If your child has a stuffy nose and complains of a headache, she may have sinusitis, an inflammation of the nasal passages. Sinusitis occurs when nasal passages are clogged with mucus. This can cause pain, irritation and pressure around the nose and eyes. Take your child to her pediatrician to determine if it's OK for you to use home remedies.
Fluids
Give your child a constant supply of water and juice to help loosen congestion in the nasal passages. The more hydrated your child is, the looser the mucus and the less pain in the sinus area. The Mayo Clinic recommends a mixture of lemon, honey and hot water to help reduce congestion. Boil hot water on the stove, then mix it with a small amount of honey and lemon juice, to taste. Don't give your child drinks that contain caffeine, such as sodas or black tea.
Compresses
Rinse several clean washcloths in warm water, and before placing them on your child's face, test them to be sure they aren't too hot to the touch. Place the washcloths on your child's face while he's lying down. Place one washcloth on the forehead, one on each side of the nose, and one underneath the mouth, if possible. The heat from the washcloths helps mucus drain from the sinuses, which reduces pain and sinus pressure in your child's head and helps him breathe through his nose.
Nasal Rinse
Mix a solution of 2 cups warm water, a pinch of baking soda and 1 tsp. table salt, recommends Bruce Jafek, M.D., chairman of the Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Medicine. Mix it thoroughly and pour a small amount of the solution into a shot glass. Tip your child's head up so her chin is facing the ceiling and instruct her to plug one nostril. Carefully hold the shot glass under your child's open nostril while she sniffs the solution into her nose. Instruct your child to blow her nose thoroughly, then repeat this with the other nostril.
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