Nasal Congestion : Know the best remedies to unblock your Baby’s Nose

Nasal Congestion

Nasal congestion is one of the most common problems that babies face once they are out of their mother’s womb. Congestion in babies is caused either by swelling of the nasal passages or when the nasal passage gets filled up with mucus, hampering the air flow. Though, mostly nose blockages are not serious and babies easily recover in 4-5 days, those days are really unsettling for everyone in the family. With their crankiness, unable to feed, improper sleep patterns, it takes a toll over everything. And with monsoons on in full swing, we really need to buck up, to have a comfortable season, sipping our hot coffees with rocking baby chuckles.

Did you know that Infants are obligatory nose breathers?

In the first few months of an infant’s life, mostly from 0-6 months, babies are obligatory or preferential nasal breathers. Which means, that they can breathe only through their nose. Though after 6 months, babies can alternate effectively between nasal and mouth breathing, they still show the preference for nasal breathing. Their mouths are designed to suckle during this phase. And thus, even a small congestion, may leave them irritable and grumpy.

Here are some common reasons for Nose Blockages :

Stuffy nose is really no fun and you, as a parent, should know the reasons behind it.

1. Common Cold :

This is a predominant cause for nose blockages in infants. With over 150+ viruses causing cold, monsoon season is more dangerous than other seasons, since it invites many waterborne and airborne infections. These viruses increase the formation of thick mucus in the nose and result in inflammation of the the inner lining of the nostrils. And this inflammation restricts the air flow and leads to nasal congestion.

In monsoons, due to external temperature variations, the baby’s internal body temperature fluctuates and this affects their immunity. Less immunity results in microbial attack, as these microbes are very active during monsoons. Thus, infants, babies, children and we, even as adults, are at the risk of Common Colds and Nasal congestions during Monsoon.

2. Dry air :

Infants have very narrow nasal passages and they are sensitive to Dry air.

3. Allergies :

Irritants such as dust, tobacco, cooking smoke, perfumes or other environmental irritants in the air can cause nasal congestion. Similar allergies can result in inflammation of the nasal passages.

Signs and symptoms of Nasal Congestion/Blocked Nose :

1. Runny nose, with drooling mucus all the time.

2. Noise while breathing. You can hear a whistling sound every time the baby breathes in and out.

3. Sneezing. It does clear the mucus, but at times, blocks the nose as well.

4. Feeding issues : Babies with nose blockages will have trouble in feeding or will be rejecting the feeds you try to give. This, combined with irritation, would result in them being lethargic, less playful, more sleepy in small durations.

5. Extreme fussiness and sometimes fever.

6. Vomiting

7. Wheezing, mostly in case of allergies

In children more than a year old , you can see more signs as hoarse voice, headache, joint pains, sore throat, etc. If the cold persists, then you might have to deal with ear pain and dental pain as well. Do not ignore these symptoms and immediately consult your doctor.

Impact of Nasal Congestion :

Congestion if prolonged, may have impact such as :

1. Sleeplessness :

Babies need proper and more sleep, as it helps in providing the energy to their fast growing bodies. Prolonged and serious nasal congestions sometimes impairs mental and physical growth.

2. Congestion may at times result in Ear Infections, which is way too painful for infants and toddlers. Repeated ear infections can result in hearing issues and delayed speech development.  These issues are mostly associated with long term nasal congestions, due to allergies, enlarged adenoids, etc. Babies get extremely cranky because of the discomfort caused due to nasal congestion.

Best remedies to unblock your child’s blocked nose:

1. Keep baby’s nose /nostrils clear with a bulb syringe regularly.

2. Tolerable Nasal decongestant & saline solution :

There are many nose drops for babies’ small nose and they contain a low-dosage active ingredient that is well tolerated with their bodies.

Saline drops help to release the mucus and are helpful in moistening the nasal passages and clear any dried secretions.

For this, opt for a nasal decongestant in an easy drop form, like Nasivion® Child Nose Drops. It helps in unblocking the nose and have a playful, more active smiling child. It’s active ingredient Oxymetazoline is very well tolerable and provides up to 12 hours of easy breathing and is one of the most effective and long lasting drops for blocked nose relief.

A Nasal Saline Solution (like Nasivion) can be the first line of treatment, as it is safe and can be used by anyone. But if the child’s problem seems aggravated, then after consulting the doctor, one can opt for Nasivion (Mini) Baby Nose Drops 0.01% or Nasivion Pediatric (Child) Nose 0.025% drops depending upon the age of the child. Please make sure you consult your doctor/pediatrician before using the product.

Nasivion® Child Nose Drops Dosage and Frequency :

For children aged between 1 to 6 years only: instill 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day or as directed by the physician. Always consult a doctor before giving any medication to the child.

3. Head elevation : Congestion is often worse when lying down, so elevating your baby’s head when they sleep, is a good way to comfort them. Putting them in baby car seat or in an elevated position can help in draining the mucus for relief.

4. Humidifier : A bowl of warm water can be kept in the room where your baby sleeps. It increases the humidity which might loosen the thick mucus and provide some relief. It will be more helpful in the winter months when the air is dry.

5. Hydration & liquids : Make sure baby gets plenty of liquids. Adequate hydration is important in thinning the mucus in the nose.

6. Allergens : If you feel allergy is the cause of Nasal Congestion, find out the source of the allergy, so that it can be avoided most of the times. In case of allergy, Anti-histamines are given to a child.

Hope this post helped you gain insights about Nasal Congestion and how to get relief from the nose blockages. Do share your thoughts in the comments section.

Disclaimer:

This is a sponsored post, but the views and opinions quoted are my own, basis the facts, my experience and research.Also, this post is in no way an alternate to Medical representative’s advice.