Mouth Breathing In Babies
Mouth breathing in babies can be a very worrying sight indeed. While mouth breathing itself is not necessarily dangerous, it can be a sign of something more serious happening in a child’s body and should not be ignored.
Signs Of Mouth Breathing In Babies
There are a few telltale signs to look out for that suggest your baby is mouth breathing:
- Movement of the abdomen: When a baby is mouth breathing,they breathe rapidly and it is often visible by the movement of their abdomen.
- Noisiness: Mouth breathing can sound louder than normal breathing and be accompanied by snoring or other loud noises.
- Dry mouth: If your baby’s mouth is consistently dry, this could be a sign of mouth breathing.
- The position of the tongue: If your baby’s tongue sticks out when they’re asleep, this can also be a sign of mouth breathing.
When Do Babies Mouth Breathe?
Most babies tend to mouth breathe at some point in their life, whether due to allergies, an enlarged adenoid, or congestion. This tends to happen more frequently during cold and flu season, as the nasal passages can become blocked.
Another cause of mouth breathing in babies can be from enlarged tonsils or adenoids. If your baby has enlarged tonsils or adenoids, it can make it difficult for them to breathe through their nose. In this case, their body will naturally shift to mouth breathing in order to get enough oxygen.
How To Treat Mouth Breathing In Babies
If you suspect that your baby is mouth breathing, it’s a good idea to take them to the doctor for a check-up. The doctor will be able to evaluate the cause of their mouth breathing and offer the best treatment plan for your baby.
Treatment options for mouth breathing in babies can include:
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These can help reduce inflammation of the nasal passages and allow the baby to breathe easier.
- Allergy medications: Depending on the cause of the mouth breathing, your baby may need to take allergy medications.
- Surgery: In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgery if the problem is caused by enlarged adenoids or tonsils.
- Humidifier: Placing a humidifier in your baby’s room can help keep the air moist and reduce the risk of nasal congestion.
Mouth breathing in babies can be a worrying sight, but with proper treatment it doesn’t have to be a long-term issue. Talk to your doctor if you think your baby is mouth breathing and follow their advice to help ensure your baby has a healthy and happy life.