Phlegm in infants is one of the most common conditions which affect them frequently. However, babies do not possess the lung capacity to cough out the phlegm and as such, they either vomit it out or they swallow it in.
Phlegm is a substance that is produced naturally by the body. It guards the respiratory tracts against various infectious microbes, thereby enabling it to resist infections and diseases. However, sometimes phlegm could cause bronchial infections which may lead to severe consequences and this is why it is important to relieve phlegm in infants. Phlegm in infants causes immense discomfort and distress. It makes it difficult for them to breathe. Due to this they tend to become irritable and cranky. They may even refuse to eat and may also lose sleep. There are a few home remedies that can help relieve phlegm in infants, some of which are listed below:
- If your baby is being breast fed, then it is the mother who should take remedial measures. The lactating mother could eat a clove of garlic every night before going to bed. The beneficial properties of garlic are passed onto the baby through the mother's milk. Garlic helps loosen phlegm in babies.
- A hot water bath with therapeutic essential oils could help treat phlegm in infants very effectively. You can put a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil in your baby's bath water so that he or she can inhale the vapors with the essential oil. This will open up the pores and sinuses of your baby and help it breathe. You can also use thyme or sage oil for your baby's hot water bath.
- Holy basil herb is highly effective in curing phlegm in babies. You could brew holy basil leaves in water and give it to your baby at regular intervals. You can also crush the leaves of holy basil, extract the juice and give it to your baby. Holy basil is known for its anti-microbial properties which help relieve cough and cold.
- You can make a paste of ground ginger and holy basil in honey. You must give a teaspoon of this paste to your baby to relieve phlegm.
Babies younger than one year are generally not affected by cough or phlegm, but if you notice your baby coughing terribly, you must see a doctor. The affliction could be respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can prove fatal if not diagnosed and cured in time. Therefore, you must consult your pediatrician before the condition of your baby worsens.
answered by G R