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Noticing that your baby's nostrils look closed can be a little alarming, and this is something that new parents may experience. When you have a little one, it is normal to suspect that they are not breathing properly or to suspect the existence of a problem. Fortunately in the majority of cases, this is a normal development of a newborn or just a matter of temporary congestion. However, one should be aware of the potential causes and symptoms to be alert to. This guide will discuss why it occurs and how you can calmly assist your baby to take easier breaths.
Why Do Baby's Nostrils Look Closed?
When the nostrils of your baby appear to be closed, this could be a mixture of natural structure and birth swelling or congestion in the nose. Infants have narrow nasal ducts, and even a light secretion or slight inflammation can cause pinched nostrils or obstruction. It is generally harmless and heals by itself or with mild treatment.
Baby Nasal Obstruction
In the case of infants, nasal congestion is normal, especially in the initial months of life. Since children breathe mainly through their noses, any slight impediment to the nostrils due to mucus, dryness or allergens can seem to be more severe. It can result in obnoxious breathing, snorting or difficulty in feeding. A saline spray and a nasal aspirator, which is safe to use on babies, can commonly clear the passage without hurting it.
Choanal Atresia
Choanal atresia is an uncommon but congenital disorder in that the back portion of the nasal opening of the baby is obstructed by bone or tissue. It could be bilateral or unilateral and may cause severe respiratory difficulties, especially among newborn infants. During feeding, in case your baby always experiences trouble with the nose breathing and when you perceive the nostrils to be closed, this condition should be evaluated as soon as possible by a pediatrician.
Nasal Obstruction vs. Choanal Atresia
Understanding the difference between nasal obstruction and choanal atresia is essential when your baby’s nostrils appear closed, or they seem to struggle with breathing. While both can affect airflow through the nose, their causes, severity, and treatments are quite different.
Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is very common in newborns and infants—especially in the first few months of life. It’s usually temporary and caused by non-serious factors, such as:
- Mucus buildup from a cold or environmental irritants
- Swollen nasal tissues from the birth process
- Dry indoor air that thickens mucus and dries out the nose
- Exposure to dust, dander, or smoke
- Mild inflammation from reflux or allergens
Because babies are obligate nose breathers early on, even a small amount of mucus or swelling can make breathing noisy or difficult. Symptoms may include snorting sounds, mouth breathing, or trouble feeding. Fortunately, these symptoms often improve with at-home remedies like saline drops, suctioning, and humidified air. Most nasal obstruction cases resolve within a few days to a week.
Choanal Atresia
Choanal atresia is a rare congenital condition where one or both nasal passages are blocked by abnormal bone or tissue, preventing air from passing through the nose. This condition is present at birth and may be either:
- Unilateral (one-sided):Symptoms may be subtle, with congestion only on one side.
- Bilateral (both sides):Much more serious, often noticeable immediately after birth.
Babies with bilateral choanal atresia may have severe breathing difficulties, especially during feeding or when lying flat, because they can't breathe properly through the nose. It can lead to distress, poor feeding, and, in some cases, cyanosis (a bluish color around the lips or nose). These cases require urgent medical evaluation and often surgical intervention to correct the blockage.
Unilateral choanal atresia may not be diagnosed right away but can still cause chronic congestion and breathing issues. It may be identified later during a pediatric exam or when symptoms persist despite treatment.
How to Treat Baby Nasal Obstruction
When your baby has a stuffy nose or their nostrils appear blocked, safe and gentle treatment can provide quick relief. The congestion can impact the comfort and sleeping of these babies since infants breathe mostly through their noses, especially during feeding sessions. It is how baby nasal block can be treated:
1. Loosen Mucus with a Saline Spray
Begin by placing a couple of drops of saline solution into each nostril. It aids in the hydration of dry mucus and relieves inflamed nasal cavities. Saline is non-medicated, and it is mild and recommended to use it on newborn babies.
2. Clear the Nose with a Gentle Nasal Aspirator
Following administration of saline, aspirate the loosened mucus using a baby-safe aspirator. The Momcozy 2-in-1 Spray & Suction Electric Nasal Aspirator is a particularly effective one. It is a one device that uses a fine saline mist and adjustable suction to make clearing the nose simple, fast, and tear-free for you and your baby. It is also an effective way of relieving congestion in the comfort of the home.
3. Use a Cool-Mist Humidifier
Nasal blockages can be aggravated by dry air inside a building. A cool-mist humidifier will add moisture to the air in the room your baby sleeps in, and mucus thickening and inflammation are helpful to thin out and use especially at night or those days near the wintertime.
4. Elevate Baby’s Head Slightly
In the case of congested babies, slight raising can facilitate nasal drainage. Try a secure, child-friendly crib wedge or push the head of the mattress up a bit with a close watch. Do not use pillows or free objects in the crib.
5. Keep Baby’s Air Clean
Avoid dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, or other strong smells that might make your baby sneeze or wrinkle their nose. Congestion can be avoided by maintaining the allergen-free environment of your baby.
6. Ensure Proper Hydration
You can make your baby hydrated through breast milk or formula, and in turn, mucus will thin with it. Regular feeding, even during periods of congestion, may help to facilitate faster recovery.
7. Avoid Over-the-Counter Decongestants
Medicated nasal sprays and decongestants should not be used at any time unless recommended by your pediatrician. Such products cannot be used by infants below the age of two.
How Long Does a Blocked Nose in Babies Last?
In infants, a blocked nose may take between 3 and 10 days, depending on its cause. Mild congestion due to a dry or birth-related swelling or an accumulation of mucus can take 3-5 days to resolve with mild management. When the stuffy nose is caused by a common cold or even a small viral infection, the symptoms can last up to a week or even a bit more.
Newborns possess tiny nasal openings and are obligatory nose breathers. As such, even slight obstructions can be considered serious. But during this time, once your baby is nursing satisfactorily, breathing normally, and not having any other distress symptoms, the congestion will usually clear up of its own accord.
When to Call the Doctor for Blocked Nose in Babies
Though in majority nasal block in babies is mild and is relieved through home treatment, there are occasions in which medical acclaim is required. You should see your child's doctor in case you find any of the following:
1. Difficulty Breathing
In case your baby has a hard time breathing with their nose and they appear to be struggling to breathe even with the aid of suctioning and saline, then you need to seek medical help. Watch flared nostrils, deep breathing or the retraction of the chest wall (skin pulled tight around the person's ribs as they breathe).
2. Poor Feeding
Call your doctor if your baby can not latch or feed longer than one or two feedings because of a blocked nose. Having regular feeding helps babies to hydrate and grow, and this may be affected by nasal congestion.
3. Bluish Skin or Lips
Lack of oxygen may be signaled by the presence of a blue color around the lips and nose of your baby or fingertips (called cyanosis). It is an emergency of the medical nature—call 911 or go to the emergency room right away.
4. Congestion Lasting More Than 10 Days
In case the congestion lasts more than 10 days, and there is no improvement of it, a doctor should examine your baby to determine the presence of any other hidden conditions, which can be allergies, infections, or structural defects.
5. High Fever or Other Illness Symptoms
Call your pediatrician in case of nasal congestion accompanied by a fever (especially above 100.4F in children under 3 months of age), non-stop coughing, irritable mood, or fatigue. These may be the indication of an infection that should be treated with medication.
6. Thick Yellow or Green Mucus
Although clear mucus is quite common, thick yellow or green secretions that persist for days may indicate a bacterial infection. It is something you should have your baby checked by continuing to do so.
7. Suspected Structural Blockage
In the case of congestion which you believe is more than what is expected, you might need the help of a pediatric ENT specialist in diagnosing and treating it, particularly when the symptoms persist at birth.
Listen to your instincts and call your healthcare provider when something does not feel right. When it comes to the breathing of your baby and how they feel, it is always best to go and ask than to wait.
Conclusion
Closed-looking nostrils in your baby might be part of typical newborn physiology and can be caused by congestion, but it is not necessarily a medical issue. Becoming familiar with the potential causes, symptoms, and when to contact a doctor will help you relieve stress and seek proper treatment. By providing your baby with care and monitoring them closely, you can assist them in breathing more easily and remaining comfortable during these early stages.
