How to clean the nose safely for children

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi An - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital
Nasal congestion in children causes discomfort, treating nasal congestion by rinsing the baby's nose is extremely urgent to avoid breathing difficulties due to a blocked nose, especially when the baby is breastfeeding.

1. How to recognize nasal congestion in children?

In most cases, parents will easily notice a blocked nasal passage in a child when there is the presence of mucus (mucus) inside the nostrils or the nasal periphery. On the other hand, stuffy nose can also be noticed in children through signs such as wheezing, snorting or irritability.

2. What causes stuffy nose in children?

There are many common conditions or medical conditions that can cause nasal obstruction in infants and young children. Includes:
Common cold or flu Exposure to dry air Allergies Deviated nasal septum Exposure to pollutants. Infants and young children are more likely to experience nasal congestion than adults; Because the baby's nasal cavity is still small and takes time to develop.
In the vast majority of cases, nasal congestion is mild in nature and goes away easily. Therefore, parents should not worry too much about this problem in their children.
If the blockage is deeper in the child's chest, these concerns can stem from conditions such as: Asthma, pneumonia or cystic fibrosis. Monitor your child's stuffy nose and see a doctor if it doesn't improve.

3. How to clean the nose safely for children

Regardless of the cause of the accumulation of mucus in the child's nose, parents should clean the child's nose to clear the airways, help bring comfort to the child as well as make the work easier. Breastfeeding just got easier.
How to clean the child's nose also plays an extremely important role. Because some methods of clearing the nose for older children and adults can be harmful or fatal to an infant.
The steps below will help you safely clear your nasal passages and relieve discomfort caused by stuffy noses in babies and young children.

3.1 Increase the humidity in the air with humidifiers

Babies and young children are more prone to stuffy noses on cold winter days, when cold air currents widen the nasal cavity. This promotes the secretion of bodily fluids and causes congestion of the nasal cavity.
Humidifier will help increase humidity in the space of the house and help reduce mucus secretion as well as nasal congestion.

3.2 Use a sterile nasal spray instead of decongestants

Parents should absolutely not let their children use cold products such as decongestants or antihistamines. These drugs can cause life-threatening complications in children younger than 4 years old.
It becomes easier to use tools such as enemas, medical aspirators, sterile nasal sprays that are used as a method of cleaning the nose. The way to do this method is to put the child lying on his back with his chin raised, and then spray 2 to 3 times into each nostril, spray definitively; Then wash the other side of the nose.

3.3 Use of medical rubber enemas

Using a medical rubber enemas can suck the mucus (mucus) out of the baby's nose. This method can be done with or without a sterile nasal spray. However, a sterile spray will help reduce the consistency of the mucus and make it easier to aspirate.
Use the rubber medical enemas when the child is relaxing.
To start, squeeze out all the air to create a vacuum in the indent. Place the tip in the baby's nose and quickly stop squeezing. This will help draw the mucus out of the nose and clear the nasal passages.

3.4 Using a medical suction machine

If the use of enemas, children vehemently resist, making it very difficult for parents to clear the blocked nasal cavity; then it can be replaced by using a medical vacuum.
A typical medical aspirator will include: A flexible tube, with one end inserted into the nasal cavity and the other intended for suction of mucus. Depending on the type of aspirator you choose to buy, the suctioned mucus will either stick to the blotting paper or be inserted into the disposable filter.
Similar to using a medical enemas, you will first need to use a sterile nasal spray to loosen the mucus in your child's nasal cavity. Wait about 30 seconds and then continue to use the suction machine to bring out the mucus.
These tools should be cleaned and sterilized after you have finished cleaning your child's nose.
Because the baby's respiratory tract is very short, when the child has a blocked nose, it can lead to complications of bronchopneumonia, bronchiolitis, even otitis media, so parents should pay attention when the child has a blocked nose, the parents If you perform nasal irrigation according to the above instructions, but after 2-3 days, if you still have a lot of nasal congestion, you should take your child to a doctor soon to be monitored by a doctor.
Pediatrics Department - Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the leading prestigious places in the country for examination, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory, digestive, urological and nutritional diseases, especially in infants and young children.
Gathering a team of leading doctors and nurses in Pediatrics: Including leading experts, highly qualified (professors, associate professors, doctoral, masters), experienced... Doctors All doctors are well-trained, professional, have a heart - reach, understand young psychology, the doctors at the department before each treatment session spend time playing with the children, creating a comfortable, close-knit mentality. Being close to the child, only then will the child cooperate and help the child recover quickly. Besides domestic pediatricians, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. upon reaching adulthood. Specialized techniques: The hospital is equipped with the leading modern medical equipment in the country, thereby improving the diagnosis and successful treatment of many difficult cases. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to customer care services and playgrounds for children. Therefore, each customer when coming to Vinmec will enjoy the best medical services, the fastest examination process possible.

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Reference source: Webmd.com