hi Dr. my daughter is 3 months 20 days old.
Sometimes she makes some sound in nose while breathing. sound would be like as if she has cold. but she has no cold or runny nose.

Question

Accepted Answer

The sound you're hearing when your 3-month-old daughter breathes, even without a cold or runny nose, could be caused by several factors, and in many cases, it is normal. Here are a few common reasons for such sounds:

1. Normal Nasal Congestion:

Babies have very small nasal passages, which can sometimes produce sounds while breathing, even if there is no active cold or runny nose. This is often just a result of mild mucus buildup in the nasal passages, which might not be noticeable as a full cold but can still create a sound when your baby breathes.

Solution: Using saline drops and a gentle bulb syringe to clear her nose can help if there’s any mild congestion.

2. Physiological Noisy Breathing (Stertor):

Some babies have noisy breathing due to the natural anatomy of their upper airways. This sound is often described as a "snoring" or "nasal grunt" and can occur especially when they're lying down.

Solution: This usually resolves as your baby grows and her airways mature. Keeping her head slightly elevated while sleeping (without using pillows in the crib, as this is not recommended for safety) might help.

3. Mucus in the Throat:

Even without a cold, babies can accumulate mucus in their throat, which can create a sound similar to congestion. This is especially common in the early months, as babies' systems clear out any leftover fluid from birth or are adjusting to new environments.

Solution: Continue to monitor and ensure she is feeding well and keeping hydrated, as this can help clear mucus.

4. Mild Reflux:

If your baby has mild acid reflux (GERD), it might cause a noise while breathing due to small amounts of stomach acid or liquid reaching the throat, which could cause irritation and congestion-like sounds.

Solution: Keep her upright after feedings and avoid overfeeding to see if it helps reduce the noise.

5. Allergies or Irritants:

Sometimes, babies can be sensitive to dust, pet dander, or other environmental irritants that may cause sounds without a runny nose or full cold symptoms.

Solution: Make sure the room is clean and free from potential allergens. Using a humidifier can also help keep the air moist.

When to Seek Medical Advice:

If the sounds are accompanied by difficulty breathing, wheezing, persistent coughing, or any signs of discomfort, it’s important to check with your pediatrician. They can rule out conditions like laryngomalacia (a condition where the airway is softer than usual), respiratory infections, or other medical concerns.

However, if your baby is otherwise healthy, feeding well, and doesn't show signs of distress, it's likely just a normal developmental phase that will improve over time.

hi Dr. my daughter is 3 months 20 days old. Sometimes she makes some sound in nose while breathing. sound would be like as if she has cold. but she has no cold or runny nose.