Baby Has Chest Congestion, Wheezing, Difficulty Breathing. Is His Fever Due To Betnesol Drops?
Thanks for the query.
The nasal block and the chest congestion in the babies are very common and is mostly due to the faulty feeding techniques and the aspiration of the milk and the salivary secretions.
It so happens, whenever the child is breastfed in the supine position (i.e. in the straight position) some amount of milk from the mouth will regurgitate into the nose and the ear. This will cause nasal block, because of the nasal block the child starts breathing through mouth and also feeds through the mouth simultaneously leading to aspiration. Recurrent aspiration will cause chest infection and wheeze.
I doubt the fever is secondary to the usage of Betnesol drops. Betnesol drops are the steroid oral drops used to reduce the inflammation and the allergic problems. Paracetamol drops can be given to child if there is fever and also wait and watch for couple of days; if the fever does not subside then the child would require examination by a good child specialist and managed accordingly.
I would suggest you to use saline nasal drops for the child if there is any nasal congestion and do not stop breastfeeding. Also, elevate the head of the child while feeding and after feeding put the child over the shoulder and XXXXXXX the back so that any accumulated air in the stomach is removed.
Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards.
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Thanks for writing back.
The position what you are using to feed the child seems to be alright and patting over the back post feeding is also correct. There are no other techniques apart from this to feed the child. The weight of the child is ideal for the age, do not worry just follow the same techniques as mentioned.
Secondly, fast breathing and sometimes breath holding spells are common in the children. Noisy breathing could be due to blockage of the nasal secretions in the nose. Try using the saline nasal drops; if you feel it is not improving, it would be better to get the child examined by a good ENT specialist as well as a child specialist.
I hope, this helps. Please accept my answer in case you have no follow up queries.
I wish him good health.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Answered by
Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2543 Questions