How should I handle a baby with mucus in their throat?
When a baby has phlegm in the throat, parents should gently tap the baby's back with a hollow palm and increase the humidity of the air. This helps dilute the phlegm and loosen it, enabling it to be expelled faster. If the above methods do not effectively help the baby expel phlegm, medication prescribed by the doctor for relieving cough and reducing phlegm can be administered. Additionally, make sure the baby drinks plenty of water to accelerate recovery. Here are some recommended steps:
1. Tap the Baby's Back
Place the baby in a prone position with its back arched on an adult's thigh. Use a hollow palm to gently tap the baby's back from the outside to the inside and from the bottom to the top. Perform this tapping 2-3 times a day, with each session lasting no less than 3-5 minutes. This helps loosen the phlegm in the baby's lungs and bronchi, allowing it to be expelled from the larger airways sooner.
2. Use Steam to Loosen Phlegm
When the baby is exposed to humid air, the phlegm in the throat becomes thinner, and the congestion and edema of the trachea and bronchial mucosa are alleviated. This can reduce coughing and help the baby expel phlegm faster. One simple way to create a humid and steamy environment for the baby is to fill the bathroom with hot water, wait for it to fill with steam, and then bring the baby in for a few minutes.
3. Administer Medication for Relieving Cough and Reducing Phlegm
If the above two methods do not help the baby, child-specific medication for relieving cough and reducing phlegm prescribed by the doctor can be administered.
