Nasal congestion from a cold or flu
is very common and an inevitable part of childhood.
One of the greatest milestones of babyhood is when little ones learn
to blow their noses.
Here are some tips for relieving nasal congestion in all age groups.
Infants only breath through their noses, so nasal congestion
can interfere with nursing or bottle-feeding. We recommend that you
help clear the baby's nose approximately 15-20 minutes before feedings.
This can be accomplished by using a saline nasal spray and a nasal aspirator.
Sit baby semi-upright or upright (based on the infant's age)
in carrier, car seat or high chair.
Place saline nasal spray just at the nostril opening and spray
1-2 good squirts up the baby's nose. It should mist into the nostril.
We do not recommend laying baby down on her back as the spray will
stream into the nostril.
Squeeze the bulb end of the nasal aspirator first and then
insert the open end just inside the nostril. Gently release the
bulb and suction out the nostril.
Clean aspirator with a tissue between suctioning.
Repeat procedure for 2nd nostril.
Do not aspirate the nose too often. The suctioning can cause
the sensitive nasal membranes to bleed or swell making breathing even
more difficult.
Children who can blow their noses (from approx. 2 years of age
and up) certainly should whenever it runs.
It does not hurt to run a cool mist vaporizer for all age groups to relieve
nasal congestion. The moist air helps keep the mucous flowing (hopefully
right out of the nose.)
Also, a warm bath or steam from the shower can help relieve nasal
congestion. (Turn the shower on and let the bathroom fill with warm
mist. Sit with the child on your lap for up to 15 minutes in the misty
room. Do NOT get into the shower with your child. Just sit on
the counter, floor or toilet seat and let the child breathe in the warm
steam.)
Do not give children under 6 months of age, over-the-counter cold remedies
without consulting a pediatrician. It is not always necessary
to give antihistamines to children with nasal congestion.
Check with your pediatrician if:
Nasal congestion turns bright yellow or dark green in color.
This could be a sign of secondary infection.
The child appears to be afflicted with a constant runny nose,
especially those children with a history of skin or food
allergies may not have a cold. They may be experiencing respiratory
allergies.
Nasal congestion leads to an ear infection.
The fluid accumulates in the sinuses and drains into the under-developed
Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the throat to the ear.) As the
fluid sits, it causes an ear infection.
Related
ArticlesSit baby semi-upright or upright (based on the infant's age) in carrier, car seat or high chair.
Nasal congestion turns bright yellow or dark green in color. This could be a sign of secondary infection.
