Patient's question:
Expert,My child is 3 months old. Recently, when he wakes up from sleep, his nose is stuffy, like he has a cold, but it gets better after a while. What should I do? What is the reason for this? Thank you
Doctor's answer:
Hello:Newborns have underdeveloped nasal passages, which are relatively short and small. Their nasal mucosa is rich in blood vessels. Exposure to sudden temperature changes or pathogens can lead to inflammation, causing the nasal mucosa to become congested and swollen, with a significant increase in nasal secretions. This manifests as stuffy nose and runny nose. Due to discomfort, the baby may often cry, fuss, and in severe cases, may breathe through their mouth, affecting feeding.
In such situations, parents should not panic. The nasal discharge can be gently wiped with a soft handkerchief. If wiped too frequently, the skin may become red, and in severe cases, it may even be scratched. A warm, damp towel can be used to cover the nose gently, and a small amount of oil can be applied to protect the skin. When the baby has a stuffy nose, it is best to lie them on their side to prevent nasal discharge from flowing into the ear canal, which could cause middle ear infection. Do not use nasal drops on newborns when their nose is blocked, as many nasal drops contain ephedrine, which constricts blood vessels and is not suitable for newborns. If there is nasal crust in the nostrils, a cotton swab dipped in a little water can be used to gently remove the crust from the nasal cavity. The movement must be light, and care should be taken not to damage the baby's nasal mucosa to avoid nosebleeds.
A stuffy nose and runny nose in babies are usually caused by colds. In addition to addressing the nasal issues as described above, it is best to take the child to the hospital for a detailed examination and medication for the cold.