For first-time parents, it’s very important to know what common issues newborn babies can experience, and what can be done about it. One common condition is pagmumuta ng baby, or baby eye discharge.
But why exactly does this happen, what can be done about it, and how can parents prevent it? Find out the answers by reading on.
What Does Pagmumuta ng Baby Mean?
Pagmumuta ng baby means that baby has discharge or buildup in their eyes. It’s a fairly common occurrence, especially for very young babies, though it might be a cause for concern for first-time parents.
For the most part, it’s not anything serious, as it happens to most babies. Though, it’s also important to be aware of when it might warrant a closer look and a visit to the doctor.
What Are Some Possible Causes?
Here are some possible causes of baby eye discharge or pagmumuta ng baby:
Normal Discharge
In the majority of cases, it’s normal for newborns to have some eye discharge. It is estimated that about 5%-10% of newborns have blocked tear ducts. This is usually caused by an undeveloped tear duct, and it can last for a few months or until your baby’s tear ducts develop fully.
In these cases, it clears up on its own without any treatment. Though there are some things that parents can do to speed things up.
Placing a warm compress on the affected eye can also help, and so does gently massaging the part of your baby’s eye closest to the nose. It is important to make sure your hands are clean and disinfected before doing these treatment steps.
As for the discharge, wiping it away with a clean cotton ball soaked in some distilled or cooled boiled water can help. Avoid using a handkerchief or your fingers to wipe off the discharge.
Conjunctivitis or Sore Eyes
Another possible cause of pagmumuta ng baby is conjunctivitis, or more commonly known as sore eyes. This happens when the baby’s eye gets irritated, or even infected by bacteria.
If the cause of sore eyes is due to irritation, a warm compress can help relieve pain and ease the irritation. However, if it’s caused by an infection, then treatment can be a bit more complicated.
This is because a bacterial infection in your baby’s eye is a serious concern, so it’s important to seek medical attention. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics, which can either be taken orally, as an eye cream, or intravenously. These antibiotics should help clear out the infection, and prevent it from infecting other parts of the body.
Make sure to keep the affected area clean and free from any dirt. Before touching the area near your baby’s eyes, make sure your hands are clean to avoid infection.
Dust or Dirt in the Eyes
Pagmumuta ng baby can also happen if dust or dirt gets in your baby’s eyes. If this happens, you can try to take out the tiny speck of dust by using a clean cotton swab. If you can’t take it out, or you can’t do it yourself, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention for your baby.
When Should You Call the Doctor?
In some cases, you might need to call your child’s doctor, especially if there is a lot of discharge, or if it seems that your child has an eye infection.
Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Dried pus, and not discharge, on the eyelids or eyelashes
- Green or yellow pus coming from your child’s eye
- Eyelashes stuck together after sleeping
- Eyelids look puffy or inflamed
- If your child has a fever
- They seem very sick
- If they feel a lot of pain because of their eye
If any of these symptoms are present, don’t hesitate to call the doctor as soon as possible. This helps prevent things from getting worse and ensures that your child can receive treatment immediately.
Key Takeaways
Pagmumuta ng baby is a fairly common occurrence in newborn babies. However, this doesn’t mean that it should be ignored, especially if it is causing discomfort. It is important to remember the tips above in order to make sure your child’s vision is always safe.
Learn more about Baby Care here.
