Stuffed nose in children: the remedies to get back to breathing
For us adults, a stuffy nose, especially at night, is particularly annoying and often does not let us sleep peacefully. But while we adults automatically breathe through the mouth when the nose does not let the air pass, children are not always able to do this. This is why the discomfort caused by a stuffy nose in children increases.
Before continuing, let's review the hygiene rules for the little ones together in this video!
Mothers and fathers have tried them all and have become real experts and dispensers of advice to free the stuffy nose in children. From nasal aspirators, to steam baths, from nasal sprays, to breast milk: there are countless tips and home remedies available when a baby's nose is blocked. Let's see what to do.
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Stuffed nose in children: is it the fault of the cold?
Not all baby sneezing are a direct sign of a cold, and a runny or blocked nose does not necessarily mean an "infection. Babies do not catch a cold that easily because their contact with other people, viruses and bacteria is usually very limited.
If they sneeze, have difficulty breathing or have some mucus, very often the fault lies with the anatomy of their nose. This is because the nasal passages in a newborn are still very narrow and therefore become blocked very quickly. Particles of dust, dry or cold air, or an unfamiliar scent can also make your baby sneeze and runny nose.
This type of cold, also known as childhood cold, is usually harmless and, in addition to sneezing and a runny nose, it also manifests itself in wheezing.
How to recognize cold symptoms in babies
Here is a list of cold symptoms in the child, so as not to confuse it with a simple allergic rhinitis.
- restless sleep
- yellow or green nasal mucus
- increased tearing during the day
- accentuated need for pampering
- cough
- greater restlessness even during the day
- I refuse to drink
Stuffed nose in children: when to go to the doctor?
In general, if you are concerned about your child's health, consult your pediatrician. Even if he himself will tell you that the baby has nothing, it is better to be reassured. Because babies are particularly at risk in the first few weeks of life.
A simple cold can quickly lead to a more serious illness, such as pneumonia, bronchitis or middle ear infection. So it's best to go to the pediatrician one more time and be sure that everything is fine.
While the child's minor ailments can be easily monitored at home with love and safety, there are symptoms for which you should definitely go to the pediatrician. Among these are:
- fever
- an increased need for sleep
- I refuse to drink
- earache (recognizable by frequently touching the ear or by increasing the back and forth motion of the head)
- cough
Stuffed nose in children: natural remedies to free it
Medicines for adults are not the same ones that you can use to clear the nose of the little ones. What helps older children get rid of colds may not have the same effect on children. The best choice when the baby's nose is closed is to opt for home remedies. Here are the most effective ones to get back to breathing quickly.
Breast milk against dryness of the mucous membranes
To clear a stuffy nose, you can simply put a drop of breast milk in each nostril. Make sure that the mucous membrane of the nose remains moist and does not dry out. Breast milk also contains antibodies that strengthen the baby's immune system when you drink it, and when poured into the baby's nose it helps fight colds.
Tips for the night: onions against a baby's congested nose
Especially at night, the little ones suffer a lot when the nose is stuffy. Since essential oils must be avoided at all costs, as they can cause allergic reactions, you can hang a bag of diced onions on or next to your baby's bed. The vapors will gently clear the nose of mucus.
Measures to be used against a stuffy nose in children:
- ventilate the room as often as possible
- increase hydration by drinking more
- lifting the upper body during sleep (so that mucus can drain)
- dehumidify the room (can be achieved by simply hanging damp towels on the radiators)
- suck excess mucus from the nose
Treating a child's stuffy nose: nasal drops
If your child's stuffy nose persists and nothing seems to help, you can try using nose drops as well, especially for newborns. They help clear the nose gently, deflating the mucous membrane.
It is important that the nasal drops are really suitable for children. Because only the drops made especially for children are suitable for use on the little ones. Sometimes it may be enough just to apply the drops in one nostril.
How to use the mucus aspirator
A popular method used by parents to clear their baby's nose is the nasal aspirator. But it is not that easy to use properly. So, before trying to suck the mucus from the baby's nose for the first time, ask the pediatrician which one. and the correct use of the nasal aspirator.
Here's how to use the nasal aspirator on the baby:
1. First, use a simple saline solution to moisten the inside of the nose. This will loosen the mucus that has already solidified and the stuffy nose can be cleared more easily.
2. Position the baby's head a little higher or hold it with the palm of your hand.
3. Press the nasal aspirator.
4. Close one of the baby's two nostrils and place and position the aspirator in the other.
5. Proceed with aspiration.
6. Repeat everything with short breaks until there is no more mucus.
7. Follow the same steps for the other nostril.
After using the nasal aspirator, it is necessary to clean it thoroughly by washing it under hot water. If necessary, it can also be boiled. The instructions on the package will give you more information on cleaning.
