing, or fast breathing. Other warning signs that warrant a call to a healthcare professional include a high fever, excessive tiredness or irritability, trouble breathing, decreased appetite, and blue lips or nails.
To help alleviate a newborn's runny nose and improve their comfort, there are several remedies that can be used:
- Gentle bulb suction or another suction device can be used to clear mucus from the nostrils. This can be done before feeding to help improve their breathing during mealtimes.
- Saline nose drops or spray can be used to loosen mucus and clear congestion.
- A cool-mist humidifier can help moisten the air and prevent mucus from thickening.
- Keep your newborn well-hydrated with breast milk or formula to avoid dehydration, which can also cause congestion.
- Use a warm shower to loosen mucus, and then suction each nostril.
- For older babies, honey can be used as a cough suppressant.
- For babies with skin irritation, apply a small amount of soothing petroleum jelly to the affected area.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before administering any treatments or medications to your newborn.
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A runny nose can be treated with bulb suction, saline drops, and a humidifier
It is normal for newborns to experience nasal congestion. This can be caused by a cold, which will produce clear to coloured mucus, and/or coughing. It is also common for newborns to experience runny noses due to nasal allergies or respiratory conditions.
Bulb Suction
To use a bulb syringe, first squeeze the air out of the bulb and keep it squeezed. Then, gently place the tip into your baby's nostril and let go of the bulb to let the air back in. This will pull the mucus out of your baby's nose and into the bulb. Finally, squeeze the mucus out of the bulb and into a tissue. Repeat on the other nostril. It is recommended to limit suctioning to no more than 2-4 times per day to avoid irritating the nose. Be sure to thoroughly clean the bulb syringe with soap and water after each use.
Saline Drops
Saline drops are safe to use in babies and can be purchased over the counter or made at home. They help to thin and clear mucus, making it easier for your baby to breathe. To use, place 2-4 drops into each nostril and wait a few seconds. Then, use the bulb syringe to remove the mucus. This process can be repeated as often as needed, especially before feeding or sleep to make these activities easier.
Humidifier
A cool-mist humidifier or vaporiser in your baby's room can add moisture to the air, helping to clear their stuffy nose. Be sure to clean the machine regularly to prevent the growth of mould.
It is important to note that if your baby is experiencing any breathing issues or respiratory distress, you should consult a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is normal for a newborn to have a runny nose. Newborns can only breathe through their noses, so a runny nose can make it harder for them to breathe. A runny nose can be caused by a cold, teething, irritation from something in the air, or simply by cold weather.
There are several ways to treat a newborn's runny nose:
- Use a bulb syringe to clear out their nose. Be sure only to put the tip of the syringe in the baby's nose and release the bulb to suck out the mucus.
- Use saline nose drops or a spray to loosen the mucus.
- Keep your baby hydrated with breast milk or formula.
- Use a cool-mist humidifier to help moisten the air and prevent the mucus from thickening.
You should contact your baby's healthcare provider if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Trouble breathing
- Decreased appetite
- Increased sleepiness or decreased energy
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Prolonged congestion, cough, or fever, which could indicate a more serious infection such as RSV