How to Clear a Child's Congested Nose

According to the Mayo Clinic congestion occurs when nasal tissues and blood vessels become swollen with excess fluid. This can be the result of allergies, colds, and other illnesses. Congestion can cause children discomfort from coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, sore throat, and a sinus headache. Loosening the blockage can provide relief from these symptoms. Loosening the blocked sinuses in a child can be difficult, especially if they are too young to use medicine or blow their nose.

Things You'll Need

• Warm or cool mist humidifier
• Bulb syringe
• Saline nasal spray made for kids
• Tissues

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Instructions

• 1

  Increase the moisture within the sinus passages. This can be done by running a cool or warm mist humidifier in your child's bedroom while he sleeps. Your doctor may recommend a cool or warm mist humidifier. Running a hot shower and having your child sit in the bathroom to inhale the steam can also help loosen the congestion. Repeat this frequently if this provides relief.

• 2

  Insert the tip of the saline nasal spray into your child's nose. Firmly squeeze the bottle until a mist goes up the nostril. Repeat this on the other side. Saline nasal spray can increase the moisture of the nasal passages. Repeat this as often as necessary, especially after waking up.

• 3

  Use a syringe bulb to suck the mucus out of the nostrils. Have your child blow his nose on tissues if he is old enough.

• 4

  Have your child sleep at an elevation. This can be done by putting pillows under his mattress whether he sleeps in a crib or a regular bed. This will promote the drainage of the mucus instead of allowing it to rest inside the sinuses.