Question
A seven-month-old baby always makes breathing sounds during her afternoon nap and sometimes snorts, but no mucus is observed upon examination. What could be the cause? Should I be worried?
Answer
If the baby has been snoring since birth without any symptoms like fever or cough, it might be related to underdeveloped throat. For newborns, the cause of congenital laryngomalacia could be a lack of calcium leading to underdeveloped laryngeal cartilage. In such cases, mild symptoms usually improve with the addition of calcium and vitamin D supplements. If the symptoms are severe and interfere with breathing, symptoms like cyanosis and coughing may occur. It is recommended that parents take the baby to a pediatrician for a diagnosis.