Mucus or phlegm is present in the nasal as well as throat. If mucus gets stuck in the nasal passage, it can be removed easily; however, it's more difficult to get rid of the mucus stuck in the throat and can end up causing irritation.
The mucus can be quite distressing for a child if it is in an excess amount. It can even go to an unpleasant cough leading to gulping down the phlegm in throat which may cause choking in a young child. The primary cause for the development of mucus in the throat is diverse types of infections which may include cold and influenza. In case the phlegm tends to cause an adverse impression on the respiration of the child, consult a childcare specialist to keep off any long term damages.
What Is Throat Phlegm?
Mucus blocking the throat is much referred as phlegm and is the pinching feeling you feel when you swallow or gulp the saliva which is primarily due to freezing of the pharynx. The mucus can also go into the nasal passage and cause a runny nose. Generally the nasal and throat have had just about a liter or two of mucus daily.
The mucus causes a specific function and with the right amount helps to protect us from infections by keeping the airway damp and fresh. This way any germs that may attempt to enroll through the nasal passage are trapped in the tiny cells, which are set up in the sinus passageway. In fact, we may not yet be aware of the fact that we swallow mucus all the time.
What Causes Baby Phlegm in Throat?
During the initial few months, the youngster can simply breathe through his/her nose. As a result, he/she occasionally experiences congestion. This is not harmful for the baby unless it gets to the stage where the baby is having trouble breathing. Nevertheless, it can interrupt the baby’s sleeping patterns and cause difficulty in breathing at night.
Just like adults, babies also have cells which are lined on nasal passage; nevertheless, babies have a tiny airway in the nose so they cannot cope with large amounts of mucus. Through sneezing some, the mucus is cleared from the back of the throat and expelled out of the nose. To help the baby breathe properly, it is important to get rid of the surplus mucus stuck in the throat.
Throat infections and influenza are common in newborn children. Once the infection clears up, the mucus remains within the throat for a couple of weeks. This is why wheezing is common in a child that has a cough. Normally kids are prone to flu and throat infections causing excessive phlegm and extreme coughing. Some other cause for baby phlegm in throat is seasonal allergic reaction, which can also contribute to mucus build up in the pharynx.
How to Deal with Baby Phlegm in Throat
1. OTC Medications
Over-the-counter medication is not recommended for infants as it can be harmful to their health and can even make them more unwell. Therefore, avoid giving cough suppressants and expectorants to children below the age of 4 years.
2. Bulb Syringe and Saline
The use of saline and the bulb syringe technique can significantly help clear the nasal passage of a baby and facilitate him/her in breathing properly. The saline spray is used to reduce the mucus in the nasal passage and go into the pharynx. Set the child down and spray one or two pearls of the spray into both nostrils, which let the mucus thin down. Wait a few seconds and then insert the syringe into the nostrils and squeeze the bulb of the syringe to suck out the mucus from the nasal package.
Be careful when entering the syringe into the baby’s nostrils, making sure it's inserted only a fourth of the way up the nostrils. Give a gap and then repeat in the other nostril. Do this every so often to help the baby breathe easily. After using the syringe, sterilize it by washing it with hot soapy water and let it dry before use. If the infection is severe then use alcohol or vinegar to clean the suction bulb.
If you are unsure of the procedure to suck the mucus out of the baby’s nostrils, then get a doctor to help you out.
Want to see how to use a bulb syringe? Check out the video below:
3. Increase Moisture
The use of a humidifier is the best way to moisten the baby’s nasal passage and thin out the mucus in the throat and nose to help restore proper breathing. The humidifier will help to create moisture in the nose and allow the baby to cough out the mucus. In case the baby has a wet cough, the best technique is using cold mist from the humidifier whereas warm mist is best for a dry cough. If you do not have a humidifier around the house, then give home remedies a try. Create steam in the bathroom by using a hot shower and take the baby there for a while and let him/her take in the moisture in the air. Another way to create moisture in the room is to boil a pot of water for several hours.
4. Essential Oils
To use essential oils to help clean baby phlegm in throat, you must first check with the pediatrician because some of them can pose danger, especially when used in improper quantity. The use of herbal oils can help a baby breathe better. Some of the commonly used techniques include use of eucalyptus, menthol, or pine oil in the humidifier. This can be soothing and help clear the congestion and improve breathing. Putting small drops in boiling water or in hot shower can have a similar effect.
5. More Remedies for Baby Phlegm in Throat
When a baby is unwell with cough and flu, it is important to give the baby breast milk as this will provide him/her the nutrients and antibiotics that he/she needs all the while keeping him/her hydrated. To help the baby breathe better, tilt his/her crib or put a pillow under the mattress to elevate the baby and ease the passageway to drain the mucus into the throat.
Want to know more about how to deal with baby phlegm in throat? Check out the video below:
