Allergic reactions in babies, the teething process or dryness in the nose can also cause nasal congestion. A baby with a stuffy nose may show signs of constant wiping, sniffling, or restlessness. In the treatment of nasal congestion in babies, methods such as nasal washing, saline drops, steam inhalation and using a humidifier can be used. However, it is important to consult a doctor if nasal congestion in infants persists for a long time or occurs with other symptoms.
What causes nasal congestion in babies?
Nasal congestion in babies can be caused by different reasons. Other factors that cause nasal congestion in infants may include nasal polyps, nasal septum curvature, sinusitis or nasal congestion. It is important to consult a pediatrician if nasal congestion persists, becomes severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms. The doctor will determine the appropriate diagnosis and treatment methods on the baby. Common causes of nasal congestion in babies:
- Upper respiratory tract infections: The common cold, flu, or other upper respiratory tract infections are the most common causes of nasal congestion in infants. These infections lead to swelling of the nasal mucosa and blockage of the nasal passages.
- Allergic reactions: Babies can be sensitive to allergic reactions. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander or certain foods can cause nasal congestion in babies.
- Teething process: Some symptoms occur during the teething process in babies, one of which is nasal congestion. With the eruption of teeth, swelling and congestion may occur in the nasal mucosa.
- Intranasal dryness: Dry air can lead to dryness of babies’ nasal passages and congestion. Especially in the winter months, the decrease in the humidity of the air together with the indoor heating systems can cause nasal congestion.
- Foreign bodies: Foreign objects may enter the noses of babies while they are exploring their environment during the exploratory period. These can be small toy pieces, food scraps or other objects. Foreign bodies can cause nasal congestion.
Nasal congestion and wheezing in babies can be caused by a variety of reasons. The causes of nasal congestion and wheezing in infants are usually upper respiratory tract infections, allergic reactions and conditions such as asthma. Colds, flu, or other upper respiratory infections are the most common causes of nasal congestion and wheezing. These infections can cause swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose and throat and blockage of the nasal passages, causing wheezing.
Babies can be sensitive to allergic reactions. Exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander or certain foods can cause nasal congestion and wheezing. One of the chronic respiratory diseases that can cause wheezing in infants is asthma. During an asthma attack, the airways narrow, causing wheezing. In addition to asthma, nasal polyps can cause nasal congestion and wheezing. Nasal congestion and wheezing can be caused by nasal congestion caused by dilation of blood vessels in the nose. This expansion blocks airflow, causing wheezing.
Lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia can cause wheezing in babies. These infections affect the bronchi and lungs, causing wheezing. In addition to all these, foreign bodies rather than a disease can cause nasal congestion and wheezing in babies. Babies can insert foreign objects into their noses while exploring their environment. These foreign bodies can cause nasal congestion and wheezing.
“How does nasal congestion in babies go?” Parents who ask can benefit from the following methods to relieve nasal congestion in babies:
- Nose wash: You can rinse the nose with a saline solution to clear your baby’s nasal passages and unclog them. For this, you can use nasal sprays or special nasal spray bottles that you can obtain from pharmacies. Nasal washing helps your baby relax by removing mucus and allergens in the nose.
- Humidifier use: You can use a humidifier to increase the humidity of the air in the baby room. Humid air moistens the nasal passages and can relieve congestion. However, it is important to maintain the correct humidity level and cleanliness when using a humidifier.
- Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation can be applied to relieve nasal congestion in infants. Taking your baby to a bath with hot steam or using a steamer can be effective. However, it is important not to expose the baby directly to the steam.
- Position change: Holding the baby in a slightly elevated position can help reduce nasal congestion. For babies, slightly raising the head of the bed or putting the baby to sleep in the side lying position can provide this angle.
- Frequent fluid consumption: Drinking plenty of fluids helps keep the nasal mucosa moist. Take care to give fluids frequently with breastfeeding or bottle. It is also important to give additional water in accordance with the age of the baby.
If you have a baby with a stuffy nose, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional, especially if he or she is having trouble or if the symptoms are getting worse. The doctor will assess your baby’s condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Is onion good for nasal congestion in babies?
There is no scientific evidence that onions have a direct or active curative effect on nasal congestion. The essential oils and volatile components of onion may have properties that can help open the nasal passages in some people, but this effect may differ from person to person. The smell of onions can temporarily relieve nasal congestion or help stimulate a runny nose in some people. However, onions alone may not be enough to treat the underlying condition causing nasal congestion.
There is no definite information about the use of onions for nasal congestion in infants. The essential oils and volatile components of onion can help open the nasal passages. However, it is important to consult a doctor before administering onions to your baby. The smell and direct contact of onions can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some babies. In addition, since babies’ skin is sensitive, direct contact of onions can cause skin irritation.
Among the natural remedies for nasal congestion, using saline nasal spray or drops may be a more common choice. This moistens the nasal passages and unclogs them. However, it is important to consult your doctor before applying any treatment method. The doctor will assess your baby’s condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.