Question
What measures should be taken when a newborn has a stuffy nose? A parent reported that their 16-day-old baby recently experienced difficulty breathing, and whether this is related to the physiological characteristics of newborns?
Answer
Newborn nasal congestion is often related to their anatomical and physiological features. Since newborns have smaller nostrils, shorter nasal passages, and soft nasal mucosa rich in capillaries, they are more prone to congestion and swelling. If the secretions in the nasal cavity dry out and form crusts, they can be gently cleared with a cotton swab to reduce the dryness of the nasal secretions, promote normal flow of mucus, and thus alleviate the symptoms of congestion. Additionally, appropriate stimulation may cause the baby to sneeze, which helps to expel dry secretions from the nasal cavity, improving breathing conditions.