My 5-month-old has her first cold. She's so stuffed up it's hard for to eat, and she wakes up a few times a night because she's so uncomfortable. What can I do to alleviate her symptoms?
By Lillian Beard, M.D.
Most infants are miserable when they are not able to breathe through
their noses. To clear her nose, you can try saline (salt water) nose
drops. They are readily available over the counter at your local drug
store. There are several different brand names; just ask the pharmacist
to assist you. (And make sure you buy only saline nasal drops; many
nose spray contain decongestants not suitable for an infant.) Just two
drops into each nostril will help to thin any mucus secretions which
may be causing stuffiness in her tiny nasal passageways.
Also, to clear away the secretions, you can use an infant
"ear" syringe, (a rubber bulb syringe with a long snout). These are
ideal to fit into babies' tiny noses. Instill two saline drops into one
nostril, squeeze the bulb syringe before placing the tip in baby's
nose, then release the bulb and this negative pressure will pull the
now thinned secretions from the nostril. Repeat this maneuver in the
other nostril. It functions as a 'nose blower' for babies. This can be
done up to four times per day (more than this can be irritating to the
nasal passages). Before feedings and sleep are ideal. Be careful not to
squeeze the bulb of the syringe into the nose; that would painfully
push air and mucus further into the back of the nose.
In addition, just elevating the baby's head and chest to at
least a 45-degree angle during feedings and when sleeping will increase
her comfort level. Adding moisture to her bedroom or playroom using a
cool-mist humidifier will also enhance her comfort. If she stills seems
uncomfortable despite these steps, ask your pediatrician if she can
recommend one of the over-the-counter oral decongestant medications
specially formulated for infant use.
Lillian Beard, M.D.
Pediatrics
Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American
Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical
professor at the George Washington University School
of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C.
She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national
television programs, discussing issues related to children's health.
Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.
