It was a quiet Wednesday evening, the kind where the air felt just a little cooler than usual. I decided to stop by Nina’s house for a cup of tea. Nina’s warm, inviting home was a haven of comfort, the scent of cinnamon lingering from a freshly baked pie. Her baby boy, Arjun, was nestled in his playpen, his tiny fists gripping a soft, knitted blanket. Nina greeted me with her usual bright smile, but I noticed the weariness in her eyes.
We settled at her kitchen table, the soft clink of tea mugs between us. Nina took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to Arjun. “Priya,” she said softly, “I think Arjun has caught a cold. He’s been sniffling and struggling to sleep for the past two nights. His little nose sounds so blocked, and it’s making him cranky. I don’t know what else to do.”
I put my hand on hers, feeling the quiet desperation that only a mother’s sleepless nights could bring. Looking at Arjun, I could hear the congested breathing, see his tiny face scrunching up in frustration.
“Let’s take a closer look, Nina,” I said. “We’ll figure this out together.”
What Is Snuffling?
Snuffling is a common term for the congested or sniffly sound babies make when they’re breathing through a blocked nose. In infants, this often results from a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (URTI). The technical term for it is rhinitis, but it’s a lot more troublesome for babies than adults. Since babies primarily breathe through their nose, even a slight blockage can cause discomfort.
What Causes Snuffling in Infants?
As I gently checked Arjun, I explained to Nina, “Snuffling is often caused by a viral infection, especially in the nose and upper respiratory system. Babies are more susceptible because their nasal passages are so tiny.”
I continued, “Sometimes, babies can have up to six episodes of URTI each year due to their developing immune systems and exposure to viruses from family members or daycare settings.”
Symptoms to Watch For
Nina nodded as she listened, her eyes fixed on Arjun’s little chest moving up and down.
“Here’s what you’re probably noticing,” I said:
- Nasal congestion with thick, yellow, or green mucus
- Coughing and sneezing
- Irritability from discomfort
- Feeding difficulties because of the blocked nose
Nina sighed. “That’s exactly it. He doesn’t want to feed, and he keeps waking up crying.”
Risks of Snuffling in Babies
I reassured her, “It’s usually not a serious problem. Snuffling often sounds worse than it is. But it’s good to know when to be cautious.” I explained some risks to watch for:
- High fever (over 39°C)
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting or unusual symptoms
- Pale or dusky skin
- If Arjun becomes less active or unusually drowsy
“If any of these happen,” I said, “you should contact your doctor right away.”
How to Treat Snuffling in Infants
“Let’s try a few things to help Arjun breathe more comfortably,” I suggested.
Simple Home Measures
- Saline nasal drops: These can help loosen the mucus. You can follow with gentle suction using a nasal aspirator.
- Warm fluids: Offer plenty of fluids to keep him hydrated.
- Elevate his head slightly during sleep, about 20 to 30 degrees, by placing a rolled towel under the mattress.
- Warm, steamy bathroom: Sitting in a steamy room for a few minutes can help clear his nose.
- Avoid lying him flat for at least 30 minutes after a feed.
Nina jotted down the tips, her eyes reflecting a bit of hope.
Natural Remedies
I also shared a simple traditional remedy:
- Add one teaspoon of salt to 500 mL of boiling water. Let it cool slightly, then use a cotton ball dipped in the saline to gently clear his nostrils.
When Should You See a Doctor?
I reassured Nina that in most cases, snuffling resolves on its own. But sometimes, professional help is necessary.
“Call me or see a doctor if Arjun’s snuffling doesn’t improve after one week or if he shows signs of an allergic reaction,” I advised.
After Some TLC
We tried the saline drops, and after a bit of fussing, Arjun’s breathing seemed a little easier. Nina rocked him gently, whispering soft lullabies.
As Arjun’s eyelids grew heavy, Nina’s shoulders relaxed. “Thank you, Priya,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
I smiled, feeling the warmth of the kitchen, the quiet ticking of the clock, and the deep satisfaction that comes from helping a friend — not just as a doctor, but as someone who truly cares.
Key Takeaways for Parents
- Snuffling is common in infants and usually caused by a viral infection.
- Home remedies like saline drops, warm fluids, and elevating the baby’s head can help.
- Watch for high fever, wheezing, or unusual drowsiness.
- Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen.
Moments like these remind me why I do what I do — to turn worries into manageable solutions and help both babies and parents breathe a little easier.
