Sputum
Sputum is defined as a mucous substance composed of cells and other substances produced by the airways of the respiratory tract. Phlegm differs from saliva; saliva is a substance produced in the mouth and helps digestion.
Sputum in infants
The baby is exposed to phlegm as adults. When the baby suffers from phlegm and is caused by colds and other causes, the baby can rarely remove phlegm from the mouth like adults, so the child has to swallow this sputum. Although there is little risk of this, he prefers to help the child to remove the sputum out of the body.
Types of cough in infants
The cough is divided into two parts based on the production of sputum, wet cough and dry cough; wet cough is the cough that produces phlegm, and sputum may be a drop of the throat from the nose or sinuses, or up from the lungs. This type of cough should not be suppressed; it cleanses the lungs of phlegm. Causes of wet cough include:
- Some viral infections : It is normal to get a baby wet cough with colds, usually result in coughing in this case the discharge of phlegm in the back of the throat.
- Pneumonia and upper respiratory tract It may cause coughing; wet cough may be symptomatic of pneumonia, sinusitis, tuberculosis or otherwise.
- Chronic pulmonary diseases : Wet cough may be a sign that the disease is worsening, or that the baby has another infection.
- Gastroesophageal reflux : This disease may cause a wet cough that awakens the baby from sleep.
- Nasal secretions Which falls to the back of the throat.
Dry cough does not cause phlegm, and may appear at the end of exposure to colds, or after exposure to a woman, such as cigarette smoke and dust.
There are many reasons that lead to dry cough, including the following:
- Some viral infections After colds, dry coughs may last for several weeks after other symptoms have gone away and usually get worse at night.
- Bronchospasm : It leads to dry cough especially at night.
- Sensitivity Exposure to dust and chemicals.
- Simple asthma : Dry cough is a sign.
Causes of sputum in infants
Sputum in infants is caused by:
- Respiratory infections caused by bacteria, including pneumonia; sputum contains white blood cells that fight germs.
- Flu and colds.
Methods of treatment and relief of sputum and cough in infants
These methods include:
- If you have a lot of sputum and mucus, you will have trouble breathing, sleeping and eating. The saline solution reduces the thickness of the sputum and reduces airway bulge.
- Salt solution is prepared at home; salt atoms are placed in a glass of pure water. This solution can be purchased with a dropper from pharmacies. The baby’s nose is distilled twice three times a day, and more can damage his nose.
- Give the baby extra fluid than usual; fluids reduce the thickness of the sputum, making the baby sputum out through coughing easily. Most drinks, including water and juice, are good for this condition. Warm drinks, including chicken soup, help relieve sore throat. Be sure to give the baby warm drinks and not hot. Babies under the age of 6 months should only have breast milk or formula milk, not water or juice. However, the mother may breastfeed the child (both natural and artificial) in greater quantities than usual if he has cough.
- Carry the child standing position with the head on the shoulder with the plump on the back to help the child to get rid of phlegm.
- The use of simple manual devices in pharmacies, which work on the suction of phlegm through the nose. For satisfactory results, distillate each nostril with two points of saline solution, and then leave for a minute inside the nose.
- Put extra cushions under the baby’s head so he can breathe easily. It is recommended to place a pillow or towel folded under the head of the baby to create an angle to help him breathe by raising his head.
- It is possible that the baby may get some colic by swallowing sputum, there is no need to fear, as the baby can not get rid of sputum during breastfeeding.
Cases that require consultation with a doctor
If the baby does not get better after about one week, consult your doctor. If breathing is difficult, you should take him to the hospital. In general, consult your doctor if the baby has cough less than 6 months old or has any of the following:
- Breathe faster than usual.
- A yellow or green pigment or blood.
- He has wheezing.
- Has a chronic illness, such as heart disease and lungs.
- He coughs so hard that he vomits with a cough.
- Has a high temperature.