The causes of nasal congestion in infants include; There are hot air in the environment where the baby is located, low humidity, the presence of irritating substances such as dust, cigarette smoke and perfumes in the breathing air, and viral infections such as colds and flu. The nose contributes to the filtering, heating and humidification of the inhaled air during breathing. Nasal congestion in babies is an uncomfortable problem for both the baby and the parents. Care should be taken as the degree of nasal congestion can vary widely from mild to severe.
What are the Causes of Nasal Congestion in Babies?
Among the causes of nasal congestion in babies; There are hot air in the baby's environment, low humidity, the presence of irritating substances such as dust, cigarette smoke and perfumes in the breathing air, and viral infections such as colds and flu.
Anatomical Causes of Nasal Congestion
The first 1 month (first 4 weeks) of life is called the neonatal period. Babies in this period are obliged to breathe through the nose. In the structural disease called choanal atresia, the openings that should be in the posterior parts of the nasal airways are congenitally closed. The blocked pathways can be unilateral or bilateral in the nose.
Choanal atresia is more common in girls and on the right side of the nose. In infants who breathe through the nose in the first 3-4 weeks of life, bilateral closure is a life-threatening condition. Generally, in bilateral closures, choanal atresia is diagnosed after birth. If the closure is unilateral, some babies can be diagnosed in the later stages.
In the first 12 months of life, nasal congestion, which expresses the development of blood in the nasal vessels and edema, occurs frequently in addition to nasal congestion. Nasal congestion has a negative effect on the baby's breathing during sleep. Obstructions due to stenosis in the airways usually disappear in the first 6 months following the expansion of the airways.
Foreign microorganisms that tend to cause disease in many parts of the body In case of encountering lymphoma, structures in the character of lymphatic tissue are present. Lymph tissue located at the back of the nose, close to the area where it opens to the nasal passages, is called adenoid or adenoid. can also happen. With the enlargement of the adenoids, nasal congestion, snoring and deterioration in the baby's sleep quality can occur. Since the movement of holding an object in a coordinated manner between the thumb and forefinger does not develop before 9 months, this situation is rarely encountered in small babies.
Nasal congestion, nosebleed, sinusitis and middle ear infection due to foreign body in the nose such inconveniences may occur. Batteries used especially for the operation of toys may attract the attention of children, as they are small and brightly colored. Batteries can cause extreme damage in a short time due to their chemical structure. The puncture of the cartilage in the middle of the nose may occur within 4 hours after the battery is inserted into the nose.
Allergic Conditions and Infectious Diseases Caused by Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion generally occurs in respiratory tract infections. is a symptom. Rhinosinusitis, which defines the inflammation of the nasal mucosa, called rhinitis, and the sinuses, which are the air spaces around the nose, are among the most common causes of nasal congestion.
Viral infections of the respiratory tract may pave the way for long-term rhinitis in infants. In addition to rhinitis caused by infections, susceptibility to allergic events and abnormalities in the nasal structure may also cause inflammation and obstruction of the inner structure of the nose. During breathing, the baby is busier than normal Symptoms such as performing the breathing process and a decrease in appetite may occur in newborn babies after rhinitis occurs.
In cases of rhinitis seen in infancy and infancy, if the symptoms persist for 1-3 months, it is called subacute rhinitis. Among the factors that cause prolonged symptoms, allergies and gastroesophageal reflux syndrome are examples of the leading disorders that can be counted among the causes of subacute rhinitis in this age group. this may trigger excessive secretion production. This excessive amount of fluid produced in response to reflux may cause swelling in the nasal mucosa.
In cases of rhinitis caused by reflux, if the relevant physician recommends, it may be beneficial to have the baby's head slightly higher in the sleeping position. Apart from the position, making various adjustments in the behaviors during feeding in line with the recommendations given by the physician may contribute to the control of reflux and various conditions caused by reflux. and the relevant physicians should be assisted in planning the appropriate treatment. If the doctor deems it appropriate, there are various methods that can be applied to open the blocked nose of the baby.
If the baby's nasal congestion is caused by the dry air in the environment they live in, various humidifier devices can be used. If congestion has occurred in the baby's nose due to the accumulation of mucus produced in the nose, various nasal drops may contribute to the cleaning of these secretions, if deemed appropriate by the physician.
In the event that no progress can be made in clearing nasal congestion with humidification methods, the use of absorbent devices that ensure the cleaning of accumulated secretions, with the knowledge and recommendation of the physician, may be beneficial in eliminating nasal congestion.
Mother S� �Is It All Good?
Breast milk is a unique source of nutrients for babies, and at the same time, many cells and molecules it contains contribute to the strengthening of infants' defense systems. Babies fed with formula instead of breast milk are more prone to infections compared to babies fed with breast milk.
These infections include otitis media, intestinal infections and respiratory tract infections.
defense cells in the digestive system pass to the baby through breast milk and contribute to the protection of the baby against diseases that can be transmitted from the environment during breastfeeding. The milk given within the first 10 days after birth is called colostrum. Compared to mature milk secreted in the future, this milk contains more protective substances from diseases.
Although respiratory diseases such as cold and flu are among the most common causes of nasal congestion, many substances and molecules in breast milk It may show a protective feature against infections that may be the cause of congestion.
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