Congestion can be an annoyance to your child, but is not a life-threatening condition. With a little time and lots of fluids, your child should be better soon. Infants, on the other hand, may have a hard time breathing or nursing when congested, which can become serious. If your infant is congested, you should contact your doctor to determine the cause and treatment for the congestion.
Congestion
Congestion is the result of a stuffy nose, which makes breathing difficult. When your child is congested, the nasal tissues and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid, causing a stuffy feeling. Sometimes, but not always, congestion is accompanied by a runny nose.
Causes
Congestion is usually the result of a cold or virus such as sinusitis, bronchiolitis, the common cold, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, swollen lymph nodes or whooping cough. It may also be due to food allergies or other allergies. Sinusitis causes the cavities around the nasal passages to become swollen and inflamed, making it difficult to breathe through the nose and may make your child's face and eyes feel swollen. The common cold is a upper respiratory infection in your child's nose and throat. According to MayoClinic.com, children, especially those in preschool, may get the common cold six to 10 times annually. Influenza is a viral infection that attacks the respiratory system and can be a serious condition. Young children are at higher risk of developing flu complications. Allergies are common in children and can result in congestion. Determining what triggers your child's allergies will help to prevent allergy symptoms.
See Your Doctor
Congestion can be a serious problem for infants. If your infant has congestion you should see your doctor. Also, if an older child has congestion for more than 10 days or has a high fever, you should contact your doctor. According to MayoClinic.com, a green nasal discharge with sinus pain or fever may be a sign of a bacterial infection, and your child will need antibiotics. MayoClinic.com also states that if your child's congestion is due to a viral infection, it will need to run its course.
At-Home Treatment
If congestion is caused by a virus, your doctor will not prescribe antibiotics to relieve your child's congestion. According to MayoClinic.com, your child needs to drink plenty of water, use a humidifier, and can try nasal saline sprays or rinses. Other treatment includes sitting in the bathroom with the door closed and hot water running in the shower for 20 minutes; this will help to open up the nasal passages. Warm compresses on the face will also help with the pressure.
Prevention
Since congestion is usually the result of a virus, the best prevention is to have your child wash his hands often and avoid other children who are sick. Viruses can spread from person-to-person contact or object-to-person contact. If your child touches an infected surface and then proceeds to touch her nose, mouth or face, she is likely to pick up the virus and end up being congested.
