Chronic Stuffy Nose in Children

A chronic stuffy nose is common in young children. It can be caused by allergies, enlarged adenoids, dry air or small nasal passages. Resolving a chronic stuffy nose can prevent sinus infections. Treatment depends on the cause.

Small Nasal Passages

• Children most commonly have a chronic stuffy nose because their nasal passages are very small. Even a little nasal discharge effectively blocks these passages.

Allergies

• Sometime, chronic nasal congestion is caused by an allergy. Called allergic rhinitis, the condition can be seasonal, as with pollen allergies. Indoor allergens such as dust mites or pet dander create worse symptoms when the child is indoors much of the time.

Sinus Infections

• When a child with allergies catches a cold, the normal drainage of the sinuses is blocked by chronic nasal irritation, which can result in sinus infections.

Allergy Solutions

• After determining the cause of the child's allergy, removing the source and then cleaning the home regularly, particularly the child's room, are the best solutions.

Dry Air

• Dry air in the house also can cause a child's nose to be chronically stuffy. Using a whole-house or room humidifier can help, but it must be kept clean.

Enlarged Adenoids

• Chronic nasal congestion can be caused by enlarged adenoids, which are tonsil-like tissues in back of the nose. Adenoids sometimes swell for unknown reasons and cause breathing problems. These tissues can be surgically removed.