Snuffly Baby
Neonates do not know how to breathe through their mouths and will stop breathing rather than open their mouth to breathe. Nasal obstruction in neonates is worrying with laboured breathing and slow, difficult feeding. In most of these neonates the nose is swollen and full of secretions. This can be helped with simple nasal saline and suction.
Sterimar nasal saline spray is well tolerated as is the NUK nasal mucus aspirator (see below, on web or via Portland)
If these simple measures do not help, Betnesol or Dexamethasone drops can be used sparingly to avoid steroid side effects.
Blockage of the back of the nose (choanal atresia or hairy polyps should also be excluded)
