Snotty Noses Sorted – Not Snorted!

Wiping snotty noses – it’s simply part of being a mom. But what does all the mucus mean? Is it allergies, sinus, or something worse which requires medical attention? Sister Lilian Centre’s mucus guide (that’s probably something you never thought you’d read before becoming a parent…) will help you to identify and treat the different mucus niggles which affect babies, toddlers and even adults!

First of all, mucus is not a bad thing. Mucus membranes form an ‘internal skin’ which lines all hollow organs and passages. When a foreign or allergenic substance irritates the mucus membranes, they produce extra mucus to cover the substance and help the body to expel it (gesundheit). However, excess mucus is also a great environment for the growth of organisms which may cause infections.

Here are four common types of mucus and how to treat them:

Clear, frothy, watery mucus – usually accompanied by sneezing. It’s often related to acute and short-lived bouts of allergy, and all the mucus and the nose-wiping often makes Baby’s nose red and painful. Treat with the tissue salt remedy Nat mur #9.
Thick, whitish grey, sluggish mucus – usually linked to a family history of sinus congestion. Because the upper airways are clogged, Baby may often suffer from a constant blocked nose, noisy breathing and may be more prone to bronchitis or croup. Treat with the tissue salt remedy Kali mur #5.
Yellow, sticky or slimy mucus – usually linked to a simultaneous family history of skin rashes and eczema. Treat with the tissue salt remedy Kali sulph #7.
Green, lumpy mucus – may be a sign of infection if it is accompanied by a raised temperature. This may prove slow to respond to medical treatment. Treat with the tissue salt remedy Calc sulph #3.

It’s normal for newborns to splutter a little and sneeze a lot; they’re simply clearing the amniotic fluid and accumulated mucus from their airways. Your early breast milk, colostrum, helps to break down this mucus so that it can be expelled in this way, and congestion should clear quickly by itself. You can get Baby to sneeze by tickling his nose with a tissue, or putting a drop of breast milk or saline in his nostrils.

Sister Lilian Centre’s top ten tips for preventing excess mucus in tots

Avoid allergen foods like dairy, grains, shellfish, peanuts, soya, and eggs during pregnancy
Breastfeed babies as long as possible
Reduce dairy and grain products in a breastfeeding mom’s diet
Avoid giving baby cereals as a first food
Use home cook fresh veggies, or organic bottled baby food
Use organic produce in the home
Avoid grain products in baby’s diet until well after a year
Avoid smoking around children and during pregnancy
Avoid processed foods, colourants, and preservatives
Give baby homeopathic remedies for mucus