It can be unsettling for parents to hear their baby making unusual sounds while breathing, especially if it resembles snoring. This noisy breathing is a common occurrence in infants and, while often harmless, understanding the underlying reasons can provide reassurance and guide parents on when to seek professional advice.
Common Explanations for Noisy Breathing
A baby’s developing respiratory system often produces various breathing sounds. Infants are obligate nasal breathers, primarily breathing through their noses for the first few months of life, typically up to 3 to 6 months of age. Their nasal passages are significantly narrower than those of older children and adults, making them more susceptible to blockages that cause noisy breathing. Small amounts of mucus or dried milk can lead to snorting, whistling, or rattling sounds as air passes through these constricted airways.
Normal mucus is a frequent cause of these sounds. Babies cannot clear their noses by blowing them, so mucus can accumulate and produce a whistling or sniffling sound. Dry air, especially indoors, can exacerbate this by drying out nasal secretions and making them thicker, increasing congestion. Mild gastroesophageal reflux, where milk flows back from the stomach into the esophagus and sometimes reaches the throat, can also contribute to noisy breathing, often sounding like gurgling or rattling, particularly after feedings. Lingering amniotic fluid in newborns’ nasal passages after birth also clears naturally over time.
Understanding Medical Considerations
While many instances of noisy breathing are benign, certain medical conditions can also contribute. Laryngomalacia, a common condition in newborns, occurs when the soft, immature tissues of the larynx (voice box) partially collapse inward during inhalation. This can create a high-pitched, squeaky sound, known as stridor, which is often more noticeable when the baby is on their back, feeding, or excited. This condition typically resolves as the baby’s airway structures strengthen, usually by 12 to 18 months of age.
Enlarged adenoids or tonsils are less common causes of noisy breathing in very young infants but can contribute in older babies and children by obstructing the upper airway. Respiratory infections, such as the common cold or bronchiolitis, frequently cause increased noisy breathing. These infections cause inflammation and increased mucus production in the airways, leading to symptoms like a stuffy nose, coughing, and sometimes wheezing. Bronchiolitis, for instance, affects the smaller airways in the lungs and can make breathing sound wheezy and difficult, often accompanied by fever and a cough.
Signs Indicating Concern
Parents should be aware of specific signs that suggest noisy breathing might require medical attention:
- Difficulty breathing, such as retractions (skin pulling inward around ribs/neck) or nasal flaring (nostrils widening). These indicate the baby is working harder to breathe.
- Persistent coughing, especially if severe or accompanied by other symptoms.
- A fever, particularly in infants under three months.
- Changes in skin color, such as a bluish tint around the lips or face, indicating a lack of oxygen.
- Poor feeding or decreased wet diapers, signaling the baby is not getting enough fluids or is too distressed to feed.
- Extreme fussiness or lethargy, where the baby is unusually sleepy or unresponsive.
Practical Steps for Parents
For mild noisy breathing due to common, non-serious causes, several home interventions can help. Using a cool-mist humidifier in the baby’s room can add moisture to the air, which helps to loosen mucus and ease congestion. Saline nasal drops can also be effective in thinning nasal secretions, making them easier to clear. After applying saline drops, gentle suctioning with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can help remove excess mucus from the nasal passages.
Ensuring the baby remains well-hydrated by offering frequent feedings can also help keep mucus thin. Maintaining a clean environment free from irritants like dust, cigarette smoke, or strong perfumes can reduce factors that contribute to nasal congestion. Elevating the baby’s head slightly during sleep can also aid in mucus drainage. Parents should consistently monitor their baby for any worsening symptoms and consult a pediatrician if concerns arise.