Children under the age of 1 only breathe through their nose, 50 times a minute. However, the nasal passages in babies are still very narrow. Therefore, the usual runny nose in an infant, which after all often teases infants - becomes a serious problem and can cause serious diseases, such as sinusitis or ear infections. Learn How To Relieve Babies From Persistent Runny Nose.

Runny nose in infantsoften becomes a serious problem. Although we are often unaware of it, the nose is one of the most important organs. For a small child's body, it acts as a filter and an air conditioner at the same time: it removes impurities in the inhaled air, heats it and regulates the humidity. This is due to the cilia located on the mucosa, which the nasal cavity is lined from the inside. There is also the olfactory epithelium in the nose, which is responsible for the sensation of smell. Babies breathe only through their nose, 50 times a minute. In young children, however, the nasal passages are still very narrow. Therefore, an ordinary runny nose - a common ailment in childhood - becomes a serious problem. All because even a slight swelling of the mucosa causes complete obstruction of the nose.

Runny nose in babies: effects and complications

The fact that a child cannot breathe makes him irritable and sleeps worse. There are also feeding problems - the baby has to stop suckling to get some air. In very young children, a runny nose can cause inflammation of the ear and paranasal sinuses. The nasal discharge can also irreversibly damage the mucosa and cilia, and sometimes it leads to mucosal hypertrophy and swelling. Chronic runny nose causes breathing problems, often referred to as a sap, where the baby's nose is constantly dilated and his mouth is open. That is why it is so important that the nose piece is clean and unobstructed. A baby cannot clean it by itself - only crying brings him temporary relief, during which tears flowing down his nose dissolve dried secretions and facilitate breathing.

Read also: CRUSH IN BABY - how to heal, how to relieve a child

How can you help your child? - 10 ways to get a cold

  1. When the baby is awake, put him on his stomach - the discharge from the nose will drain by itself.
  2. Make surethe baby's head was higher than its chest during sleep. The easiest way: place a folded blanket or a baby pillow under the mattress. You can also put 2-3 books under the legs of the crib to raise it slightly. As a result, the excess secretion will run off and not clog the nose. However, do not put the pillow directly under the baby's head - it forces an unnatural position and is tiring for the delicate spine. This is a good method for children who can turn on their tummy and back by themselves. Toddlers who have not yet mastered this skill could slip off the mattress and hurt themselves.
  3. Moisturize the air in the room. Too dry dries out the mucous membranes, causing the runny nose to worsen. If you do not have a humidifier, place a damp towel over the radiator.
  4. Clean the nose with the aspirator. The apparatus is usually shaped like a sleeve. One end is narrower (and this one is inserted into the nose). A special tube is placed on the other, through which the parent sucks air. A strong draft of air sucks the secretions out of the nose. A ball of cotton wool is put in the aspirator, and in some models - sponge filters that prevent secretions from entering the air suction tube. After each use, thoroughly clean the tip you put in your baby's nose.
  5. Apply seawater spray preparations. The water is in a vacuum pressurized container. Applied to the nose, it dissolves dried secretions. Then it is enough to gently remove it with a rolled tissue or with an aspirator. During one application, put the preparation in each hole only once. Remember that the head must then be higher than the rest of the body, because excess water will flow down the toddler's throat.
  6. Try saline. You can buy it at a pharmacy, the most practical one is in disposable containers. Make a few small rolls from a tissue. Pour 1-2 drops of s alt into each nostril. Wait for the secretion to dissolve and collect it with a tissue.
  7. Do inhalations. They reduce mucosa swelling, which facilitates drainage of secretions. Pour chamomile or essential oils into an inhaler or a pot of hot water (only those recommended by a pediatrician), then put your child on your lap and place a vessel under its nose. Set them at a distance so that the rising steam does not burn the baby. Inhalation preparations can also be sprayed in the room with a humidifier, provided that the manufacturer allows such a possibility.
  8. You can smear the skin under your nose with marjoram ointment. During one application, apply a little ointment on your fingertip or a rolled handkerchief. Be careful not to let the ointment get into the nose as it will irritate the membranessluice.
  9. If your baby is over 6 months old, you can lubricate his back and breasts with an ointment with a volatile substance. The congestion of the mucous membranes, which becomes constricted, is reduced.
  10. After consulting your pediatrician, you can put drops in your baby's nose. However, this is the last resort. The drops provide temporary relief, but irritate the mucosa. Therefore, use them only when necessary (e.g. before feeding) and not longer than for 3 days.

"M jak mama" monthly

Category:

Child's he alth