As new parents, you do everything in your power to make sure your baby is safe, fed, and healthy. Yet with all the precautions you take, there is still the possibility of your newborn getting sick.
Cough is a common condition across various age groups and acute cases often resolve in a few days or weeks with the help of proper medication and rest. Should we be alarmed when there is coughing in the newborn? Here is what you need to know.
What causes cough among newborns?
In newborn babies who are less than one month old, cough often suggests that something is obstructing the baby’s airway. Coughing in infants may be due to several factors, including mucus buildup and even the feeding process. If the mother has an upper respiratory tract infection prior to giving birth, it may also trigger coughing in her newborn.
What can I do to address my newborn’s cough?
Newborn coughing can be prevented depending on what can be causing the airway irritation. For instance, when feeding the baby whether through a bottle or via breastfeeding, keep them propped up or position them comfortably to avoid the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Aspiration pneumonia happens when food is inhaled into the lungs instead of swallowed.
To avoid mucus buildup, make sure your baby stays hydrated by feeding them at regular intervals or as often as they need to. If they are feeding from a milk bottle, always keep it clean and sterilized. If your baby is struggling with too much mucus buildup, your child’s pediatrician may prescribe nasal sprays to help dissolve dried up mucus and relieve stuffiness.
When should I be worried about my baby’s cough?
If your newborn’s coughing is accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing, seek the help of your pediatrician right away. Signs your baby is having trouble breathing include a fast breathing rate, a bluish tinge around the mouth, grunting, wheezing, flaring nostrils, and chest retractions.
But if you observe anything unusual about your newborn despite the absence of the said warning signs, it is best to consult your doctor immediately to help you address any worries you may have regarding your baby’s health. The first few years of your baby are one of the most crucial moments in their lives, so it is essential to take care of their health as they grow with the help of proper diet, adequate sleep, and sufficient vitamin intake.
General disclaimer
Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.
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