Question
A premature baby born at 26 weeks and 4 days, now four months old, frequently experiences recurrent pneumonia and is accompanied by a persistent nasal congestion problem. How should parents handle this situation?
Answer
Nasal congestion in newborns is often caused by regional inflammation, presenting as alternating or intermittent nasal congestion, accompanied by more mucus and a decreased sense of smell. Usually, the condition is not severe, and parents can manage it themselves. If the nasal congestion persists for an extended period, accompanied by bloody mucus, or affects sleep, feeding, and mental state, medical assistance should be sought. When dealing with a newborn’s nasal congestion, you can try holding the baby upright, which not only relieves nasal congestion but also helps the baby fall asleep more easily. Additionally, propping the baby’s head up at an angle of about 30 degrees can also effectively alleviate the symptoms of nasal congestion.