Why does my baby have a stuffy nose and make snoring sounds while breathing, and what should I do?

Generally, nasal congestion and snoring sounds during breathing in infants may be caused by factors such as dry environment, nasal foreign bodies, common cold, rhinitis, or adenoid hypertrophy. If physical discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended, and treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dry environment: Excessively dry air can cause dryness of the nasal mucosa in infants, leading to nasal congestion and snoring sounds during breathing. Dry air may decrease nasal moisture, making nasal secretions thick and difficult to expel, thereby blocking the nasal passages. Parents are advised to use a humidifier to increase air humidity, maintaining indoor humidity within an appropriate range. Encouraging the infant to drink more water to maintain adequate hydration also helps relieve nasal dryness.

2. Nasal foreign bodies: Infants may accidentally insert small objects into their nostrils out of curiosity or during play, causing nasal congestion and snoring sounds during breathing. Once a nasal foreign body is detected, immediate medical attention is necessary. A professional physician should remove the foreign body using specialized instruments. Do not attempt removal yourself, as this may damage the nasal mucosa or push the foreign body deeper into the nasal cavity.

3. Common cold: An infant's immune system is not yet fully developed, making them prone to catching colds. During a cold, increased nasal mucus production can cause nasal congestion and snoring sounds while breathing. The infant may also experience symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and fever. Parents are advised to follow medical instructions for the use of medications such as Pediatric Paracetamol, Chlorpheniramine, and Artificial Cow-Herb Qingre Granules to treat these symptoms.

4. Rhinitis: Some infants may be allergic to environmental allergens like dust mites and pollen, resulting in excessive nasal secretions that cause nasal congestion and snoring sounds during breathing. Infants with rhinitis may also display symptoms such as crying and changes in mental status. It is recommended to follow medical advice for the use of medications like Loratadine Syrup, Cetirizine Hydrochloride Drops, and Astemizole Tablets to alleviate symptoms.

5. Adenoid hypertrophy: Adenoids are a group of lymphatic tissues located in the nasopharynx. When adenoids become infected or irritated, they may enlarge and obstruct the nasopharynx, causing nasal congestion and snoring sounds during breathing. Infants with adenoid hypertrophy may also exhibit abnormal facial development. It is recommended to follow medical guidance for the use of medications such as Mometasone Furoate Nasal Spray, Fluticasone Propionate Nasal Spray, and Triamcinolone Acetonide Urea Cream for treatment.

Nasal congestion and snoring sounds during breathing in infants can be caused by various factors. Parents should choose an appropriate treatment plan based on the infant's specific symptoms and the physician's recommendations. Additionally, preventive measures such as maintaining proper indoor humidity, avoiding exposure to allergens, and enhancing the infant's immunity can also help reduce the occurrence of nasal congestion symptoms.