It is common for the smallest of the house during the cold months to suffer from several colds, blocking their noses and that sometimes it is difficult for them to breathe, taste food and even feel uncomfortable at bedtime since they cannot inhale air. easily. Mucus is a defense mechanism against certain viruses or bacteria. They are annoying, both for babies and for adults, since they prevent them from being able to do certain things normally.
In this post, We are going to clarify one of the most repeated doubts by parents and that is, if my baby can drown from snot. These can be produced in different ways, but as a general rule, when they appear, they do not have to indicate anything serious, although it does happen that when they do so in a baby, an internal alarm goes off.
You have to be very aware that babies expel them or help them so that they are not bothered, with a feeling of suffocation and of course they do not stop eating. As parents, you must be attentive and help them as much as possible to breathe normally, since mucus usually causes discomfort in little ones.
Why do babies have mucus?
The production of mucus, as we have indicated in the introduction, appears as a defense mechanism against different organisms. Despite this, it is essential to remember that in babies an abundant production of mucus can prevent the little one from breathing normally. Their nostrils are still very small and narrow, so the natural removal of mucus may not work as well as they do at older ages.
Remember that, During the first months of life, the little ones do not have developed the reflex to breathe through the mouthThey only do it through the nose. If your little one has a lot of mucus production, not breathing through his mouth and his little nose starting to get stuffy can complicate the breathing process.
The little ones are going to have mucus during the vast majority of their childhood, whatever the season, and in most cases you should not be alarmed by it. What we always recommend is that go to your pediatrician, to avoid other ills such as possible otitis and other complications.
When should I consult the pediatrician.
us from here We advise you to contact your pediatrician if you have the slightest doubt about what could happen to your child. for him or her to make an evaluation and make the right decisions.
You should take into account, if the mucus is accompanied by other symptoms such as a high fever. Another aspect to consider is how long they have been during these symptoms, if it is only one day, three, or more. This will help your doctor rule out possible infections.
You also have to pay attention to dry or mucous cough, phlegm, shortness of breath appear, if you stop eating, symptoms that you must remember to discuss them with the specialist. Earaches, sore throats, or difficulty sleeping may also occur.
In any case, as we have pointed out contact your doctor either personally or by phone, explain what the symptoms are that your baby presents and he will be the one who takes the best measures in terms of care and treatment.
How can they be relieved?
Especially, you have to stay calm and help them as much as possible to expel them. There are several techniques for this, but always under the acceptance of a specialist.
Nasal washes
It is important to clean babies' noses both inside and out. The right time to do it is when your little one is calmer. You have to moisten the pits and with the help of a handkerchief, remove the remains. Consult your pediatrician to see the product indicated for your baby.
humid environments
The most recommended is get an air humidifier to maintain a humid environment. This will prevent the baby's mucous membranes from drying out and also favor their expulsion. Remember that these devices do not have to be active 24 hours a day, it is advisable to ventilate the rooms after use.
Nasal aspirator
The famous nasal pears are very useful to help clear the nose. You just have to insert it into the little one's nose, when you have previously pressed it and release it little by little. They are useful, but it is not advisable to abuse them.
If your baby has mucus you can try any of these remedies or others that you know, in the event that these do not disappear and other symptoms occur, remember to see your doctor for an evaluation. Remember to be calm, since it is normal for babies to have mucus, keep them hydrated, calm and with a good rest.