Baby Runny Nose

Runny nose in babies is quite a common condition, affecting majority of the young children worldwide. The main reason behind this is the immune system, which is not fully developed in babies and toddlers. Though runny nose in adults is not taken seriously, it is a major issue in babies. The affected baby may not be able to eat and sleep properly, because of congested and stuffy nose. And the outcome is obvious, the baby will get irritated and cry continuously. Having knowledge about the causes and remedies will help deal baby runny nose effectively.

Baby Runny Nose: Causes and Symptoms

Majority of the new moms have a query as to what triggers baby runny nose. Many times, it is common cold that causes runny nose in babies and infants. As the baby tends to suck his fingers, it is understandable that viruses and other disease-causing organisms may enter in his system, resulting in runny nose, nasal congestion and other cold symptoms. Other possible reasons for baby runny nose are allergies, influenza (flu) and at times, objects that block the nasal passage.

Baby runny nose may be accompanied with other symptoms, which should not be neglected at any cost. Otherwise, the condition may worsen leading to various complications. In case of common cold, the baby may manifest cough, sneezing and low-grade fever; whereas runny nose associated with cough, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea and poor appetite are signs of influenza. If allergy is the reason for baby runny nose, you may notice symptoms like sneezing, coughing along with red and watery eyes. If your baby is between 3-6 months old, then runny nose may be a sign of teething.

Baby Runny Nose: Treatment and Remedy

As with any medical condition, treatment options vary depending upon the root cause. The same applies to runny nose in babies. Advocating medications to the baby should be done under the advice of a qualified pediatrician. Nevertheless prior to employing therapeutic medicines for curing baby runny nose, it is important to ease the discomfort symptoms. Some of the effective tips that you can use while dealing baby runny nose are as follows:

• If your baby has stuffy nose, you can use saline solutions to clear the nasal passage as per the directions mentioned in the label of the product.
• Use a room humidifier, so as to keep the humidity in the recommended level. This will help the baby in easy breathing and combat nasal congestion.
• Always keep the baby hydrated, either by nursing or feeding baby formula. No doubt, the ailing baby will feed less, but ensure that he has been fed continuously.
• Sterilize a bulb syringe and use it for clearing excess mucus from the baby's nose. Gently wipe nasal dripping with soft tissue paper and discard it.
• An effective baby runny nose remedy is propping up the pillow to about 16 - 18 inches. This will ensure proper drainage of the excess mucus from the baby's nose. Read more on stuffy nose remedies for babies.

Taking proper care of a baby suffering from runny nose is easier said than done. But with correct tips and information, you can help relieve your baby from the discomfort symptoms. Baby runny nose occurs most frequently during winter months, when there is dry and cold air. Thus, in order to protect your baby from cold and other diseases that cause runny nose, you need to take extra care in terms of feeding and keeping the surrounding air moist.