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Even a mild case of nasal congestion is enough to put any parent into a circle of worry when it comes to the first cold of the baby. The question that comes to mind is, can babies die from stuffy noses? Babies, especially newborns, are obligate nose breathers, which implies that their nose helps them breathe almost exclusively throughout the first few months of life.
Reasons Infants Develop Stuffy Noses
Stuffy nose among infants is so prevalent, and although it is not normally severe, it is important to recognize the cause of the difficulty since most of the time, except when it is very serious, stuffy nose can be treated at home and not in pediatrics. This increases their tendency towards observable symptoms when they develop the slightest congestion.
These are the most popular and medically identified causes of developing nasal congestion in babies:
Cold and Virus Infections
The common cold is one of the major causes of nasal congestion among babies. This is because every year, infants can get between 8 and 10 colds, given that their immune systems have not fully formed yet and have not yet developed immunity against common viruses.
With viral upper respiratory infections, there is inflammation of the lining of the nose, and this may lead to:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Weak cough or moodiness
Dry Air
Dry indoor air (particularly in winter or in a house with central heating) may make your baby suffer the irritation of their nasal passages and dry it out. This usually results in the thickening of the mucus, making the babies find it difficult to breathe comfortably.
Symptoms include:
- Nasal mucus that is thick or crusty The nasal discharge is thick or crusty.
- Sniffling, especially at night
- Simple nosebleeding because of dry nasal membranes
Allergens and Environmental Agitators
Although babies are unlikely to have seasonal allergies within the first year of life, they may still respond to environmental agents and household allergens, including:
Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Cigarette smoke
- Perfume or chemical cleaners
Physiologic Nasal Congestion, aka Normal Newborn Congestion
Most infants also appear congested, although they are not ill. It is what we refer to as physiologic nasal congestion, and it is usually caused by one or more of the following:
- Birth residual fluid
- Conforming to life outside the womb
Such congestion is:
- Peak frequently during the initial 23 weeks
- It may produce snuffling noises, particularly on eating or lying down
- Most of the time, it will clear up itself within the first month
Spit-Up or Reflux
Babies who spit up regularly (as a result of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) or as a result of basic overfeeding) can suffer post-nasal drain or nasal soreness. This is due to the fact that milk or the acid that may flow back into the stomach may irritate the passages that make the throat and nose connect.
- Indicators that may present reflux as a possible cause:
- Nasal congestion post-feeding
- Frequent spit-up
- Lying on the back makes one feel uncomfortable.
How to Unblock Baby Nose Naturally
Infants are not even aware of how to blow their noses and thus the slightest congestion would render them uncomfortable, naughty and even finding it very difficult to either feed or sleep. These techniques should be soft, as they are applicable to newborns but strong to render some actual relief.
1. Salty nasal drops or spray
The saline solution (a basic combination of salt and sterile water) can be used to dry out mucus and heal dry or irritated nasal cavities.
Usage:
- Place your baby on their back and turn their head down slightly. Put one or two drops (or spritzes) in each nostril using a dropper or a spray bottle. Wait 30 seconds and loosen mucus prior to suctioning.
2. The High-Quality Nasal Aspirator Suction
After loosening the mucus by means of saline, one can easily remove it with the help of suction, which cleans the airway and lets your baby breathe, eat, and sleep easier.
- Aspirators come in two forms, mainly manual (bulb or parent-powered) and electric.
Featured Products:
Momcozy 2in1 spray and suction electric air nasal aspirator
The multifunctional aspirator is convenient to use and is multifunctional, as it is a combination of automatic suction and saline misting, simplifying the task of clearing up your baby. It also proves to be useful among parents who need to have instant relief without bothering with various equipment.
The reason parents love it:
- Three levels of suction that are adjustable and one-touch operation
- Ultra-soft silicone tips that do not hurt the baby's nose
- Chargeable and portable-ideal at home or whilst on the go
- Greatest to: The babies with congestion that is stubborn or persistent, esp. when it is cold or allergy season.
Momcozy hospital-grade nasal aspirator
This aspirator offers serious suction power when you need it with medical-grade safety. It is structured in such a manner that it can render hospital-like performance, yet it is made soft enough to handle babies. It features several tip sizes, variable suction and quiet functions that will not scare your baby.
What makes it stick out:
- Powerful and safe suction at a hospital-grade performance level
- Onboard storage tank to dispose of hygienically mucus-containing waste fluids
- USB chargeable and lightweight
- Its best used by: Parents with newborns or infants who have a tendency of developing colds, congestions, or experiencing nasal congestion as a result of reflux.
3. Operate a Cool-Mist Humidifier
Being in a humid environment also assists in removing mucus and soothing the nasal environment where there is more inflammation of the nose due to heating or dry climates.
The benefit of using it:
- Relaxes an agitated nasal mucous membrane
- Helps in avoiding dryness at nighttime
- Facilitates a good night's sleep
4. Hydrate Often
Fluids aid in the thinning of mucus, which allows it to drain easily. Regardless of the mode of baby care by way of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, ensure that your baby is hydrated well, particularly when they are congested.
5. Steam Therapy
Humid, hot air can relieve the passageways in the nose. Ten to 15 minutes prior to bed or naps, sit in a steamy bathroom with your child (not in the hot water). It is a miracle technique prior to suctioning.
Is it Safe to Let a Baby Sleep With a Stuffy Nose?
Yes, a baby can sleep with a stuffy nose mostly it is harmless particularly when he or she has a mild congestion. Nevertheless, since infants breathe differently and their airways are constructed in a particular way, a slight nasal congestion may be painful, or it may lead to disturbed sleep. Knowing the distinction between harmless stuffiness and something serious can assist the parent in taking the correct precautions without unworthily worrying.
Is it Ok for Babies to Sleep Elevated so they can breathe Easier?
No, although some people find elevating a baby useful, it is not advisable when sleeping.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) evidently discourages inclined sleepers, wedges, and pillows in cribs because they make the child susceptible to suffocation and positional asphyxia. The Consumer Reports review of 2020 attributed dozens of infant deaths to inclined sleepers.
Safe substitute: To get rid of mucus, hold your baby upright when awake or about to take a nap, but when in the crib, place your baby on their back.
Can Babies Suffocate From Congestion?
There are very few cases where a baby might die by direct suffocation when its nose is blocked. Otherwise, when nasal obstruction becomes too large and when it is not treated, it can cause breathing problems--particularly among newborn babies less than 3 months old.
The following are some signs to watch out for:
- Breathing nostrils flaring out
- Grunting wheezing
- Decreased feeding
Can Congestion in Babies Cause SIDS?
There is no straight conclusion that a stuffy nose leads to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Nevertheless, upper respiratory infections or airway obstruction, which are leading contributory factors of SIDS, may overlap with congestion.
More to the point, the risk of SIDS is also aggravated by unsafe sleep measures (such as placing pillows or making inclined sleepers in an attempt to help a baby) during sleep in case a baby has congestion.
It is recommended not to share your bed with the youngster but rather to keep the sleeping place of the baby within your room during the initial period of 6-12 months.
When Should I Worry About a Baby's Stuffy Nose?
See your pediatrician or go to an urgent care facility in case your baby has any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty in breathing (fast breathing, grunting, flare of nostrils)
- Problem with feeding (can not latch on, refuses to eat because the nose is blocked)
- In babies below the age of 3 months: fever of more than 100.4 o Fahrenheit (38 o Celsius)
- Dehydration symptoms (dry mouth, no tears, a decreased number of wet diapers)
- Prolonged congestion that goes beyond 10 days
- Pulling the ears, grumpy or green or yellow drainage implying infection
Never be afraid to follow your instincts and not to behave in a certain way because you are not sure then feel no shame to consult a professional.
Conclusion
Are babies likely to pass on as a result of a stuffy nose? Still, despite the rare cases, nasal congestion can lead to severe complications - particularly when the condition occurs alongside unsafe sleep and illness. Make parental judgments and in case of a doubt, consult the doctor of your child. It is the right course of action bringing you better informed and proactive.
