Decongestants for babies: Uses and side effects

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Nasal congestion in infants is a common problem that worries mothers. The use of nasal decongestants for infants can be effective, but there are also some unwanted side effects. Therefore, when infants have a stuffy nose, parents need to learn about the uses and side effects of decongestants for babies, then let them use them as indicated.

1. What are the uses of decongestants for babies?

Infant decongestants are used to provide temporary relief of nasal congestion, sinus pain caused by infections, the common cold, flu, or other respiratory illnesses such as hay fever, allergies, bronchitis, ... Decongestants for infants are now very diverse, usually in the form of drops or sprays. Here are a few baby decongestants that are recognized as safe and effective that can be used with babies.

1.1 Physiological saline - The most common nasal decongestant for infants

Physiological saline with 0.9% sodium chloride concentration (isotonic) is a decongestant for newborns with the lowest antiseptic, used for daily nasal hygiene to help wash away mucus, bacteria, dirt, viruses. , ... in the sinus cavity, nasal cavity and support to clear the airways for babies with stuffy nose.
MORE: Using physiological saline for babies: Do not abuse!
Physiological saline is very safe, does not cause burning or discomfort when instilled in the nose, does not cause side effects and is very safe to use for babies with stuffy nose. Therefore, mothers can use it regularly, 2 to 4 times a day for babies with stuffy nose, to help clean and protect the nasal mucosa, bringing comfort to the child.

1.2 Antiseptics help treat stuffy nose in babies

Antiseptics used to help decongest the nose often contain silver nitrate (AgNO3). Medicines can be used to relieve nasal congestion in infants, but mothers need to consult a specialist before using to avoid possible side effects.

1.3 Vasoconstrictors (Naphazoline, Oxymetazoline Ephedrine, ...)

These decongestants relieve congestion by constricting local blood vessels. Vasoconstrictor decongestants are commonly used in the treatment of acute sinusitis and are not recommended for more than 7 days.
In this group of drugs, Oxymetazoline 0.05% is the safest and has few side effects, so it can be used as a decongestant for babies. In addition, mothers can use Xylomethazolin 0.05% to treat nasal congestion in babies because Xylomethazoline has similar effects to Naphazoline but is less toxic and does not cause serious complications like naphazoline.
MORE: Treatment and care of stuffy nose in babies

1.4 Vasodilators (Ephedrine)

Ephedrine 1% is a powerful vasodilator, nasal decongestant, can be used to treat nasal congestion in infants. However, it should be limited and only used when absolutely necessary under the guidance of doctors. Do not use vasodilators for more than 8 days, because if used for a long time, the child may have systemic toxicity leading to headache, nausea, and insomnia.

1.5 Anti-inflammatory decongestant sprays

Anti-inflammatory decongestant sprays often contain corticosteroids in combination with antibiotics and are used in cases of chronic rhinosinusitis, allergic rhinitis with symptoms of bad smell, thick, yellow or green discharge. .. The use of anti-inflammatory nasal decongestant sprays should be prescribed and guided by a doctor, mothers should not arbitrarily buy and use for babies with stuffy nose.

2. How to properly use decongestants for babies?

Depending on the dosage form, the way to use decongestants for babies will be different.

2.1 Nasal drops

If using an infant decongestant in the form of a dropper, gently press the bottle with 2 fingers, the medicine will come out in drops. Do not forcefully press or squeeze the vial with your whole hand, causing the medicine to flow, leading to an overdose. The doctor will give specific instructions on the number of drops to use depending on the type of medicine, age, health of the newborn baby with stuffy nose.

2.2 Nasal sprays

Newborn nasal decongestants are in the form of a spray, dose by spray and very rarely used for infants with stuffy nose. If using, mothers should note that the spray nozzle should not be inserted deep into the nose, but only placed shallowly at the tip of the nose to spray as a mist into the nasal mucosa.

3. What are the possible side effects of using decongestants for infants?

Using a decongestant to treat a stuffy nose in an infant can cause side effects including: nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache or nervousness, ... If any any side effects persist or get worse, or there are signs of a rare serious allergic reaction such as hives, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, stop taking the medicine. and see a doctor immediately.
To reduce the risk of serious side effects when using decongestants for infants, parents need to follow the dosage and duration instructions given by the doctor and monitor the health of the infant. frequent stuffy nose. If in the case of using the drug, the symptoms cannot be cured, parents need to take the child to a medical center for examination and treatment, to avoid prolonged congestion in the infant's nose, which seriously affects the health and well-being of the infant. increases the risk of disease recurrence.
Pediatrics Department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, bronchitis , pneumonia in children, ....With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from experienced doctors who specialize in pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern for parents.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: webmd.com