What Can Doctors Do for a Newborn Baby with Congestion?

Watching your little one struggling to breathe can be very upsetting. No matter how hard you try to avoid germs, the occasional stuffy nose is often unavoidable. According to MayoClinic.com, a typical infant catches seven colds in the first year of life. If you're concerned about your baby, bring him to your pediatrician, but note that the doctor may not be able to fix the problem, particularly if it's viral.

  1. Check for Serious Infections

    • Most of the time, your baby's stuffy nose doesn't present serious complications. It may even be harder on you than it is on her. However, bringing her to the doctor can rule out more serious diseases, such as asthma, allergies or a bacterial infection. Though antibiotics won't work on a viral infection, your baby's doctor may decide that she needs them to treat a bacterial infection, or she could prescribe medication for asthma through a nebulizer.

    Check Hydration and Oxygen Levels

    • If your baby's congestion is severe, he may not be getting the oxygen he needs. The doctor may decide she wants to check the levels of oxygen in his blood. If the levels are depleted, your baby may need more serious treatment. Congestion can also make it difficult for a baby to nurse, which can cause dehydration. If your baby is dehydrated, the doctor may want to use an IV to get more fluids into him.

    Clear Out Nose

    • When the bulb syringe you have at home isn't accomplishing much, the doctor may be able to do a better job. Many doctors have an electronic nasal aspirator that gently clears baby's nose. After seeing how the doctor or nurse uses the machine, you may be able to more effectively clear your baby's nose at home, especially if you purchase an aspirator that allows you to suck with your mouth. Don't worry; there are filters in place to prevent you from getting the mucus in your mouth.

    Offer Sympathy and Advice

    • In most cases, a newborn's nasal congestion is simply a part of life. Your baby may have a viral infection, or it may just be the nasal congestion that many babies have for the first several weeks, according to AskDrSears.com. There are no magic solutions that the doctor can provide. Your pediatrician is likely to offer you advice, such as giving you the go-ahead to use a saline spray, putting a humidifier in baby's room or sitting with baby in the bathroom while you run a hot shower, creating steam to help her breathing.

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