Why Does Your Baby Have a Stuffy Nose? 4 Common Reasons
From crusties to snot bubbles, having a blocked nose isn’t a comfortable experience for anyone, let alone your baby. It’s also a common symptom, which may make it difficult to ascertain the reason behind it.
If your little one is experiencing congestion, it’s important to take them to see your health professional to determine the cause.
Read on to discover four common potential reasons for your baby’s blocked nose, which you may wish to discuss during your appointment.
Spilling
If your bub has ever spilled on you during a cuddle, you’re likely familiar with spitting up. It’s a common occurrence for young babies, which happens when the valve at the top of their stomach accidentally opens and allows their stomach contents to come back up.
Although spilling is a messy experience, it usually doesn’t worry the baby who’s experiencing it.
Sometimes, this spit up may also travel into your little one’s nasal passages on the way back up, which may cause them to become temporarily blocked.
Airborne Irritants
Just as adults experience hayfever in response to irritants in the air, so too may your little one.
Particles such as dust or pollen may all cause a runny or blocked nose for your baby.
This is because their nose is lined with fine hairs and mucous membranes, which work together to trap irritants before they can travel any further into their body.
The resulting mucous is usually thin and clear, so your bub may be able to clear it easily.
Dry Air
Dry air can cause your baby’s nose to produce more mucus than usual. This is a sign that their mucous membranes are working harder than usual to keep your little one’s nasal passages nice and moist.
The Common Cold
As your baby’s little immune system is still developing, they may catch a common cold more frequently than adults who have had more exposure to bugs and germs over the years.
If you suspect your baby’s congestion may be caused by a common cold, pay attention to their nasal discharge.
If it’s a yellowish/green colour, they may be experiencing a cold, whereas if the mucous is clear they may be experiencing hayfever. Discuss the colour of your little one’s nasal discharge with a health professional.
If you found this information useful, you may enjoy the following:
The Most Common Illnesses For Children And How To Spot Them
Reasons Why Your Child May Have A Runny Nose And How To Help
