Infants and small children aren’t able to blow their noses effectively. Get a soft, rubber-bulb syringe to remove nasal secretions gently and efficiently.
You may want to try a salt spray that has a greater concentration of salt than your body (hypertonic). This is useful for significant congestion with a lot of discharge. If you’re having trouble breathing or clearing your nose, consider a hypertonic solution. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source To do this, simply add 1/2 teaspoon of salt instead of 1/4 teaspoon. Don’t use a hypertonic solution for infants or small children younger than five years old.
You can add the salt and the baking soda all at once, but adding the salt first usually results in easier mixing.
Lean forward and angle the spray nozzle into the nostril, toward the ear. [4] X Research source Spray one or two squirts into each nostril. Use your left hand for your right nostril, and your right hand for your left nostril. Sniff gently to keep the saline solution from dripping right out of your nose. Make sure not to snort it back into your throat, though, as this may cause irritation in your septum.
Tilt the child’s head back slightly. Press on the bulb to remove about 1/4 of the air from it, then gently insert the tip into the nostril. Release the bulb to suction nasal secretions into the rubber-bulb syringe. Do not insert the tip deep into the child’s nose. You’re only removing the material in the front part of the nostril. Try to avoid touching the inside of the nostril, as it could be sensitive and sore during illness.
The best times to do this is before feeding or bed, to help your child breathe better while eating and sleeping. If the child squirms too much, just relax and try again later. Remember to be very gentle!
Drink at least eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water every day. Drink even more if you have a fever, or if your illness causes vomiting or diarrhea. [9] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Call your physician immediately if your infant or young child has nasal congestion along with any fever, cough, trouble breathing, or trouble feeding due to the congestion.
Fever Runny or stuffy nose Clear, green, or yellow nasal discharge Sore throat Coughing and sneezing Fatigue Muscle aches and headaches Watery eyes The flu has additional symptoms: a higher fever (over 102 °F or 39. 9 °C), nausea, chills/sweats, and loss of appetite
Always take the full course of antibiotic treatment, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the treatment before the doctor recommends it, the infection may return.
Thick yellow or green nasal discharge, often found in the throat as well Nasal congestion Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead Lowered ability to smell and taste Coughing
Dust mites Foods: milk, gluten, soy, spices, shellfish, and food preservatives Pollen (Hay fever) Latex Mold Peanuts Pet dander
Tobacco smoke Exhaust fumes Perfumes Dry air (buy a humidifier) Sudden changes in temperature
High blood pressure medications Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays Drug abuse
Deviated septum Nasal polyps Enlarged adenoids Foreign body in the nose This is especially common in children. This often causes a thick nasal discharge with a bad odor, and it is often only on one side of the nose.
