When a woman has a baby, she begins to worry about every occasion. So, the newly minted mother is concerned about food, sleep and the health of the crumbs. It happens that a newborn often sneezes. Each woman at the same time begins to worry. You will learn about the causes of this symptom from the article. Why does a newborn baby sneeze often? What should be done with this and is it worth it to see a doctor?
Newborns often sneeze
Immediately after the baby is born, his body begins to adapt to environmental conditions. So, the baby can hiccup, sneeze and cough. Most often, this is not a symptom of any pathology and does not require treatment. However, there are times when a newborn often sneezes, and this is a sign of illness. It is necessary to begin the correction as soon as possible, however, the doctor should prescribe treatment.
Why does a newborn often sneeze? Consider the main causes of the appearance of this symptom and deal with methods of elimination.
Physiological runny nose
Often, newborn babies sneeze due to the fact that a large amount of mucus is secreted in their nose. All this has a fairly simple explanation. Being in the womb, the baby is in the liquid. Its lungs are tightly glued and do not inhale air. A baby nose can draw in amniotic fluid and release it back. The mucous membranes of the respiratory system are constantly moistened.
When the baby is born, he takes the first breath. The lungs straighten, and the respiratory system begins to work differently. The mucous membranes begin to gradually dry, and small crusts form inside the nose. They can irritate the airways. The consequence of this is that a newborn baby often sneezes.
Eustachian tube and its immaturity
The reason that newborns often sneeze may be the failure of the Eustachian passage. This tube connects the baby’s ears with the nasopharynx. Immediately after birth, it is short and wide. With age, it lengthens and becomes thinner.
If sneezing in a baby begins immediately after feeding, then most likely the reason lies precisely in this. Do not worry too much about this. Within a few weeks, the state of the crumbs will change.
Dry air
Often, newborns sneeze due to the fact that they are surrounded by dry air. It is worth noting that the body of an adult responds in a similar way to such a situation.
Dry air acts on the mucous membranes. They lose the necessary moisture and become very sensitive. The slightest irritant can cause an attack of sneezing.
Disease
Why does a newborn often sneeze? This may be a symptom that the baby is sick. If, in addition to sneezing, the baby has a runny nose or an abundant separation of mucus from the nose, as well as a cough with a fever, then we are talking about a cold.
It is worth noting that sneezing can occur with both bacterial and viral infections. The treatment in both cases is very different. That is why it is worth visiting a specialist to inspect and receive appointments.
Allergy
If a person begins to sneeze often in a certain environment, then the first thing that comes to mind is an allergic reaction. Watch the baby carefully. Perhaps his sneezing has a certain pattern.
Often babies react in a similar way to household chemicals, shampoos or creams. Try to exclude all odorants from contact with the child and see if his behavior changes.
External irritants
Young children can react strongly to any external stimuli. The baby often begins to sneeze due to the fact that mom used perfume. Also, any cosmetics that have perfume can cause a similar reaction.
If dad recently smoked and then picked up the baby in his arms, then he can also begin to sneeze. All this is a protective reaction to external stimuli. Often in this case, abundant separation of mucus from the nose begins.
What to do if a newborn baby sneezes often?
If you notice that the baby sneezes a lot, then you should definitely consult a specialist. Only a pediatrician can examine the baby and make the correct diagnosis. Treatment will depend on the cause of the irritation of the nasal passages.
- If small crusts have formed in the nose that irritate the mucous membrane, then it is worth removing them. Do this with cotton swabs dipped in petroleum jelly or oil.
- Humidify the air more often. Infant sneezing caused by overdrying of the mucous membranes will stop immediately. Humidify the air with wet linen, boiling liquid or the use of special devices.
- Try not to use pungent perfumes and perfumes. Wash your hands and take a shower before contacting your child.
- If sneezing is caused by an illness, then treatment is worth starting. Most often, doctors prescribe antiviral or antibacterial agents.
Summarizing
You now know why a newborn baby sneezes often and how to deal with it. If the symptom occurs for physiological reasons, then doctors recommend just waiting. Over time, sneezing will decrease and pass completely. Never drip breast milk into the baby’s nose on the advice of experienced friends. This can lead to inflammation and infection in a healthy baby. Health to you and your baby!