What are the dangers of suctioning sputum in children?

The suction machine works on the principle of negative pressure. It is mainly used to help people suck out sputum when they are unable to cough up sputum, thereby reducing the harm of sputum to the body. If a child uses a suction device to suction out phlegm, what are the dangers of suctioning phlegm for the child? If the child is too young, using a suction device may damage the respiratory mucosa, so if other methods can be used to remove phlegm, try to use other methods.

1. What are the hazards of suctioning sputum in children?

It is not recommended to suction sputum for babies over one month old. Suctioning sputum has many side effects and can cause damage to the respiratory mucosa. If the suction tube is not positioned properly, it may cause suffocation in the baby. Babies over one year old cannot speak yet and do not know how to use body language to express suggestions. It is better not to suction the sputum. You can gently push the baby's back to promote the removal of sputum. You can also use some expectorant drugs, but it is recommended to use them under the guidance of a doctor.

2. How to help your baby eliminate phlegm

1. If it is a baby and its breathing is affected, we will first use artificial suction to prevent the child from being affected by lack of oxygen. If there is less phlegm, we recommend that you give your child more boiled water;

2. If the baby does not drink milk, try to eat a light diet. Also, remember to always dress the baby in one less piece of clothing than adults. Don't worry about the baby getting cold. In many cases, the baby has phlegm because the heat cannot be released. Also, knead the baby's spine, especially the shoulder blade area. You can knead it more appropriately to relieve the symptoms.

3. Take good care of your baby: Turn your baby over or pat his back frequently. This will promote blood circulation in the lungs and loosen the phlegm in the bronchi for easier discharge. The method of patting the back is as follows: the sick child lies on his side or is held up to lie on his side, and the parent bends his five fingers slightly into a semi-circle, that is, half-clenched a fist, and gently pats the sick child's back, alternating between both sides. The force of the tapping should not be too great, and it should be done from top to bottom and from outside to inside in sequence.

In short, if you use suction to help babies under one year old to expectorate, it will produce some side effects and harm the baby's health. Therefore, parents should try to avoid suctioning their babies. When the baby has phlegm in the throat, it should be treated according to the amount of phlegm and the baby's own condition. If the amount of phlegm is small, you can try to expectorate the baby according to the above method; if the amount of phlegm is too large, it is best to go to the hospital for treatment.