How Should I Handle a Baby With Mucus in Their Throat?
There are several ways to alleviate baby's congestion, including back-patting, keeping warm, drinking water, and steam inhalation. When a baby has mucus in their throat, the most common solution is to pat their back, which helps expel the mucus. Due to their weaker immune system, babies are prone to upper respiratory tract infections. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good air circulation in the room and take adequate measures to keep the baby warm.
1. Back-patting Technique
When patting the baby's back, parents can place the baby on their thighs in a slightly arched position. Using a hollow palm, pat from the bottom to the top and from outside to inside. Avoid using excessive force. Each session should last for at least 3-5 minutes, and repeat 2-3 times daily.
2. Keeping Warm
Infants and young children are more susceptible to colds and respiratory diseases such as tracheitis and bronchitis due to their weaker immune system. Therefore, parents should take adequate measures to keep the baby warm and avoid exposure to cold.
3. Drinking Water
Coughing in children can lead to significant water loss through the respiratory tract, causing dehydration in the airways. This can exacerbate respiratory inflammation and increase the viscosity of secretions, making them difficult to expel. Encouraging the child to drink plenty of water, especially cool water around 23°C, can help moisten the throat and provide therapeutic benefits.
4. Indoor Ventilation
It is important to maintain fresh air in the baby's room by regularly opening windows for ventilation. Keeping the room temperature between 18-22°C is ideal. However, avoid direct exposure to cold air. Maintaining a relative humidity of 60%-65% can be achieved by using a damp cloth to mop the floor. This helps keep the respiratory mucosa moist and promotes the movement of cilia on the mucosal surface, aiding in the expulsion of mucus.
5. Steam Inhalation
Holding the baby in a steamy bathroom for 5 minutes can help thin the mucus, making it easier to cough up. Additionally, the humid air can reduce congestion and swelling in the trachea and bronchial mucosa, thus reducing coughing.
