Nasal congestion occurs when the tissues in the nose become swollen with excess fluids. As a result, your child might have a stuffed-up feeling. There are a variety of problems that causes a stuffy nose in kids, like the common cold, allergies and the flu. However, cold medicine isn’t recommended for children under the age of 2, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is researching the benefits of these medications in older children. This leaves many parents looking for other options to relieve congestion.
Cool Mist Humidifier
A cool mist humidifier helps moisten your child’s air, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dry air makes your child’s stuffy nose worse. Place the humidifier away from your child's bedding or other clothing. This will safeguard against mold growth. Also, change your cool mist humidifier water daily. Water that isn’t changed might grow bacteria and mold spores.
Saline Nose Drops
Another way to ease your child’s congestion is saline nose drops. These drops thin your child’s nasal discharge. Purchase the drops at your local drugstore and use as directed. Usually, this involves putting a few drops in each nostril. For babies, you can use bulb suction after applying the drops. For older children, however, this step isn’t necessary. That’s because an older child can blow her nose.
Steamy Room
Creating a steamy room also opens airways and relieves congestion. Turn your shower water to high and leave the bathroom. After several minutes, return to the bathroom. Sit with your child for a couple minutes, then turn the shower off and leave the bathroom. Never leave your child alone in the bathroom. For added congestion relief, you can go outdoors for a few seconds afterward to further clear airways.
Congestion Red Flags
If your child’s congestion lasts longer than 10 days, it’s time to call the doctor, recommends MayoClinic.com. Also, nasal discharge that’s green and accompanied by sinus pain is also a reason for concern. Blood nasal discharge and a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher are also reasons to contact your child’s pediatrician. When in doubt, seek medical advice.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Nasal Congestion; September 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Cough; September 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Honey: An Effective Cough Remedy?; March 2010
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Treating Coughs and Colds; January 2008
- American Academy of Pediatrics; Caring for a Child with a Viral Infection; December 2010
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