Posted by Children’s Blocked Nose – Do’s & Don’ts
Nasal congestion in simple terms is known as a blocked nose or stuffy nose. This happens when there is swelling in the nasal cavity leading to a blockage of nasal air passages. As a result, it becomes difficult for the little ones to breathe normally. It is often associated with colds, flu and allergic reactions.
Children between the age group of 0 – 1-year-olds are obligatory nose breathers. When they suffer from Nasal congestion, they have difficulty in breathing which is very scary.
When nasal congestion lasts longer than one week, it may be due to acute sinusitis, dry air, and hormonal changes in the body, hay fever, occupational asthma, pregnancy, stress, thyroid disorders and excessive tobacco smoke.
What causes that stuffy feeling in the nasal passage in monsoon?
When you have a cold or allergies, the membranes lining the nasal passage become inflamed and irritated. They begin to swell up and produce more fluids to flush out whatever causes the irritation, such as an allergen.
Although less common, nasal discomfort can also be caused by polyps or a tumor.
Common symptoms of nasal congestion are in a 1 to 6 year old toddler.
1. sinus pain
2. mucus build up
3. swollen nasal tissues
4. watery eyes
5. a hoarse voice and
6. minor headache
A stuffy nose can be a cause lot of discomfort, especially in children who are unable to sleep due it.
Nasal congestion in some serious cases hinders mental and physical growth
It should be treated immediately otherwise it can cause other problems such as ear infections, restless sleep and so on.
Use these tips to feel better and relieved.
When you have a stuffy nose, focus on keeping the nasal passage and the sinuses moist.
To keep your nasal passages and sinuses moist you can:
1. Use a humidifier – A humidifier provides a quick and easy way to reduce sinus pain or relieve a stuffy nose.
It converts water to moisture that slowly fills the air, increasing the humidity in the room. Breathing in this moist air can soothe irritated tissues and swollen blood vessels in your nose and sinuses. It can also thin the mucus in your sinuses.
2. Take a shower – The steam from a hot shower helps to thin out the mucus in your respiratory passages and reduce inflammation. Take a hot shower which can help your breathing return to normal, at least for a while.
3. Do steam inhalation from a pot of warm water
4. Drink lots of fluids – This will thin out your mucus which could prevent blocked sinuses.
5. Try a Neti pot, nasal aspirator, bulb syringe – Use distilled and sterile water that’s been boiled to make up the irrigation solution. Rinse the irrigation device after each use and let it air dry.
6. Sit with a warm wet towel on your face – It may relieve discomfort and open nasal passages.
7. Prop yourself up – At night lie on couple of pillows. Keeping your head elevated which may make breathing more comfortable.
8. Avoid chlorinated pools. They can irritate your nasal passages.
9. Rubs and Balms, readily available over the counter decongestant, can provide quick relief from a blocked nose. The active ingredients in rubs such as camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol help clear the congestion and make breathing easy and comfortable. Rub this mentholated topical cream gently on the chest, back and throat before going to bed to make breathing easy and help you sleep properly.
Do not use rubs on children below 2 years of age.
10. Over The counter medication :
NASIVION MINI (BABY) NOSE DROPS
Nasivion Baby Nose Drops is a nasal decongestant in an easy drop form. It unblocks the nose to help your baby play and learn in a more enjoyable way. It’s active ingredient Oxymetazoline is well tolerable on the nose and provides upto 12 hours of easier breathing.
How to use ?
● Clean the baby’s nose
● In lying down posture, the baby’s head can be tilted backwards or comfortably arched over the edge of the bed
● Squeeze the dropper to apply the correct number of drops into the nose.
● With the dropper inverted over the affected nostril, instill drops of the solution as per the suggested use
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Dosage and frequency for babies ?
1. Intranasal administration for infants below one year. Up to the age of 4 weeks, instill 1 drop of the solution into each nostril 2-3 times per day. From the 4th week of life until the age of 1 year, instill 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day or as directed by the physician
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Dosage and frequency for toddlers ?
1. For children aged between 1 to 6 years only: instill 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day or as directed by the physician. Oxymetazoline Hydrochloride containing nasal drops should not be used for longer than 10 consecutive days. A treatment free period of several days should precede any repeated use.
o Toddlers are obligatory nose breathers and nasal congestion affects their food intake very badly .
o Always read the label of your medication. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor.
o Consult a doctor before using these drops.
Nice information!