In my outpatient experience, I often meet anxious young parents who come to ask for help because their baby's breathing sounds a little "wrong". Especially for newborns, any small change in the sound of breathing can be upsetting for parents. And the sound of "purring" is a common problem that worries parents. This sound, although in many cases harmless, is really important to understand the reasons behind it.
For example, last month, a young client who had just finished confinement and his parents came to my clinic. With a tired and worried look on her face, the baby's mother described a slight purring sound during sleep, especially when he was lying on his back. Through detailed questioning and closer examination, we found out that the little one was actually just because of a slight nasal congestion, which is a common occurrence in newborns, especially in dry indoor environments.
I explained to them that newborns have very narrow nasal passages and that even a small accumulation of secretions can cause changes in the sound of breathing. Some simple tips are given: adjust the humidity in the room and clean your baby's nostrils regularly. Parents were visibly relieved to hear this, and they learned how to observe and deal with this common situation at home.
Physiological purring: a condition that does not require excessive concern
1. Common occurrence of physiological nasal congestion
Newborns have small nasal passages and fragile nasal mucosa, and mild congestion of the nasal passages or common indoor dryness can lead to mild nasal congestion, which can lead to purring sounds. This is especially common when heating in the winter or when using an air conditioner in the summer.
2. Ways to deal with physiological snoring
For this mild purring, there are a few simple things parents can do to reduce the baby's discomfort:
Adjust room humidity: Using a humidifier or placing a basin of water in the room can help increase air humidity and reduce nasal congestion in babies.
Maintain proper ventilation: Make sure there is enough fresh air circulating in the room and avoid the air being too cloudy or containing irritating gases.
Cleanse the nasal passages: Gently cleaning the nostrils of newborns with saline can help relieve nasal congestion and reduce purring.
3. Don't worry when to do it
If the purr occurs when your baby is particularly relaxed or sleeps deeply, and your baby's eating, sleeping, and daily activities are not significantly affected, this is usually temporary and not a cause for concern. However, parents should maintain regular observation to ensure that these sounds are stable and that there are no other accompanying symptoms such as persistent crying, wheezing, or difficulty eating.
Pathological conditions that may require concern
1. Upper respiratory tract infection
Newborns are more susceptible to upper respiratory tract diseases because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. The infection may cause swelling in the larynx and a lot of phlegm, which can produce a purring sound. Accompanying symptoms include fever, nasal congestion, cough and restlessness. Parents watch for signs and contact their pediatrician if symptoms appear.
2. Foreign body inhalation
Although rare, aspiration of small objects (such as small toy parts) in newborns can cause partial obstruction of the airway, causing purring. Parents should seek medical help immediately if they suspect or see a baby suddenly experiencing difficulty breathing or abnormal noises after playing.
3. Structural abnormalities
Anatomical abnormalities such as a long soft palate or narrowing of the airways can lead to obstruction of air flow through the airways, resulting in purring sounds. These problems usually require a detailed evaluation and possibly imaging under the guidance of a pediatrician.
4. Lung problems
Lung disorders such as pneumonia or bronchitis can also cause abnormalities in the sound of breathing in newborns. In addition to purring, these conditions are often accompanied by shortness of breath, loss of appetite, and irritability. These symptoms need to be confirmed by auscultation and necessary examinations and appropriate treatment by a doctor.
5. Allergic reactions
Sometimes, a newborn's purring can be a sign of an allergic reaction, especially to certain substances in the environment such as dust mites and pet dander. An allergic reaction can cause swelling in the throat and interfere with normal breathing. Parents should observe if there are any other allergy symptoms such as rash or redness of the eyes, and communicate with the doctor in time.
In any case, if the newborn's purring is accompanied by any other symptoms, or if the parent has any concerns about the baby's breathing, the safest course of action is to contact the pediatrician as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can effectively prevent possible complications and ensure the health and safety of newborns.
Observations and initial steps to be taken by parents
Observe breathing patterns
First, pay attention to your baby's breathing patterns. Normal newborn breathing should be smooth and regular. Record when the snoring occurs, how long it lasts, and other accompanying symptoms (such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty feeding). This information can be very helpful for doctors to keep abreast of the situation.
Environmental adjustments
Make sure your baby sleeps in the right environment. Keep the room at a moderate temperature and avoid overheating or colding. Using a humidifier can increase indoor humidity and reduce respiratory discomfort caused by dryness.
Purification nasal cavity
Newborns have very narrow nasal passages, and a slight nasal congestion can cause louder breathing. Use a baby-specific nasal aspirator to gently remove secretions from your nose. Make sure to clean the pipette before and after use to avoid infection.
Observe your sleeping position
Observing your baby's sleeping position and making sure they sleep on their back can reduce the risk of choking and help breathe more easily. Avoid using mattresses or pillows that are too soft.
Record the paradox
If your baby has abnormalities such as persistent crying, loss of appetite or fever, it should be recorded immediately. These symptoms may be further signs of respiratory discomfort and need to be evaluated by a doctor.
Seek medical help promptly
If your baby's breathing problems are accompanied by bluishing, pauses in breathing, or extreme irritability, you should take your baby to the hospital or emergency clinic immediately. These symptoms may indicate a more serious health problem.
With these steps, parents can initially respond to their newborn's snoring at home, while also providing a detailed record of the condition to the doctor if necessary. Remember, timely communication with a medical professional is key to ensuring your baby's health.