Chest congestion in babies is a common problem that’s usually harmless though it can make breathing difficult, making babies irritable. Blocked nose, flared nostrils, and wheezing, are a few common signs of chest congestion that can make a baby distressed and fussy. Usually, a baby develops chest congestion when excess mucus builds up in the chest. However, there can be several other reasons for a baby to develop chest congestion. Read this post to learn about the common causes of chest congestion in babies, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies.
What Is Chest Congestion?
Chest congestion is the accumulation of excess mucus in the lungs, bronchi, and the trachea. Mucus works like the first line of defense for the body. The respiratory system is lined with cells that produce sticky mucus, which traps pathogens and other foreign bodies (1). The upper respiratory system produces more mucus if it detects a pathogen or a foreign body. This excess mucus blocks the airway and leads to chest congestion. Chest congestion is thus a symptom of an infection or the entry of a foreign body. And the chest congestion itself displays several other symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Chest Congestion?
A baby with chest congestion might display the following symptoms: Chest congestion is itself a symptom of an upper and/ or lower respiratory system infection or problem. The signs of chest congestion in a baby can vary depending on the underlying cause.
When To See A Doctor?
See a pediatrician when the baby displays the following symptoms:
Fever; temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) Lethargy and constant drowsiness Loss of appetite for over a day Swelling of the face, neck, or eyes The baby has difficulty breathing
The doctor will diagnose chest congestion by listening to the baby’s breath. The underlying cause can be determined through blood and sputum test. There are several reasons why an infant could develop congestion in their chest.
What Causes Chest Congestion In Babies?
The following are the main reasons why an infant could develop chest congestion: The treatment of chest congestion depends on the underlying cause.
How Is Chest Congestion In Babies Treated?
Chest congestion in infants is cured by treating the problem that caused it. Antibiotics and expectorants are sometimes used to treat chest congestion. Expectorants loosen mucus but they are not used for babies younger than two years. Management of the viral infection, allergy, and genetic diseases are other ways to treat congestion. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics but go away in time as the immune system gets stronger. Also, allergies and genetic diseases are persistent and can last a lifetime. Efficient management is the key to prevent them from causing any inconvenience to your baby. Consult a pediatrician for the right treatment and avoid self-medication. However, you may try a few home remedies to ease a baby’s chest congestion.
Home Remedies For Chest Congestion
You may consider the following home remedies for chest congestion in babies: If the baby has cystic fibrosis, then they will need a distinctive, rhythmic style of tapping with a cupped hand. A doctor or a specialist in cystic fibrosis patient care can teach you the right way of tapping, depending on the age of the baby and the severity of their condition. The above home remedies can work in tandem with the medical treatment suggested by the doctor. Medical treatments and home remedies will help the baby feel better, but prevention is always better than cure.
How To Prevent Chest Congestion In Babies?
Preventing chest congestion in infants is about avoiding everything that causes excess mucus accumulation in the chest. Below are the preventive measures you can take.
References:
title: “Chest Congestion In Babies Causes Symptoms Home Remedies” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-14” author: “Harold Barrows”
Chest congestion in babies is a common problem that’s usually harmless though it can make breathing difficult, making babies irritable. Blocked nose, flared nostrils, and wheezing, are a few common signs of chest congestion that can make a baby distressed and fussy. Usually, a baby develops chest congestion when excess mucus builds up in the chest. However, there can be several other reasons for a baby to develop chest congestion. Read this post to learn about the common causes of chest congestion in babies, its symptoms, treatment, and prevention strategies.
What Is Chest Congestion?
Chest congestion is the accumulation of excess mucus in the lungs, bronchi, and the trachea. Mucus works like the first line of defense for the body. The respiratory system is lined with cells that produce sticky mucus, which traps pathogens and other foreign bodies (1). The upper respiratory system produces more mucus if it detects a pathogen or a foreign body. This excess mucus blocks the airway and leads to chest congestion. Chest congestion is thus a symptom of an infection or the entry of a foreign body. And the chest congestion itself displays several other symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms Of Chest Congestion?
A baby with chest congestion might display the following symptoms: Chest congestion is itself a symptom of an upper and/ or lower respiratory system infection or problem. The signs of chest congestion in a baby can vary depending on the underlying cause.
When To See A Doctor?
See a pediatrician when the baby displays the following symptoms:
Fever; temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) Lethargy and constant drowsiness Loss of appetite for over a day Swelling of the face, neck, or eyes The baby has difficulty breathing
The doctor will diagnose chest congestion by listening to the baby’s breath. The underlying cause can be determined through blood and sputum test. There are several reasons why an infant could develop congestion in their chest.
What Causes Chest Congestion In Babies?
The following are the main reasons why an infant could develop chest congestion: The treatment of chest congestion depends on the underlying cause.
How Is Chest Congestion In Babies Treated?
Chest congestion in infants is cured by treating the problem that caused it. Antibiotics and expectorants are sometimes used to treat chest congestion. Expectorants loosen mucus but they are not used for babies younger than two years. Management of the viral infection, allergy, and genetic diseases are other ways to treat congestion. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics but go away in time as the immune system gets stronger. Also, allergies and genetic diseases are persistent and can last a lifetime. Efficient management is the key to prevent them from causing any inconvenience to your baby. Consult a pediatrician for the right treatment and avoid self-medication. However, you may try a few home remedies to ease a baby’s chest congestion.
Home Remedies For Chest Congestion
You may consider the following home remedies for chest congestion in babies: If the baby has cystic fibrosis, then they will need a distinctive, rhythmic style of tapping with a cupped hand. A doctor or a specialist in cystic fibrosis patient care can teach you the right way of tapping, depending on the age of the baby and the severity of their condition. The above home remedies can work in tandem with the medical treatment suggested by the doctor. Medical treatments and home remedies will help the baby feel better, but prevention is always better than cure.
How To Prevent Chest Congestion In Babies?
Preventing chest congestion in infants is about avoiding everything that causes excess mucus accumulation in the chest. Below are the preventive measures you can take.
