Stuff Nose

Subject: Midwifery III (Theory)

Overview

There isn't a child alive who hasn't had at least a few dozen colds — and that means congestion, which is usually identified by that lovely stuff streaming from her nostrils.The clear favorite here is your average, everyday cold virus. Babies get colds about once a month on average, or about 10 to 12 times a year.Allergies can also cause a runny nose, usually with clear mucus rather than the green or yellowish mucus that comes with a cold.A runny or stuffy nose can also be a sign of a bacterial infection.Unfortunately, cold medicines for babies and toddlers are not a good idea.The medication will not make the virus go away any faster, and it may even make it worse.

Stuff Nose

What is a runny or stuffy nose for a baby?

Do you have goop? There isn't a child alive who hasn't had at least a few dozen colds — and that means congestion, which is usually identified by that lovely stuff streaming from her nostrils (or gunked around them).

What could be causing my baby’s runny or stuffy nose?

The clear favorite in this situation is your average, everyday cold virus. On average, babies get colds once a month, or 10 to 12 times per year (more in the winter, less in the summer). One usually lasts a week to ten days, and they sometimes just run into each other, making it appear as if one cold is persistent when, in fact, it's a series of them. Allergies can also cause a runny nose, but with clear mucus rather than the green or yellowish mucus associated with a cold. A runny or stuffy nose can be a sign of a bacterial infection.

When should I take my baby to the doctor with a runny or stuffy nose?

If she can't eat or drink (and she's showing signs of dehydration: doesn't have a wet diaper for six or seven hours, becomes lethargic, or doesn't produce any tears), or if her cold doesn't seem to be clearing up after a couple of weeks, it's time to see your doctor.

What should I do to treat my baby’s runny or stuffy nose?

Cold medicines for babies and toddlers are, unfortunately, a bad idea. The medicine will not make the virus go away any faster, and it may even be harmful. However, there are some simple things you can do to make your child feel better. Put some saline drops in her nose to help loosen the mucus. To help clear out her passageways, suck out any excess snot with a bulb syringe (not pretty, but effective). Install a humidifier or coolmist vaporizer in her bedroom to add moisture to the air and make it easier for her to breathe. Finally, try elevating her slightly while she sleeps, either by inserting a crib wedge beneath her mattress or by holding her while she sleeps. 
Things to remember
  • There isn't a child alive who hasn't had at least a few dozen colds — and that means congestion, which can usually be identified by that lovely stuff streaming from her nostrils.

  • The clear favorite here is your average, run-of-the-mill cold virus. Colds affect babies once a month on average, or 10 to 12 times per year.

  • Allergies can also cause a runny nose, albeit with clear mucus rather than the green or yellowish mucus that comes with a cold.

  • A runny or stuffy nose can also indicate a bacterial infection.Cold medicines for babies and toddlers are, unfortunately, a bad idea.

  • The medicine will not make the virus go away any faster, and it may even make it worse.
Questions and Answers

The common cold virus is the obvious favorite in this situation. On average, babies suffer colds once a month, or 10–12 times a year (more in the winter, less in the summer). It can appear as though one cold is persistent for an extended period of time when, in reality, there are several back-to-back colds. One normally lasts a week to 10 days, and occasionally they'll just run into each other. In addition to causing a runny nose, allergies can also cause it to be clear mucus rather than the green or yellowish mucus that often accompany a cold. A runny or stuffy nose can sometimes be a sign of a bacterial illness.

Sadly, giving cold medications to infants and young children is not a good idea. The medication won't help the virus disappear any faster and might even be harmful. But there are several easy ways to cheer up your little one. She needed some saline drops in her nose to help thin down the mucus. And to help clear her passageways, use a bulb syringe to suction out any extra snot (ugly, but helpful). Put a humidifier or cool-mist vaporizer in her bedroom; it will make the air more humid and make it easier for her to breathe.Last but not least, try holding her while she sleeps or adding a crib wedge to raise her slightly when she is asleep (remember, avoid pillows in the crib because of sudden infant death syndrome risks)

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