Nasal Congestion: How to help your little one
Jun 12, 2023![](https://kajabi-storefronts-production.kajabi-cdn.com/kajabi-storefronts-production/file-uploads/blogs/2147688600/images/c50bc-6e32-e5ea-b528-7a26ba65fa21_Blog_1_Nasal_congestion.png)
Nasal congestion is common in children and the younger they are the more problematic it can be for their little airways to breathe.
The most common causes are:
- cooler temperatures
- viral infections
- hay fever
- other allergies
To help them out, you might consider:
- keeping the room a bit warmer overnight
- warm baths and showers
- nasal drops of saline or breastmilk
- avoiding irritants like smoke, dust, pollens and animal dander
It's best to avoid:
- using nasal aspirators too frequently
- putting anything in their nose that could damage the lining (including little fingers!)
- nasal decongestant sprays
- long term reliance on antihistamines
Also, Beware the foreign body!
A nasty infection can develop if something is left in the nose that shouldn't be there.
Suspect a foreign body if:
- Only 1 side of their nose is affected
- Symptoms last longer than a week
- You think they might have put something up there
If their symptoms are not improving, you can’t seem to get on top of it or you suspect a foreign body, come and see me for a gentle examination.