Chest Congestion in Babies – Causes and Precautions

Cough and chest congestion in babies and toddlers are widespread. If your baby has a running nose, it usually means the body is getting rid of germs. However, it can be uncomfortable when the mucus builds up in the nose, causing a faster breathing rate. It is not an illness in itself but may lead to one if left untreated. 

We would offer some qualified guidance on the causes, signs, and remedies for chest congestion in infants and toddlers. Our advice would be based on some salient aspects of their internal organs and natural anatomy. We would then top the discussion by offering some of our baby products that you may use to set the issue right.

Mamaearth Breathe Easy Vapour Rub

Relieves Congestion |Promotes Easy Breathing

What is Chest Congestion?

The inner lining of our respiratory system has membranes that produce a thick and sticky substance called mucus. When irritants like dust, air pollutants, and viruses enter the body, this lining secretes mucus to catch them. But some conditions do not let the body expel the mucus as it should, leading to chest congestion. It may give your little one a clogged nose and a headache. 

Mild congestion may not be troublesome. However, babies need extra support to clear this accumulation of mucus because their lungs are smaller and weaker. A special case may be seen if your baby has a stifled nose. Then he might appear to be breathing unusually fast, even when babies already breathe faster than adults.

Did you know? On average, babies take forty breaths per minute whereas adults take 12 to 20 breaths per minute. You should talk to a doctor if your baby is breathing at the rate of over forty breaths per minute.

Chest Congestion Symptoms

Congestion happens when there is fluid in the lungs’ airways. It may appear differently in babies depending on where the blockage is. It can be difficult to tell where the problem is, as the baby’s airways are fragile and not too far apart. If the mucus is accumulated in the nose, it is called nasal congestion and signifies an infection.
However, if your baby appears healthy otherwise and feeding or usually sleeping, with no signs of fever, there’s nothing to be worried about. You can look out for these signs of feeling congestion in the chest–

1. Difficulty in breathing: The baby’s breathing pattern may change if they are experiencing chest congestion. So, if you notice their breathing changing heavily, it is probably a sign of chest congestion. 

2. Coughing: Coughing is the body’s way of spitting excess mucus. So if your baby is coughing unusually, it could be because of the mucus buildup in the chest. It would be better to provide him with a warmer touch and give him a massage.

3. Snoring while sleeping: Cough and chest congestion can worsen snoring because they cause nasal congestion. It can be challenging for babies to meet their sleeping needs. So, if your baby is not sleeping well at night, it could probably be chest congestion. 

4. Fussiness: A regular blockage and discomfort while breathing will make the baby feel irritated and cranky. You should consult a doctor if you observe sudden changes in your mood or habits. 

5. Poor Appetite: Your baby may not find food appealing or lose appetite. Please consult your doctor to learn the reason behind their failing appetite. Forcibly feeding a child could make matters worse and lead to nausea.

6. Wheezing: When your baby has chest congestion, you will likely hear a wheezing sound with their respiratory cycle. This is because the blocked airways may be inflamed due to mucus accumulation. The wheeze will sound like a faint whistle. 

7. Fever: Fever could be due to an infection or inflammation in the airways. It may occur only when the infection is severe or the baby has weak immunity.

Warning signs
While chest congestion and cold are widespread in babies, they do not necessarily indicate an underlying problem. However, if your baby shows these signs consistently, you must visit their healthcare provider immediately. 

1. Trouble breathing: This may result from a severe blockage in the airways. The other signs include lips changing color and grunting sounds while breathing. 

2. Fatigue: If your baby feels fussy or exhausted, it’s time to consult their pediatrician. 

Causes of Chest Congestion

Babies develop chest congestion when they inhale smoke, pollutants, viruses, and other irritants. At this time, the body produces excess mucus in the nose and airways to trap and flush out these irritants. 

Babies are more susceptible to these infections because they have small or immature nasal passages and airways. Prolonged exposure to changing weather conditions can also trigger too much mucus and congestion. 

Here are some probable reasons for chest congestion:

1. Common cold: The leading factor responsible for mucus formation is cold infection. Since infants don’t know how to cough it out, they are more prone to congestion. 

2. Depressed immune system: Babies are more at risk of illness due to a weak immune system. Hence the susceptibility to the common cold and cold is high. So when they have a cold and cough, their chest chokes up. 

3. Premature birth: Premature babies have an underdeveloped immune system. Their lungs are weaker, which puts the babies at a higher risk of chest congestion. 

4. Allergic reactions: This can cause coughing after exposure to specific allergens such as viruses or bacteria. It may also be triggered due to the proximity of someone allergic.

5. Irritants: Cigarette smoke, vehicle fumes, and cooking smoke can disrupt the function of the respiratory system in infants. These preferences may be transferred from the mother to the baby and may work as a reason for chest congestion.

Other causes:

• Babies who have never been breastfed are more likely to develop chest congestion than those who have been regularly breastfed. 
• Contact with multiple children who are infected with a cold. 
• Exposure to crowded environments
• Hay fever

Chest Congestion- Preventive Measures and Solution!

Believe it or not, a runny nose in babies is not that bad. It is the body’s self-healing system to eliminate viruses or bacteria. But when their membranes produce too much mucus, this can cause a stuffy head and make the baby fussy. This could make it harder for them to inhale and exhale normally. 

So, here are some preventive measures you can adopt to avert the risk of the chest or nasal congestion-

• Breastfeed him: Breast milk contains antibodies to help fight infection in newborns and toddlers. So, breast milk can work as an antidote if your baby is less than six months old. It provides nutritional benefits and improves their immunity levels.

• Avoid crowded places: To prevent the risk of infection, avoid taking your baby or infant to crowded places. Crowded surroundings may have people infected with colds or other respiratory infections. 

• Ensure your baby is getting sound sleep: If your baby is sick, he might not sleep well. Try to make him sleep by keeping the room’s temperature warm. It would also help to keep distractions like loud music and 1flashng lights away from his room.

• Use a hand sanitizer: The rise of COVID-19 has ensured that we learn how vital hand sanitization is in today’s time. If your baby has started eating, you should always use hand sanitizer before feeding him. Since a baby’s immune system is immature, exposure to germs can put him at risk of colds or coughs. 

• First aid in the kitchen: Ingredients like ginger, lemon, turmeric, and honey are extremely beneficial in keeping chest infections at bay. 

• Keep him hydrated: If he has flu or any other infection, keep him hydrated to help loosen up mucus. 

• Warm baths: Warm baby baths can help clear congestion and release mucus. Be sure to note that the water should not be too hot.j

• Practice hygiene: Maintaining hygiene can prevent little ones from falling sick. Use disposable tissues to clear your baby’s nose and dispose of it as soon as possible. 

Mamaearth Breathe Easy Vapor Rub For Decongesting

Would you not like to keep your little bundle of joy safe and away from seasonal infections? 

So, keeping your baby’s everyday needs in mind, we provide Made Safe-certified, and toxin-free baby care products. We are home to a wide range of baby products you can choose from. We also offer oral, hair, and skincare products to ensure your baby receives gentle care. 

Mamaearth Breathe Easy Vapour Roll-on

Relieves Congestion |Promotes Easy Breathing

Mamaearth Breathe Easy Vapour Rub 

This MadeSafe certified natural Breath Easy Vapour features Wintergreen Oil, Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, and Eucalyptus Oil. This unique formula works fast to relieve signs of chest congestion, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, and sore throat in babies and toddlers.

It improves sleep, soothes muscles, and promotes easy breathing. Plus, this toxin-free decongestant is dermatologically tested and 100% natural. Thus it does not cause any allergic reactions and is great for the baby’s skin.

• Wintergreen Oil: This powerful ingredient relieves chest and nasal congestion. It soothes muscles and improves the baby’s sleep.

• Peppermint Oil: The antimicrobial properties of this oil help treat a sore throat. It also helps alleviate signs of chest congestion by unblocking the airways. 

• Lavender Oil: The calming property of this oil helps improve breathing and relieve inflammation in the throat. 

• Eucalyptus Oil: Most cold, cough and congestion medications are infused with eucalyptus oil. It is because the oil’s vapors immediately relieve the baby by soothing airways. 

How to use Mamaearth Breathe Easy Vapour Rub?

Step 1: Take out an adequate amount of Breathe Easy Vapour Rub using your fingers.

Step 2: Gently massage onto the baby’s chest, forehead, and bottom feet for fast relief and comfort.

Step 3: Reapply as necessary.

Summing Up!

It’s overwhelming seeing your baby coughing or fussing due to chest congestion. Remember that it is expected and will likely go on its own. However, if signs persist, we recommend using Mamaearth Breathe Easy Vapour Rub for decongesting the airways.

Another thing you can do along with is using a humidifier at your home to help loosen mucus. Keeping your baby hydrated also helps in the easy movement of thick mucus. As a caution, don’t hesitate to call their pediatrician if the symptoms worsen or disrupt your baby’s routine habits. 

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