Congestion in an infant is no different than in an adult or other individual. Congestion develops when the nasal lining becomes swollen from inflamed blood vessels, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Congestion makes it difficult and sometimes impossible for an infant to breathe. In most cases the cause of congestion, a respiratory infection, must be left to run its course and the infant is made to feel comfortable until the illness passes.
Causes
Congestion is caused by various irritating agents that affect the airways. MedlinePlus suggests the most common causes of congestion to include viral or bacteria respiratory infections such as those that cause the common cold, flu or sinus infection. It is possible for an infant to have other nasal or respiratory problems that cause congestion including a sensitivity to strong fragrances. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests sneezing after eating can indicate an allergy to milk or other foods a lactating mother has consumed and passed to the baby through breast milk.
Symptoms
KidsHealth points out that newborns tend to breathe through the nose, so even a small amount of fluid or mucus can cause a caregiver to suspect congestion. Signs of congestion can include breathing noisily, sounding stuffy when crying or gasping for air after suckling at the breast or bottle. An infant may have some head pain from congestion but this is more difficult to recognize. The baby will likely be fussy, wake frequently when sleeping and cry during feeding. Depending on the cause of congestion, the infant may have nasal drainage, sneezing and coughing.
Time Frame
A baby suffers from congestion anywhere between a few days and a week. MayoClinic.com recommends taking the baby to the doctor if the underlying cause worsens or lasts more than 10 days. A baby can have a respiratory infection for more than 10 days but the symptoms, including congestion, should improve after the first week. A lingering runny nose is not uncommon.
Complications
Signs of a more serious illness include a temperature over 102 degrees, thick green discharge for over two weeks, coughing for more than a week, refusing to eat, coughing so hard it produces vomit, or struggling to breathe, states MayoClinic.com. Newborns should be treated by a health professional for a fever over 100.4 degrees, states FamilyDoctor.org. When a baby struggles to breathe and begins turning blue, it is a medical emergency. Wheezing and sleep apnea require medical intervention. Sleep apnea in an infant can be recognized as the baby going several seconds or longer without breathing. A short break in breathing is somewhat normal in infancy but caregivers should discuss this with a health care provider.
Treatment
Babies should not be given any over-the-counter congestion or cold medications without the advice of a medical care provider. Most medications are not made for young babies and those that are formulated for infants are not recommended by Healthy Children, a website provided by the American Academy of Pediatricians. Instead of medications, caregivers can provide the baby with several comfort measures. MedlinePlus suggests a saline nasal spray or dropper and a bulb syringe to thin mucus in the nose and suction it out. Other methods include running a cool mist humidifier, keeping the baby's head elevated and holding the baby in a bathroom while a hot shower is running. Suctioning during and before feeding can improve the baby's breathing ability and increase the fluids consumed, another important comfort measure in improving congestion.
