What Should You Do If a Newborn Has a Cold, Nasal Congestion, and Cough?
Feb 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
Nasal congestion and cough in newborns caused by the common cold can be alleviated through physical therapies, and medications may also be used for treatment. If the symptoms of cold, nasal congestion, and cough in a newborn are not particularly severe, avoid administering any medication for the time being. Instead, you may give the newborn some warm boiled water to promote metabolism and help relieve coughing.
Nasal congestion in infants can interfere with normal feeding. How, then, should a baby’s cold-related nasal congestion be treated? This is undoubtedly a topic of great concern for many new mothers. Let’s explore it together.
What to Do When a Newborn Has a Cold with Nasal Congestion and Cough
Nasal congestion and cough associated with a cold in newborns can be alleviated through physical (non-pharmacological) therapies and, when necessary, medication.
If the newborn’s symptoms—nasal congestion and cough—are mild, avoid administering any medications for the time being. Instead, offer small amounts of warm water to help promote metabolism and ease coughing. You may also apply a warm, damp towel to the newborn’s nose to improve local blood circulation. Additionally, gently massaging the Yingxiang acupoints (located on either side of the nostrils) can help relieve nasal congestion. Improving indoor environmental conditions is also important: placing a bowl of water indoors helps maintain fresh, humidified air, which can further aid in alleviating cough symptoms.
If the newborn’s cold symptoms—including nasal congestion and cough—are severe and do not improve with physical measures alone, medications such as pediatric cold granules or pediatric paracetamol–chlorpheniramine–pseudoephedrine granules may be prescribed under a physician’s guidance to alleviate these symptoms.
In daily life, ensure the newborn stays adequately warm. Adjust clothing according to weather changes, which can help prevent colds to some extent.
Indeed, the choice of management strategies for infant cough and nasal congestion should depend on symptom severity. In more severe cases, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are recommended. Physicians may prescribe nebulized therapy to help relieve symptoms. Mothers should avoid self-medicating and instead rely on evidence-based, scientifically sound approaches.
We hope the above information is helpful. Wishing you a happy and healthy life!
