Stuffy noses can impair kids' breathing and decrease their appetites. Nasal congestion in kids is usually the result of a common cold and can be treated easily at home. Remedies only take minutes and will help the child feel more comfortable while she recovers.
Moisture
Infused into the air or applied inside the nostrils, moisture will relieve a stuffy nose. The moisture lubricates the nasal passages, decreasing swelling and facilitating mucous drainage. There are a couple different methods for increasing moisture including warm showers, saline nose drops, humidifiers and vaporizers. Children should also drink plenty of water, to hydrate from the inside out.
Aspiration
Very small children, usually under the age of 2, cannot blow their nose to expel mucous. A nasal bulb is used to aspirate tenacious mucous from the nasal passages and relieve stuffy noses. A few drops of saline are applied in each nostril, then the nasal bulb is inserted gently and used to suck mucous out of the nostrils. Aspiration can be used as often as necessary to provide relief.
Decongestants
According to FamilyDoctor.org, decongestants may help relieve a stuffy nose but should not be used in children under 4 years old. These over-the-counter medications work by shrinking the blood vessels inside the nostrils, facilitating more air passage through the nose. Be careful when purchasing decongestants for children, as children cannot use adult doses or products. A safe decongestant for children must be labeled as such and have age-appropriate dosing information on the label.
