How To Soothe Your Child's Nasal Congestion(Blocked Nose)?

Watching the news is enough to raise any parent's blood pressure, these days. Winter has set in, and the levels of pollution are such that the air is unfit for us to breathe. It is also that time of the year – the time when your child may repeatedly fall prey to nasal congestion. Nasal congestion is another term for a blocked nose. This is a common problem that children face during the change of season and the most common causes are flu, allergy, sinus infection or environmental irritants. There could be other triggers as well but essentially a blocked nose translates into mucus buildup or swollen nasal tissue. Helpful Read: What are Blocked Nose Complications?

Tips to Soothe Child's Nasal Congestion

The blocked nose home remedies suggested below may be enough to ease your child's nose woe, particularly if it is caused by the common cold. In the case of flu or sinus infection, the congestion typically goes away in about a week. If these blocked nose remedies do not work or if the congestion is getting to be chronic and long-term, you should seek medical treatment. You could also consider using a nasal spray, which brings immediate relief. 

• Dry Air is a Culprit: Use a humidifier, especially when you use a heater for warmth during the cold winter. Moisture is introduced into the air, and dryness is reduced and it helps clear blockage in the nose
• Vaporize those Germs: A vaporizer kills germs by its vaporizing action, and this helps make the air that your child breathes, clean
• Steam Inhalation: For an older child, over 4 years, along with a warm shower or a soak in a tub with some salt can help to relieve the condition. If your child is cooperative, try steam inhalation but make sure this is done under your close supervision, only
• Staying Hydrated: Feed your child soups and keep him/her well-hydrated. The intake of warm fluids helps to keep the nasal mucosa well moisturized and prevents the nasal secretions from turning thick and further blocking the nasal passage. Peppermint tea can work wonders!
• Wet Towels: Another effective way to combat nasal congestion is to put a wet towel on your child's face. It relieves the discomfort by opening out the nasal passages

Helpful Read: What to Do If Frequent Blocked Nose - Read Expert Advice

• Raised Pillows: Nasal congestion at night is worse. Your child is likely to get more restless, uneasy and have trouble falling asleep. You can try this: Put an extra pillow under your child's head – a slight elevation of the head at the time of sleeping makes breathing at night more comfortable. However, don't make this a regular practice
• Eucalyptus Oil: One may try using eucalyptus oil. Put 2-3 drops on a handkerchief and ask your child to breathe in the smell. This is a highly effective remedy for children suffering from nasal congestion, because of its decongestant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, remember that essential oils of any kind must be avoided in children younger than 2 years of age
• Spices from Your kitchen: Use black pepper powder, fresh garlic, ginger juice and turmeric in your everyday cooking – these ingredients have anti-allergic properties and have been in use since time immemorial to prevent and treat nasal congestion

Helpful Read: Adverse Effects of Blocked Nose in Children

• Get an Air Purifier: If you've watched the news, you know how alarming the levels of pollution are. An air purifier is a good investment to make, as you may be able to keep some allergies at bay.
• Saline Water Spray: A simple saltwater spray can be effective in reducing congestion and providing your child with relief from a blocked nose

Also, Watch this expert's video to know more about how to help your child in the blocked nose?

Did you find the tips given by Dr. Himani Khanna useful? Do try them out, and let us know. Does your child also suffer from a frequently blocked nose situation? Which home remedies or medical treatments have been most effective for your child? Do share (in the comments section below) and help fellow parents ease out the 'blocked' situation in their children.