A runny nose is a fairly common phenomenon that children of any age can suffer, including very small ones. However, not all parents know how to treat a runny nose in a newborn. But getting rid of such a nuisance is necessary as soon as possible, because a prolonged runny nose can lead to chronic diseases of the nasal mucosa. In addition, due to the mucus accumulated in the nasal passages, it is difficult for the baby to breathe. Babies who are breast-fed, can not eat fully, as they have to breathe through their mouths. Because of this, the child develops irritability, he often cries for a long time, his sleep becomes restless and, most importantly, the baby is gaining poorly or even losing weight. Before answering the question of how to treat a runny nose in a newborn, it is necessary to establish the causes of its appearance.
Causes of the common cold
In babies up to two months, the presence of discharge from the nose does not always indicate any disease. During this period, there may be a so-called physiological runny nose. At this age, the nasopharyngeal mucosa can still not fully perform its functions, therefore, mucus can be released in a small amount.
Of course, for the most part, a runny nose appears due to a cold, a viral infection or the flu. This always causes swelling of the mucosa, and it becomes difficult for the baby to breathe.
Allergens, such as animal hair, dust, pollen, can also cause a runny nose in a newborn baby. Therefore, if possible, the baby should be protected from potentially dangerous objects.
Runny nose in a newborn: how to treat?
First of all, it is necessary to create a certain microclimate in the room. The air should be moist and cool, and the temperature should not exceed 22 º. By the way, such an atmosphere in the children's room should be constant, and not only during the period of illness. This will help prevent mucus from drying out in the small nose.
In addition, you should moisten not only the air in the room, but also the nasal mucosa. For this, a simple saline solution is best - water and salt. With this solution, the baby’s nose should be instilled every 30 minutes (3-4 drops).
Of course, the best option is to contact a pediatrician. He will conduct an examination and give recommendations on how to treat a runny nose in a newborn. You can also use certain medications specifically for children to fix the problem. However, you should not prescribe medication yourself, let the doctor do it.
Possible complications
It is necessary to eliminate the common cold in the newborn immediately after the symptoms are detected. Not fully cured, it can cause serious complications. The most dangerous of these is pneumonia. Also, with improper or untimely treatment, sinusitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, pharyngitis can develop.
It is also not necessary to wipe your baby’s nose too hard and often. From this, sores can appear on the wings of the nose, which will give the baby painful sensations, which will only increase its irritability.
Of course, any disease is much easier to prevent than to treat for a long time. Therefore, strengthening the baby's immunity should be the main task of parents. But, nevertheless, everyone should know how to treat a runny nose in a newborn.