|  | Family Health | Childrens Health

Nasal Congestion Remedies for Children

Children have a particularly tough time with colds and nasal congestion. Part of this is because there are few medications that work well for them, and largely because they don't understand why they feel miserable. Younger children and babies have the most difficult time, since they usually don't understand how to blow their nose, a relieving action that adults take for granted.

  1. Medications

    • There are a number of medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with children over the age of two. The medical community is debating if the age limit for cold medications should be raised to as high as six years old. Studies done in 2007 by federal experts showed that cold medications may have no positive effects for anyone under the age of 12. As of 2009, the FDA has not decided to raise the age limits and is undergoing further testing. Parents should decide if they feel the benefits of decongestant medications outweigh the potential risks. Pseudoephedrine is the most common decongestant in use for children today. It is available in liquid or chewable forms. Less questionable medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to alleviate pain and fevers as needed. Some menthol chest creams also can be used on babies and children. Check the manufacturer's warnings before using them.

    Other Remedies

    • A cool mist humidifier can moisten the nasal passages and loosen some head congestion, making it easier and less painful to breathe. Drinking lots of liquids has a similar effect, in that it hydrates the body in general. Saline drops can be used on their own or with a suction bulb. To use a bulb, place a few drops of saline in the nose. Squeeze the bulb and place it gently into the nose. Release the bulb, and it should suck some of the congestion from the nose.

    Sleeping

    • Nighttime is often the most difficult time of day for children with a cold. They can appear perfectly happy during the day, but seem to become extremely ill suddenly in the evening hours. To make your child comfortable for bedtime, it is best to take an all-of-the-above approach. A warm bath with steam can help to clear the sinuses and loosen congestion. Follow a bath with chest cream approved for use with children. If she still seems to have a great deal of congestion, try a few drops of saline either with or without the bulb suction. Give the child the appropriate dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen with a glass of water, and avoid milk if possible, since it promotes mucus. Keep a humidifier running in his bedroom overnight. Using all of these methods together should give your child, and you, enough relief to get a few hours of sleep.

Childrens Health - Related Articles