What should I do if my baby's nose is congested?
Disease description:
Doctor, my baby has been having a stuffy nose recently and keeps breathing through an open mouth. What should I do?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Congestion in a baby's nose is usually caused by a cold, allergies, or blockage from nasal secretions. Parents can take the following measures to help relieve these symptoms:
1. Keep the air moist: Use a humidifier to maintain indoor humidity, or bring the baby into a steamy bathroom to help thin nasal secretions. However, avoid keeping the baby in the bathroom for too long to prevent oxygen deprivation.
2. Clean the nasal passages: Gently remove mucus from the baby's nose using a nasal aspirator or bulb syringe designed for infants, or carefully wipe the nasal passages with a cotton swab to help clear mucus and crusts. However, avoid applying excessive force to prevent injury to the baby's nasal passages.
3. Ensure adequate hydration: Make sure the baby receives enough fluids to help thin bodily secretions and reduce nasal congestion.
4. Apply a warm compress: Place a warm towel over the baby's nose to soften solidified substances inside the nasal passages and relieve congestion.
5. Nutrition and prevention: Feed the baby appropriate amounts of vitamin C-rich foods, such as lemon water, to strengthen the immune system. Additionally, avoid exposing the baby to allergens whenever possible.
