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Toddlers can have a congested nose for many reasons. The problem may lie in allergic rhinitis, a cold, or adenoidal difficulty, which means the nose is not draining properly.
Infants' and toddlers' nasal passages are not yet fully developed to a size where they can be cleared easily, and they aren't old enough to know how to blow their noses. In order to clear the nasal passages, try the following.
Keep the air in their room fairly humid, in the 40-50% range. At one time the recommendation was for warm mist, but most doctors now will suggest a cool mist humidifier. This keeps the nasal passage moist, and helps the congestion from drying out and making it hard to remove.
Sick, or congested children tend not to want to drink or eat as much as usual. A lack of fluids in their diet means the secretions will be thick and may start to dry. Encourage them to drink as much as possible, and use a saline nose drop as recommended. These will help loosen the mucous, which can then be suctioned from their nostrils with a bulb and syringe or nasal pump. Be sure to wash it thoroughly after each use.
Most nasal congestion is viral in origin, and
of a cloudy appearance. If your child's nasal discharge becomes
yellow, or green, that is evidence of a possible bacterial
infection that may require antibiotics.
Seriousness
of Allergy Rhinitis | Perennial
Allergic Rhinitis |
Relieving
Toddler Nasal Congestion |
Non-Allergic
Rhinitis| Causes
of Allergic rhinitis| Treatment
of Allergic rhinitis|
History
of Allergic rhinitis| Abnormal
production of nasal secretions|
Allergic
Rhinitis in Children|
How
can chronic rhinitis and post-nasal drip be treated?|
What
are rhinitis and post-nasal drip? |
