This article is professionally consulted by MSc, Resident Physician Dang Thi Ngoan - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Pediatrics Department - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
A 1-month-old baby has a weak immune system and may exhibit coughing and nasal congestion as symptoms of upper or lower respiratory infections. Health experts advise parents to limit medication use for cough and nasal congestion, using it only when advised by a doctor.
1. Prioritize non-medication care for a coughing and congested baby
For 1-month-old infants, as well as other ages, health experts typically recommend that parents prioritize applying non-medical care measures for their child. Medications should only be used if these measures are ineffective and under a doctor's guidance.
When a baby coughs, over-the-counter medication can be used to alleviate symptoms; however, many cough medicines have contraindications for children under 2 years of age, including 1-month-olds, due to the potential for serious side effects, which can even threaten the baby's life.
For infants with respiratory conditions accompanied by coughing and nasal congestion, parents can consider the following non-medical care measures:
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Chiều cao, cân nặng của bé ở từng giai đoạn nên là bao nhiêu là bình thường, bao nhiêu là bất thường? Cùng ThS.BS Ma Văn Thấm điểm lại xem bạn đã nắm được các chỉ số phát triển thể chất của bé chưa nhé!The following content is prepared under supervision of Thạc sĩ, Bác sĩ y khoa, Ma Văn Thấm , Nhi , Phòng khám Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec Dương Đông(Phú Quốc)
1.1 Use saline nasal drops
In many cases, infants may cough coupled with increased mucus production, causing nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, which greatly impacts sleep and makes it harder for the baby to feed. Saline nasal drops can help clear mucus, reduce swelling, and make it easier for babies to breathe and cough. For 1-month-olds, parents can use a nasal suction device for assistance.
1.2 Increase breastfeeding
For children over 6 months, adding water can help reduce mucus in the nose and respiratory tract, making it easier to breathe and cough. However, for children under 6 months, breastfeeding is the only option.
1.4 Elevate the head when lying down
Raising the baby's head slightly with a pillow or towel can help them breathe more easily. This will help the baby breathe more easily and reduce coughing.
1.5 Use a humidifier
Consider using a humidifier in the bedroom at night. Moist air will help the baby breathe easier and reduce the irritants that cause coughing.
2. Use medication if a 1-month-old baby is coughing excessively
If a baby is coughing excessively and has severe nasal congestion, impacting sleep and activities, parents can consider using medication to alleviate the symptoms. If it is not possible to see a doctor for a prescription, parents can opt for over-the-counter cough medicines.
However, it is critical to pay special attention when selecting cough medications that can be used for infants and young children. Parents should choose cough syrups that do not suppress the central cough reflex, as this will protect the baby’s natural cough reflex.
Additionally, parents need to closely monitor the disease's progression. If the baby displays severe symptoms such as coughing accompanied by fever, green or yellow phlegm, excessive fatigue, difficulty breathing, lethargy, or refusing to breastfeed/eat, they should take the baby to the hospital for examination and appropriate prescription.
Serious conditions like bronchitis or pneumonia can cause severe complications if untreated, so prompt medical care is essential. Parents should be very careful and monitor their child’s symptoms.
Alongside choosing pharmaceutical cough remedies, naturally derived herbal products are also prioritized in treatment due to their advantage of being more suitable for long-term use and generally safer, especially for newborns and young children.
For a 1-month-old baby with a cough, parents can consider herbal products extracted from ivy leaves, which help reduce coughing while also loosening phlegm and reducing bronchial spasms. It is necessary to choose products that can be safely used for infants.
In addition, it is important to avoid choosing cough medicines that are advertised as “traditional remedies” or “imported medicines” with unclear origins, unreliable quality, and unproven effectiveness for children.
Instead, select quality medications that have been approved by the Ministry of Health and proven for efficacy and safety through studies.
If nasal congestion symptoms do not improve, the child may have an underlying condition and needs to be examined. The Pediatric Department at Vinmec International General Hospital is a dedicated facility for diagnosing and treating illnesses that newborns and young children commonly face, such as viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, and pneumonia in children. With modern equipment, sterile environments, and minimal impact and infection risk, Vinmec also offers compassionate care from experienced doctors specializing in pediatric care, alleviating the concerns parents may have about medical examinations.
As a key area of Vinmec Healthcare, the Pediatric Department consistently ensures customer satisfaction and is highly regarded by industry experts, featuring:
A leading team of pediatricians: including top specialists and highly qualified professionals (professors, associate professors, doctors, and masters) with extensive experience, having worked in major hospitals like Bach Mai and 108,... All doctors are well-trained, professional, and understand child psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the department also includes international experts from Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the USA who are always at the forefront of applying the latest and most effective treatment protocols.
- Comprehensive services: In pediatric care, Vinmec offers a seamless series of healthcare services from newborn care to vaccinations, adhering to international standards to support parents in maintaining their child's health from birth to adulthood.
- Advanced techniques: Vinmec has successfully implemented many specialized techniques to improve the treatment of difficult pediatric conditions, such as neurosurgery and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for cancer treatment.
- Professional care: In addition to understanding child psychology, Vinmec prioritizes creating a playful environment for children, helping them enjoy their time and adapt to the hospital environment to cooperate in treatment, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of examination and treatment.
Dr. Dang Thi Ngoan, a former lecturer in Pediatrics at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, has received certification in pediatrics both domestically and internationally, including Westmead Hospital in Australia and Hai Phong University of Medicine. Currently, Dr. Ngoan serves as a pediatrician and neonatologist in the Neonatal Department at Vinmec International General Hospital in Ha Long.
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