Why does my baby always have a stuffy nose at night?

In general, a baby's persistent nighttime nasal congestion may be caused by factors such as dehydration, improper sleeping posture, common cold, allergic rhinitis, or adenoid hypertrophy. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation to identify the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Dehydration: A baby's persistent nighttime nasal congestion might be due to dehydration. For example, if the indoor temperature is too high and the air is dry, it may lead to dehydration in the baby, resulting in nasal congestion. In such cases, it is recommended to give the baby more warm water or use a humidifier indoors to alleviate the nasal congestion.

2. Improper sleeping posture

When babies lie on their back, the base of the tongue may partially obstruct the airway, or a low head position may impair venous return in the nasal cavity, causing mild nasal turbinate congestion. If the face is compressed during side sleeping, it may also compress one side of the nasal cavity. It is recommended that babies sleep on their back or side, avoiding prone positioning that may compress the nasal passages.

3. Common cold

A baby's body organs are not yet fully developed, and their immunity is relatively low, making them particularly prone to catching a chill and developing a cold, which can cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. At this time, under a doctor's guidance, medications such as children's paracetamol and chlorpheniramine granules can be taken for treatment, thereby improving nasal congestion symptoms.

4. Allergic rhinitis

When babies come into contact with allergens such as dust mites, pollen, or pet dander, type I hypersensitivity reactions occur in the nasal mucosa, manifesting as nasal itching, paroxysmal sneezing, profuse watery nasal discharge, and nasal congestion. It is recommended to wash bedding weekly with water above 55°C and use dust mite-proof mattress covers. Additionally, medications such as cetirizine drops or mometasone furoate nasal spray may be used under medical advice to alleviate symptoms.

5. Adenoid hypertrophy

Adenoids may enlarge due to repeated infections or allergic reactions, blocking the posterior nasal openings and pharyngeal openings of the eustachian tubes. During sleep at night, enlarged adenoids may compress the airway, leading to symptoms such as nasal congestion, mouth breathing, and snoring. Patients may use medications such as budesonide nasal spray or montelukast sodium chewable tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms. If conservative treatments prove ineffective, adenoidectomy may be required.

In daily care, maintaining a clean and appropriately humid indoor environment and avoiding contact with allergens can help reduce nasal congestion. For babies with recurrent nasal congestion, it is recommended to visit the pediatric or otorhinolaryngology department for a clear diagnosis and targeted treatment, avoiding self-medication or delaying proper care.