Chest congestion, often accompanied by a runny nose and cough, can make it difficult for your baby to follow her normal eating and sleeping patterns. She also might appear to suffer with difficult breathing, which can worry parents, who hate to see their baby in distress. While chest congestion is uncomfortable for your baby, it usually resolves itself without any major complications.
Significance
Chest congestion commonly occurs in infants as a symptom of the common cold, but it can also indicate exposure to food or environmental allergens. Your baby's developing immune system increases her susceptibility to viruses and allergens, often leading to frequent colds and congestion, especially throughout the winter months. While the congestion might linger for the duration of the cold, it usually goes away without any serious complications. Talk to your doctor about congestion or cold symptoms in infants younger than 3 months so she can rule out serious issues and advise you on safe treatment options.
Considerations
The BabyCenter Medical Advisory board suggests parents consider colds the likely cause of illness if the coughing and congestion appear before any fever appears. They recommend that parents seek a medical evaluation for potential allergies if the symptoms repeatedly occur in the summer, spring or fall and accompany itchy, watery eyes and a clear, runny nose.
Misconceptions
Nasal and chest congestion in infants younger than 2 months might not signify any type of cold or allergy, according to pediatrician and child development expert Dr. William Sears. Dr. Sears states that "junky" breathing and congestion can be normal for many infants of this age because of saliva and regurgitated milk.
Prevention/Solution
Although your baby will almost certainly catch his fair share of colds, taking some health precautions can help reduce the chances of his mild chest congestion turning into something more serious. Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene suggests you consider breastfeeding your infant to provide him with powerful cold-fighting antibodies that can help protect him from upper and lower respiratory infections for years after you stop nursing. He also recommends keeping infants as far away from smoke as possible. Second-hand smoke can increase your baby's chances of developing respiratory infections and asthma.
Warning
Watch for any signs of seriously labored breathing that might indicate a more serious condition, such as asthma or croup. While Dr. Sears states that some degree of wheezing or panting is normal in newborns, labored breathing in which you can see your child's chest "caving in" requires an immediate call to your doctor. Rapid breathing accompanied by high-pitched or squeaky sounds might indicate an asthma attack, which also warrants an after-hours page. If your baby experiences congestion accompanied by labored breathing and a seal-like "barking" cough, she might be suffering from the viral illness croup. Take her into the bathroom and turn on the hot shower. Hold her in the room until her breathing eases, and then contact your doctor for advice.
