When is a "normal" problem worse than normal?

[tinyk]

Hi. I'm a first time mum so I keep getting told that this problem is normal... But I don't know of anyone else with it this bad a case so just want some reassurance or advice!

My 5mo DS is very snotty and congested. He has been like this since two weeks old, but rather than improving it seems to be getting worse! He is unable to sleep in the latter part of the night due to the congestion. He is exhausted during the day and is losing his ability to self-soothe. This feels like a problem to me, but the health visitor said it's not (and then berated me for cosleeping as a coping mechanism and said he has a squint... Anyhoo!!!)

For illustration, last night we woke at 0130. He was mouth breathing, unable to get any air through his nose. We spray saline, suction, wait, sneeze, suction, vomit, spray, suction, sneeze... Finally able to feed and sleep again by 3am, but only if sleeping on me so that well propped up.

Is this normal?? What should I do as a next step if not? I feel like the health professionals don't know where to go either.

Help and advice greatly received!

As an example here is our last night:

Sounds normal to me, but that doesn't make it any easier for you I know.

Make sure he doesn't sleep flat and try some vics/Olbas/karvol type products. Apparently vics on the feet helps somehow!

Not sure if its normal or not tbh. Sure someone will help though. Never used one myself but my friend swears by one of those plug in vaporiser things. Many brands do them. Her daughter is a little older so check before using obvs....sure you will anyway. My hv said to prop cot up too, but if youre co-sleeping that may be an issue.
Hope it clears up soon.
Good luck.

Thanks guys. I should say I've tried all usual home remedied to no avail. An open window ( with arctic room temp) is the only thing to provide relief of any sort. We did prop the cot but the level of propping required resulted in a small heap of baby at the bottom of the mattress hence co sleeping when it gets bad - he sleeps on my front!

So totally normal to be mouth breathing at night huh? Oh dear.

When does it get better?!?