Nasal congestion in babies is caused by inflamed nasal passages, not an overabundance of mucus. It can be caused by infections, allergies, dry air, or enlarged adenoids. Saline nose drops and vaporizers can help, and antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections. Bulb syringes are not recommended, and allergies to formula may need to be addressed by a pediatrician or allergist.
Symptoms of nasal congestion in babies include difficulty feeding, coughing, noisy breathing and sneezing. Typically, nasal congestion in children, as in people of all ages, is the result of inflamed nasal passages and not caused by a buildup of mucus. Additionally, nasal congestion in babies could also produce harsh or hoarse crying and excessive salivation. While drooling in children is normal and expected, excessive drooling may signal nasal congestion. Children are unable to voice their grievances, so their condition should be closely monitored for changes that may signal distress.
Typically, nasal congestion in babies is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, allergies to formula, dry air, and enlarged adenoids. Although nasal drainage and excess nasal mucus usually signify illness, nasal congestion sometimes does not. Noisy breathing and nasal congestion can be the result of a baby’s small nose structure and often resolve as the baby gets older and their nose gets bigger.
Over-the-counter saline nose drops can help moisten the nasal passages and clear dry secretions. Installing a vaporizer in your child’s room will add moisture to the air and relieve nasal congestion. The vaporizer unit must be kept scrupulously clean as bacteria can spread and cause infection if the device is not cleaned after each use.
When nasal congestion in babies is related to a bacterial infection, the pediatrician usually prescribes liquid antibiotics. These are generally well tolerated in children, however, they can sometimes cause stomach irritation or even cause the child to vomit. It is important for your child to keep his antibiotic and if he continues to vomit when given the antibiotic, the pediatrician should be informed so that he can offer an alternative treatment to the infection. As the infection clears, the infection-related nasal congestion will also decrease.
Nasal congestion in babies is the result of swollen nasal passages and not an overabundance of mucus. For this reason, bulb syringes for infants are not recommended. Using this tool will likely further irritate tissue and exacerbate congestion.
Infant formula and cereals can sometimes trigger allergies and subsequent nasal congestion. Your pediatrician may experiment with different brands and formulations to best determine which causes the least allergic reaction. Sometimes, this is a long and arduous process, however, usually a non-allergenic formula is found that will not produce allergy symptoms such as sinus congestion. Occasionally, the pediatrician will recommend your child see an allergist to further determine what he or she is allergic to, which will better facilitate an appropriate treatment plan.
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