Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
Baby Hoarse Voice - Causes and Treatment
Babies cry. We all know that. Some babies tend to cry a lot and quite loudly, for longer durations, while some might not cry much. In either of these cases, there might be instances where you notice your little one’s voice to be a little hoarse than usual. There might be instances of hoarse voice due to teething or when he/he is ill, where you end up noticing that your child’s voice does not sound as it usually does.
Causes of a Hoarse Voice in Infant
Usually, the reasons behind your infant having a hoarse voice range from the simplest explanations to signs of a serious medical condition.
1. Crying a Lot
A baby’s hoarse voice due to crying is the most common reason seen in children, all the time. This happens with adults as well, when the vocal cords are put under a lot of strain. A lot of crying can cause the baby’s chords to swell up, leading to his/her voice sounding hoarse.
2. Formation of Nodules
This is usually a consequence of crying and putting a lot of stress on the vocal chords. When the chords are put under a lot of stress, there are chances of nodules forming on them, due to overuse. This results in the voice getting raspy. However, this is a rare occurence in infants.
3. Presence of Phlegm
The vocal tract is also connected to the nose, which is why any obstruction in the nose affects the voice as well. If your little one has a cough or a cold, the presence of phlegm in the throat can obstruct normal speech, causing the voice to be hoarse.
4. Result of Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is pretty common in babies, since their digestive system is yet to reach full maturity. However, when the reflux starts getting too frequent, the acid that keeps rising to the throat can interact with the vocal chords and cause them to develop a scratchy texture.
5. Constant Papillomatosis of the Respiratory System
This is yet another illness that is quite rare to occur babies, but it does result in a hoarse voice. Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis or RRP is caused due to the HPV virus, or the human papillomavirus. It leads to a wart-like formation on the vocal chords, causing them to sound hoarse.
6. Possibility of a Tumour
This one is quite serious and can lead to fatal consequences, if not diagnosed quickly. In such cases, babies usually cry a lot and then start having problems with breathing, as well. The presence of a tumour does not necessarily indicate cancer, but it definitely does hinder the normal functioning of the chords.
When should Your Baby Undergo Treatment for Hoarse Voice?
When hoarseness is generally a result of natural reasons, itt tends to fade away in a few hours to a couple of days. You must definitely get in touch with a doctor to get the cause of hoarse voice diagnosed, and understand treatment options, if:
The voice keeps changing frequently over the next couple of days
The hoarseness tends to stay as it is, for nearly a month
The child starts having difficulty breathing properly
There seems to be a lump-like formation in the throat region
The child coughs a lot and throws up blood, intermittently
Hoarse Voice Treatment Options for Infants
The presence of hoarse voice in your little one can be quite disconcerting for you and be irritating for the child as well. Based on what the diagnosis for hoarseness might be, there are a bunch of treatment options that can be undertaken to alleviate hoarseness or heal the condition.
1. Hoarseness Due to Crying
For a baby who has a hoarse throat due to crying excessively, it is important to not cause further stress on the chords. Hold your baby and hum a song to soothe him/her down, as soon as you can. Try to lull your baby to sleep, so that he/she can take some rest, or give a bottle of milk to calm down.
2. Hoarseness Due to Nodules
Surgery is usually avoided for babies and focus is put on soothing the vocal cords. By opting for humidification procedures, reducing allergy triggers, as well as clearing sinuses, the nodules present on the vocal chords can be reduced.
3. Hoarseness Due to Phlegm
Phlegm begins by obstructing the nasal passage in the first place. So, it is necessary to clear out the cold present in the nose using nasal sprays or saline solutions. Most of the times, the phlegm is a result of an illness, which reduces, once the illness is treated.
4. Hoarseness Due to Acid Reflux
The hoarseness caused in such a case cannot be taken care of right away. The key aspect here is to reduce acid reflux by instilling a fixed diet plan and making sure your child’s digestive processes are streamlined.
5. Hoarseness Due to RRP
Since this is the result of an infection caused by a virus, your doctor might suggest a medication that can combat the virus. In severe cases, a surgery might also be required.
6. Hoarseness Due to a Tumour
On detection of a tumour, your doctor will undertake tests to check whether it is a cancerous tumour or not. Depending on that, treatment options might include countering cancer or undertaking a surgery to remove the tumour.
Tips on Caring for Hoarse Voice in Babies
Though it is advised to consult a doctor if your baby is experiencing hoarse voice, there are certain steps and precautions you can take to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
1. Restrict and Ease Strain on Vocal Chords
To avoid your baby straining or overusing his/her vocal chords, try various methods of relaxing him/her, such as swaddling, singing, humming a melody, etc. As your baby grows, initiate silent time where he/she can play silently for a set amount of time.
2. Regularly give your baby sips of water
Making sure your baby is hydrated should be of utmost importance, due to various reasons. Make sure your baby is sipping on water or breast milk throughout the day to remain hydrated, which reduces hoarseness.
3. Restrict Exposure to Negative Environments and Regularly Vaccinate
Exposure to tobacco smoke and pollution can cause breathing issues, as well as conditions that cause hoarse voice in babies. Additionally, regular vaccinating children strengthens their immune system, strengthening resistance to viruses and germs that cause sicknesses leading to hoarseness in the voice of babies.
When it comes to understanding the cause of a baby’s hoarse voice, there may not be other symptoms present to provide a clear picture of the reason behind the condition. Usually, taking stock of the infant’s behaviour prior to the hoarse voice might contain the clues you need. Treatment options then become pretty straightforward. Read more
Suggested for you
Teething Rash in Babies - Causes and Home Remedies
Has your child been drooling excessively? Can you spot reddish marks on his/her chin areas and near the mouth? Teething drool rash or dribble rash is something that is commonly seen in babies when they drool a lot. There are a few reasons to why babies drool a lot. One of the most common reason is teething.
What is Teething Rash?
A teething rash is another name that is given to drool rash which happens when a baby is teething. Most babies start teething when they are about 6 months old, and you can notice how it causes the baby to drool. Along with teething rash on face, cheek, and neck, you can also note other signs like sensitive gums, chewing on hard things and also irritability.
Causes of Drool Rash in Infants
Drooling might seem all right, but it is not always okay because drool has digestive enzymes which affect the sensitive skin of the baby. The baby skin is reacting to the liquid, and it forms bumpy rashes that can irritate the little one and can also cause infection. It is always better to take precautionary methods and help your little one through this process.
Home Remedies for Baby Drool Rash
You can keep a small soft absorbent pad under his face while he is sleeping. This will pull in the moisture and help to a large extent to avoid rashes. When your baby wakes up, during intervals, you can take the opportunity to clean the drool and replace the sheet if necessary.
You can also add a little Aloe Vera to petroleum jelly. It will help in controlling the itchy feeling.
Coconut oil also helps in skin care. It has anti-fungal and anti-microbial elements that will fight bacteria in the rash. The oil forms a protective sheet over the rash as well.
You can wet a soft washcloth and keep it in the refrigerator for an hour. Take it out and ask your baby to chew on the cloth. This can relieve the pain for some time at least.
Sometimes baby drooling happens because of a sore throat. You can try using a cool mist humidifier which will keep the surrounding air a little moist. This will help the baby feel relieved from a dry and itchy throat.
If your little one is above 6 months, then you can try giving him little cold water or juice that is diluted. You can do this between meal times to make sure that his throat is not too dry.
Rub your little one’s gums gently with clean hands; the pressure can relieve him from the pain.
If your baby has started with solid food, then you can try some chewy vegetables for gnawing. Just make sure that they are cut properly and does not cause choke.
Prevention of Teething Rash in Babies
The drool rash can get worse when the baby keeps rubbing the rash just to feel a little good. When the baby rubs these rashes with unclean hands, the bacteria that is present in the baby’s hands enter the cracks and makes the condition worse.
Wipe The Drool Off : Gently wipe the baby drool that forms on the baby’s chin and chest area. Make sure that you don’t rub it too hard. Rather use a tissue or a soft towel to clean the area before it causes drool rash on neck, face and other areas.
Use Baby Moisturizers : Using a little moisturizer around the drool area or lightly over it helps to avoid the rash from spreading. It also reduces the feeling of irritation that the child is facing. You can use petroleum jelly to do this. You can also add a little Aloe Vera to petroleum jelly. It will help in controlling the itchy feeling.
Use Baby Bibs : This is the safest and probably the most effective one to avoid rashes in the neck and chest area. The soft protective layer avoids the baby’s dribbles to settle on the skin, eventually protecting the baby from any rash.
Mild Baby Wash : Sometimes these rashes tend to spread to the rest of the skin. To avoid this, you can choose to use an unscented baby wash as this avoids it from spreading.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
At times the rashes can get complicated as it spreads, and babies tend to rub it a lot. This is not safe at all. You need to meet your paediatrician. At times, the rash can get too infected, and it can even start to smell quite bad.This is again a sign that you have to call the doctor for some baby drool rash treatment. Don’t let your child go through the pain. When the baby is too uncomfortable and is struggling because of these rashes, it is better to do something and get rid of them rather than waiting for it to heal. One thing you need to avoid during the teething process of your infant is teething medications which has pain reliever benzocaine because this can lead to issues as it reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Teething is a natural process that you see in your little one. These are positive signs of growth, but there are a few things like drools and infections that come along. You don’t need to panic as these things can be controlled. Just be sure to take little steps to help your baby through the process. Try and help your little one as much as possible using the various home remedies that are available and this should help the little one. However, when things get uncontrollable and if you see the signs getting worse instead of getting better, then you need to call the paediatrician.
Also Read:
Baby Teething Remedies that Work
Order of Teething in Babies Read more
Check out this new Memory
Nitu patel
Mom of a 10 m old boy
5 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Is it Safe Go Boating during Pregnancy?
When you are pregnant, you have to be careful about everything. You know that travelling by plane is a no during pregnancy, but can you go boating in those nine months of pregnancy? It goes without saying that if you do go boating, it may require a lot of precautions so that it is safe and fun. Though there are a lot of potentially dangerous outdoor activities, which the pregnant ladies are advised to avoid, boating is not so unsafe. Though boating is okay throughout pregnancy, a few precautions and guidelines should be followed carefully.
When Can a Pregnant Woman Go Boating?
Pregnant ladies should not undertake risky or adventurous activities. However, if you are up for an adventure during pregnancy and are planning to go boating, then the best time for it would be the second trimester. But you should be cautious and careful to make this activity real fun. Boating in the first trimester can aggravate nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and the same would happen in the third trimester as well. So, if you want to go boating, go in the second trimester.
Preparation Tips for Boating while Pregnant
Boating as an activity requires prior planning and preparation especially in the first phase of pregnancy. Some essential preparations for boating while pregnant are listed below:
Participate in boating activity with a few modifications.
The boating trips should be planned earlier in the period of pregnancy.
In case there are any restrictions or complications with your pregnancy, you must seek your doctor’s advice.
Talk to the boat staff members before hopping in a boat.
Find out about their regulations and preparations regarding pregnant riders while going on a tourist cruise.
Wear a life jacket, it will keep you safe.
Keep an acupuncture bracelet handy to correct motion sickness.
How Can Pregnant Ladies Enjoy Boating Safely?
Pregnant ladies are not expected to give up boating. On the contrary, here are some tips for keeping the fun quotient high during boating while pregnant.
1. Relax and Have Fun
When going boating during pregnancy, don't stress. Try to relax and visualize how entertaining it will be to return for boating later with the baby. Go boating with your partner and family members and have fun.
2. Stay Cool in the Shade
When boating in the sun, try to keep yourself as comfortable as possible by being under a shade. A convenient way is to use a retractable canvas system to provide comfort by extending the comfort of shade on the boat.
3. Plan Consciously
Pack some food for your boat ride and don't stress yourself if you fail to carry food with you. Take it easy! You can always order food or go out to eat. If you are going alone, enjoy your alone time and introspect. Try to adjust things down to accommodate to your pace rather than trying with difficulty to keep pace with your prior routine. It is advised that you take someone along with you for boating if you are pregnant. Stay safe and enjoy the ride!
4. Carry Non-alcoholic Cocktails
By now, you must be knowing that you cannot have alcoholic drinks during pregnancy. But don't feel sad about it think about your baby. If you want to take some drinks, carry fruit drinks, yoghurt, and smoothies so that you are able to share a cocktail with everyone else.
5. Plan to Anchor Close to Marina
When you go boating, get away from the dock and spend more time close to your marina. Without experiencing the risks of cruising far away, you can derive the ultimate boating pleasure.
6. Stay Cool in Water
Staying on the boat in the marina pool or even by anchoring in the water, you can keep yourself cool. With the extra pregnancy weight, lying in the boat in water can give you a great experience.
Precautions You Should Take while Boating During Pregnancy
Boating during pregnancy can be risky and dangerous too if you are not careful. Certain precautions can help in minimising the risk factor and make the ride a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
When you are pregnant and planning to go boating, then opt for a bigger boat so that it is comfortable for you.
Be prepared to deal with motion sickness as it can cause a lot of discomfort to pregnant mothers.
Do not lift heavy gear when on the boat.
Pregnancy weight may make you less stable, so avoid walking on the boat.
Do not go boating when your due date approaches.
Avoid wearing ill-fitting life jackets.
Go for a steady boat ride and drive slowly. If someone else is riding the boat, tell them to not drive fast or take sharp turns.
If you have morning sickness, stay away from water.
Sit in the shade and drink plenty of water when you are exposed to the summer heat on the boat.
When Is Boating Not Recommended in Pregnancy
Pregnancy does not mean not indulging in adventurous activities at all. You can go boating, but you will have to extremely careful. But if you have some pregnancy-related complications like preterm labour, then it is recommended that you postpone your boating trip until your baby is born. Boating during the first trimester of pregnancy can make you feel nauseated due to morning sickness. The other precarious phase in pregnancy is the third trimester when there are chances of getting motion sickness and morning sickness back. So, boating is best avoided in the first and third trimester of pregnancy.
A relaxing afternoon in a boat can just be the innermost desire of a pregnant lady. If you like to be on the water, then you must be aware of its dangers too. Going on a speedboat while pregnant is undoubtedly risky, and best avoided. Go for a normal boat and don't exhaust yourself.
Also Read: Bus Travel while Pregnant Read more
Suggested for you
Snoring In Children
Sleep is possibly the most crucial element to a child’s development. It plays a huge role in ensuring they grow up healthy and fit. In fact, according to doctors, sleep is so crucial that a lack of sleep can result in
anxiety disorders
depression
a decreased rate of learning
immune system issues
a deteriorated heartrate
Anger problems
Lack of impulse control
Frequent irritation
ADHD(Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
Information processing disorders
Mood instability
A weak metabolic rate
All these symptoms are discussed in detail here. A child’s sleep cycle should be maintained under any circumstance, but it is important to remember that it differs according to age. For instance, a new born may need anywhere between 12-16 hours of sleep where as a teenager may require just 7 hours of sleep. There are a number of things that can impact the quantity of sleep like increased screen time before bed or stress, some of these issues could be medical like insomnia.
A key point to remember is that the quantity of sleep alone is not a deciding factor; sleep quality is also extremely crucial. If your child sleeps for the required time but still isn’t rested this could be a sign of sleep disorders, the quality of sleep is measured by how well your child sleeps and how deep that sleep is, on average a normal adult hits a REM cycle at least 6 times in one night but a child should reach the peak of their sleep at 8 REM cycles at the minimum.
One of the most common and ignored sleep disorders is snoring, while it may sound cute on your child, snoring could be a sign of a much deeper problem.
Video: Snoring in Children - Causes and Remedies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow3JwoF5jBE
What Is Snoring?
Snoring is a condition that occurs when the structures of your respiratory system begin to vibrate, this condition is due to the obstructions caused to your body’s airways, the vibration leads to audible sounds reverberating through the air passages of the body, these sounds can be soft, but is often quite loud and can be heard by a person close by. Snoring is one of the leading causes of sleep deprivation and is considered a symptom of another condition called obstructive sleep apnea which is explained later in this article.
There are two kinds of snoring, habitual and symptomatic. Habitual snoring is when it is sustained over periods of time and is not due to external effects, while symptomatic snoring is due to changing external conditions such as weather, and can come and go. Although symptomatic snoring is harmless from time to time, habitual snoring is harmful. Over sustained periods of time, the condition can affect the overall health of your child and lead to serious problems. Consistent snoring should not be ignored in either adults or children.
How Common Is Snoring In Children?
Symptomatic snoring is extremely common in children, their immune systems and organs aren’t fully developed yet which can cause symptomatic snoring, usually when the weather changes or they have a cold. Habitual snoring, according to research, affects roughly 12% of people and could be a sign of anything from asthma to sleep apnea.
What Causes Snoring In Kids?
There can be numerous causes for snoring in children, some of them are:
Asthma – A condition that hampers the ability to breathe, asthma can be one of the main reasons for your child’s snoring. If your child is snoring, wheezing and has a cough it may be a sign of asthma. Please visit your doctor at the earliest as asthma, if left untreated can become fatal.
Influenza – Some types of flu cause obstructions along the airway, leading to symptomatic snoring. This will cure itself as the body begins to heal.
Deviated Septum – A deviated or damaged septum could hinder the flow of air through your child’s nose and hinder breathing. This could cause snoring.
Weight – If your weight of your child is disproportionate, it can cause sleeping disorders like snoring because the fat could obstruct airways.
Tonsillitis – Enlarged tonsils could swell up and block airways, this is possibly the most common cause of snoring in children.
Allergies – Most allergies can block the nasal airways and inflame the inside of the nostrils. Severe allergies can even cause swelling in the throat. Allergies are one of the most common causes of snoring in children.
Neuromuscular Disease – Due to the organs slowing down during sleep, nerves that control respiratory muscles can go haywire and this can cause snoring. Most neuromuscular diseases are not life threatening but some of them may become fatal.
Genetic Disorder – Some genetic disorders can be the cause of snoring, and could be passed down from generation to generation. Some of these disorders are even known to skip generations. Keeping a family history of illnesses can help narrow down the cause of snoring due to genetic disorders.
Passive Inhaling of Smoke – Smoking around your child could lead to numerous risks. Second-hand smoke can be extremely dangerous especially for children. One of the known side effects is snoring and breathing difficulties caused due to snoring.
Sleep Apnea In Children – A condition mentioned quite often here, sleep apnea is when airways block your child’s breathing which may require them to wake up and force themselves to breathe during the nights. Often, if the sleep apnea is minor, your child may subconsciously be forcing themselves to breathe and as such expending more energy, this could cause them to snore and it is also a reason for your child waking up tired. Sleep apnea is also known to cause numerous problems like depression, anxiety and if serious enough could even lead to ADHD.
Symptoms
The symptoms of snoring in children can vary greatly and depends on the age and physical development of the child, talking to a doctor is recommended if you notice your child waking up tired or fatigued as that is one of the most common symptoms for sleep apnea in children, here are a few of the symptoms for snoring that parents should look out for at different age groups.
In Young Children
Some of the most common symptoms for snoring in young children are:
Feeding Problems – The failure to feed sufficiently among breastfeeding or bottle-feeding children could be due to snoring or even sleep apnea. It is recommended that you consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis as feeding issues could also indicate a number of other problems.
Delay or Failure in Development – One of the most common indicators of snoring is the delay or failure for a baby to hit their developmental milestones. This is because the quantity and quality of sleep plays an extremely important role in the development of the child in both a physical and mental sense. The delay in meeting these milestones due to snoring could also be a symptom of a larger underlying problem – sleep apnea.
Weight Gain – A symptom of snoring in young children, irregular weight gain could possibly be the most harmful sign. If your child puts on too much weight too fast or struggles to gain any weight, they may be caused due to unhealthy snoring and sleep apnea.
Note: The symptoms of snoring and sleep apnea in young children can vary on a case by case basis, to better understand if your child is suffering from either of these, and to get an accurate diagnosis done for your child, please visit your doctor and if recommended, have a sleep study done.
In Older Children
The following are some common symptoms of snoring in slightly older children:
Attention Issues – Due to the lack of enough sleep or the deteriorated quality of sleep, your child could have trouble focusing or paying attention. This is a common sign of sleep apnoea and snoring.
Hyperactivity – A child who has inferior quality of sleep or lack of enough sleep can try to keep themselves present and awake by forcing themselves to become hyperactive. The lack of sleep also releases a chemical imbalance that works in cohesion with adrenaline to keep your child too active and then burn them out. This could be a sign of snoring.
Aggression – The lack of sleep can exhaust your child, and fatigue is commonly a reason for aggression. If your child is aggressive or easily irritated, this could be a sign of sleep deprivation and the root cause could be snoring.
Personality Changes – Sleep deprivation can cause personality changes, if your child’s personality begins to change overnight, this could be due to overlooked sleep issues like snoring and sleep apnea.
Diagnosis of Snoring in Kids
Doctors can diagnose most sleep-based disabilities and disorders by performing a sleep test, this test involves placing ECG like nodes on your child’s body while they sleep and connecting them to a computer, this will record their sleep patterns, REM cycles and how often they wake up during the night and how this impacts their sleep cycle.
Another test done to evaluate your child’s lungs and airways is known as a pulmonary function test, this involves your child placing a pipe in their mouth, breathing in through their nose and out through their mouth, this test measures the overall pulmonary strength or lung strength and evaluates if there is any congestion in their airway.
Risks and Complications of Childhood Snoring
There are various possibly dangerous issues that could affect your child due to their snoring. Some of these risks could lead to the need for long and protracted medical care. Here are a few risks of snoring:
Sleep Apnea – Sleep apnea could be a cause for snoring but it could also be caused because of it, this condition can make breathing very difficult at night and force your child to wake up numerous times at night in gasps, if the snoring is very heavy and your child wakes up in the night on a consistent basis it may mean that your child is developing sleep apnea.
Nightmares – Snoring decreases your child’s oxygen saturation which could cause a portion of their brain to experience a chemical imbalance that leads to nightmares. Nightmares for extended periods of time could hurt your child psychologically for years to come.
Fatigue – Snoring indicates your child needing to use excess energy to breathe, this energy loss during their sleep could exhaust them long term and throughout the day.
Impaired Recovery – If your child’s snoring is bad, the body doesn’t get the rest it needs to recuperate, this could result in extended time spans for recovery from illnesses and injuries.
Developmental Disorders – The lack of oxygen during sleep is extremely dangerous as sleep is a key portion of the developmental cycle for your child, this means they cannot develop normally due to the lack of oxygen which could then harm their overall life both short and long term, developmental disorders could both be physical and mental.
Cardiovascular Health – The heart slows down when you sleep, combine that with good oxygen saturation during sleep and this ensures that it recovers and rectifies any issues the organ may have accumulated throughout the day, sleep is crucial for your heart’s health, snoring impairs sleep and can lead to cardiovascular abnormalities long term.
Organ Health – Much like the heart all your organs except your liver and kidneys recover when you sleep, snoring hinders that recovery due to the extra energy spent on breathing, when you snore you activate all your organs in order to force a breath, this delays the recovery time for each organ, the oxygen saturation being lower when snoring also plays a key role in organ deterioration.
Other risks could be case specific for your child, talk to a paediatric specialist for further information on how your child’s lack of sleep due to snoring could be causing conditions and illnesses specific to them.
Is Your Child's Snoring Normal or Sleeping Disorder?
It is important to distinguish that not all snoring is considered dangerous or a sleep disorder, the systematic snoring of a child is considered normal due to the weakened immune system and under-developed organs, this kind of snoring only occurs when there is an external change such as the weather or your child having an illness, this should dissipate quickly, soft snoring is also not considered too dangerous for your child though it is still recommended that you see a doctor.
To diagnose your child’s snoring as a sleep disorder, the snoring must be loud, progressively louder or sustained over a continuous period of time. It should be un-impacted by external sources or other illnesses that are known to block airways.
The best way to diagnose your child’s snoring is to see a specialist and have them do a physical and run some tests. It is recommended that your child has a sleep test done by the time they turn 10.
Signs your Child's Snoring is a Problem
If your child encounters any of the risks mentioned above or any of the following, it could indicate that their snoring is a problem.
They wake up tired
They cannot wake up
Their energy levels are down when they are awake and throughout the day
They are scared to go to sleep
They wet the bed
They cannot perform chores they used to before
They cannot pay attention to events around them
They have bags under their eyes despite sleeping for a sufficient amount of time
They have rapid mood swings
It is recommended that you talk to your child’s specialist for more information on identifying if your child has a problem due to their snoring.
Treatments For Kids Snoring
Snoring isn’t always treatable as a condition, there are, however, things you can do to help alleviate or treat snoring under controlled situations:
Sleep Mask – Commonly used to treat sleep apnoea, this mask allows your child to breathe as it regulates the oxygen and eases ventilation trouble.
Balms – Using balms like Vicks can help ease nasal congestion for children who have colds and fevers, this can ease snoring.
Septum Surgery – This is a procedure to correct a deviated septum to clear the nasal airway passages, during the surgery they may clear your child’s sinuses if they are infected, this should help cure snoring if caused by a deviated septum.
Inhalers – If there is an issue with your lungs like asthma, bronchitis or other breathing disorders, your doctors may prescribe inhalers, these could be a combination of salbutamol and anabolic steroids to clear the lung congestions. Inhalers are the most common way to treat bronchial and pulmonary disorders, this can help manage snoring if caused by the mentioned conditions.
It is important to remember that most child snoring solutions can be case specific, talking to a doctor and getting an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan is recommended, do not medicate or diagnose your child yourself.
Home Remedies
Some conditions that cause snoring can be treated at home without medication. Here are a few ways to treat your child’s snoring while avoiding medication:
Steam – By either boiling hot water or using a steam machine, have your child take nasal steams before bed and after waking up, this can help clear their nasal passages. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus in the water can also have a soothing effect.
Drinking Hot Water – Throat congestions can cause snoring; consuming hot water regularly can help dissolve the mucus in your child’s body which can help the snoring.
Heat Packs – During winter, ensure your children are dressed well and tucked in to their beds, adding a heat pack on their chest and back can also help dissolve some congestive mucus and sooth their body. This is also believed to help relax their chest muscles which can combat the snoring to some extent.
Although there are numerous home remedies, it is recommended that you consult a physician before implementing any of them. Your doctor can examine your child and give you home remedies that may work better for your child specifically.
Tips For Preventing Snoring
Here are a few tips that may help you prevent your child’s snoring:
Let them sleep on their side, sleeping on the back is known to aggravate snoring, if they already snore, sleeping on their side may help them breathe in a more efficient manner.
Ensure they maintain their recommended body weight.
Regulate their diet
Ensure they hydrate sufficiently
Take all prescribed medication to its full term
Ensure they maintain positive airway pressure
Ensure they exercise or play a sport
Encourage them to swim. Swimming helps improve and regulate the pulmonary functions
Dress according to the weather
Maintain good hygiene
For more tips on how to prevent snoring, talk to your primary healthcare practitioner.
Sleep plays a part in regulating the metabolism and immune system, this also controls the health of your organs. Ensuring your child gets good quality sleep for a good amount of time is essential for their well-being, it is recommended that you talk to a sleep specialist and a pediatrician for an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
If your child has sleep apnea, it is advised that you talk to your doctor before using any products that may play a part in their recovery, do not use sleep apnea masks or humidifiers without talking to your physician first.
Do not self-medicate or share your or your child’s medicines with anyone else. Treating sleeping disorders early is essential to ensure a healthy and high-quality life for your child, if the quality of sleep is bad it could lead to numerous issues like anxiety, depression, organ failure or even heart attacks later in life.
Although the issues may seem extreme, sleep deprivation can become extremely dangerous if left untreated for extended periods of time or if the wrong type of treatment is administered, this is why we recommend a specialist take the lead on treatment plans and procedures.
Be sure to ask the doctors questions and clear any doubts you may have, it is extremely important that you understand the cause and the treatment before implementing any changes in your child’s or your life.
Sleep apnea can manifest in anyone, child or adult. If you suspect this condition, talk to a doctor and have a sleep study done to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Also read: Night Terrors In Toddlers & Children
[responsivevoice_button voice="US English Female" buttontext="Listen to Post"] Read more
Suggested for you
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) during Pregnancy
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a chronic bowel problem condition having episodic stomach cramps, bloating, flatulence and either constipation or diarrhoea. It can cause severe pain in the abdomen, uneasiness, and inconvenience. The causes are not known, and there is no permanent cure for the condition. However, few changes in the diet, lifestyle and some treatment can help in reducing the symptoms.
What is Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is an intestinal disorder. The main symptoms may include abdominal pain, loose motions and constipation. It does not cause any life hazards but can affect the everyday lives of people suffering from the condition. Symptoms may range from mild to severe. People with mild symptoms can go without any treatment. However, people with severe symptoms may have to undergo some treatment and lifestyle changes.
Relation Between IBS and Pregnancy
IBS in early pregnancy brings with it lots of gastrointestinal problems like morning sickness, heartburn, constipation or diarrhoea. Make sure you eat right and healthy. Taking a cup of ginger tea during this period can help alleviate the symptoms of IBS. IBS and pregnancy diarrhoea is quite common in pregnant women. However, there may be two sides to it. Women who have IBS before pregnancy are either more prone to severe symptom during pregnancy or get relief from it during the pregnancy period.
Causes of IBS when Pregnant
Gastro-intestinal disorders, like IBS, are quite usual among pregnant women. It can be caused by a number of reasons like –
Increase in stress level during pregnancy
Pregnancy hormone induced anxiety
Hormonal imbalance
The pressure of the growing baby inside the uterus on the stomach and intestines
Some trigger foods which may cause gas, flatulence, bloating etc. like dairy products, peanuts, cauliflower, beetroot, broccoli etc.
Intake of alcohol, caffeine products like tea and coffee etc.
Eating heavy meals or spicy and oily food
Skipping meals
Taking iron tablets during pregnancy which may cause constipation
IBS Symptoms in Pregnant Women
IBS symptoms in pregnant women may be according to the trimester she is in.
In the first trimester, pregnant women may experience an increase in heartburn, acidity, and many may suffer from loose motions.
Constipation is another symptom that pregnant women may suffer from, especially during the last trimester.
Some may even suffer from abdominal pain.
The stools may also have mucus.
Bloating, flatulence and gas may be some of the other IBS symptoms during pregnancy.
How is Irritable Bowel Syndrome Diagnosed in Pregnancy?
There are no specific tests to diagnose IBS in pregnancy. Doctors rely more on the symptoms of the patients to diagnose IBS. Although there are no definite tests to detect it, there are some tests which may help in ruling out similar symptomatic medical conditions.
The doctor may ask for tests like –
Colonoscopy to look into the inner lining of the large intestine.
Faecal occult blood to check if there is any presence of blood in the stool.
Blood tests to test for anaemia, tissue damage or tissue damage, and celiac disease.
Moreover, having periods of diarrhoea and periods of constipation with non-pregnancy related abdominal pain for three or more days a month is a sure symptom of IBS during pregnancy.
How Does IBS Affect Pregnancy?
IBS pregnancy complications can lead to risks in pregnancy. It will only affect you. IBS may lead to long periods of diarrhoea resulting in dehydration which could cause preterm labour. On the other hand constipation due to IBS during pregnancy may result in rectal bleeding or even haemorrhoids. It may also affect the pelvic muscles that are important during childbirth. IBS affected women are also at high risk of having a miscarriage.
However, there is nothing to prove that IBS affects or harms the baby in the womb. Neither does IBS affect a woman’s fertility or her ability to get pregnant.
How Is IBS Affected by Pregnancy?
IBS during pregnancy may get more severe due to the pregnancy hormones. Pregnant women may experience more problems related to digestion like diarrhoea, nausea, constipation, bloating, gas, heartburn or acidity etc. With the growing baby inside you, the intestines and digestive tract get pressed leading to a problem in bowel movement.
How Does IBS Affect The Baby in The Womb?
It is said that diarrhoea in pregnancy, due to IBS, may cause dehydration in pregnant women and also strip the mother and the baby of essential nutrients. It may result in preterm deliveries which may at times prove to be fatal for the baby. In some cases, the baby may develop health complications too. It may also result in miscarriages or ectopic pregnancy.
Can You Prevent IBS when Pregnant?
It may be a bit of a challenge to prevent IBS. However, you can prevent it by avoiding foods that may trigger the symptoms of IBS. Following a balanced and a healthy diet, drinking lots of fluid, exercising and remaining stress-free are some of the best ways of preventing IBS during pregnancy.
However, make sure to consult a doctor if the problem persists for a long time or you have severe symptoms. You should also consult the doctor before taking any medicine.
Effective Treatments to Cure IBS during Pregnancy
There is no permanent cure for IBS. However, you can reduce the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome through the various ways listed below.
Eat healthily and the right amount of food.
Eat small portions but at regular intervals.
Eat only home cooked food
Avoid spicy food which may trigger poor digestion and harm your gastrointestinal tract.
Avoid eating fried food which may trigger acid reflux.
Include lots of fibrous food and fruits in your daily diet.
Include probiotics in your diet.
Drink lots of water and fresh juice of fruits and vegetables.
Instead of taking constipation inducing iron tablets, take iron rich food.
Avoid foods and vegetables which may trigger gas, bloating and flatulence.
Avoid high-fat dairy products.
Quit drinking alcohol and smoking.
Keep a tab of what all you eat and write about the symptoms, if any, triggered by the food eaten.
Meditate, practice yoga postures fit for pregnancy, read, go for long walks, laugh and be stress-free.
Exercise regularly.
You may also try out home remedies instead of taking over-the-counter medicines or allopathy medicines.
IBS may be a lifelong condition, but there are ways to control it. There is nothing to get anxious or depressed when you have IBS. You have to remember that you are not alone handling IBS during pregnancy. There are many like you or some who may be struggling with severe symptoms of IBS during pregnancy. IBS during pregnancy can be tough to handle but with the right approach, good dietary habits, some lifestyle changes and a bit of treatment, you will not even notice it.
Also Read: Heartburn during Pregnancy, 21 Common Pregnancy Problems & Their Solutions Read more
Suggested for you
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
2 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Check out this new Memory
Nitu patel
Mom of a 10 m old boy
1 min ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Duglu
Mom of a 4 m old girl
4 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Manjari Naik
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old girl
5 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
karishma pawar
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old girl
6 mins ago
#kidno1
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive