Nasal Decongestant for Kids
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Children's Nasal Congestion
Nasal congestion occurs when the tissues lining the nose swell. While a stuffy nose isn't fun for anyone, nasal congestion in children can be miserable when it’s accompanied by a cough, plugged ears, or trouble eating and sleeping. Home care measures combined with over-the-counter medicines can help provide relief.
Nasal Congestion Relief for Kids
The most common causes for nasal congestion in kids include cold and flu. Options to ease this temporary stuffiness include extra hydration, such as chicken soup and hot tea, steamy showers and a soothing vaporizer in your child's bedroom. When nasal congestion is severe and accompanied by other bothersome symptoms, medicines such as Children's Sudafed and Mucinex can address sinus pressure, cough, fever, sore throat, and body aches and pains.
If your child experiences persistent nasal congestion at certain times of the year or when they're around pets, your health care provider may recommend treatments for hay fever or allergies. These could include oral decongestants, sinus washes and neti pots or nasal sprays.
Types of Nasal Spray for Kids
Sprays and mists work well for nasal congestion in kids because they target-treat symptoms without affecting the rest of the body. Options for children include:
Nasal Decongestant Sprays
Decongestant sprays, such Afrin, Zicam and Sinex, may provide short-term relief when your child has a cold or bad allergy episode. They work by constricting the blood vessels in the nose to reduce swelling and congestion.
Nasal Steroid Sprays
For kids with chronic allergies, nasal steroid sprays are often recommended as first-line therapy. Children's Flonase, for example, is a daily medicine that provides nondrowsy relief for nasal congestion as well as sneezing, runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.
Nasal Saline Sprays
Sterile saline sprays and drops offer a gentle, drug-free solution for stuffy noses caused by colds or allergies. Formulated with purified salt, these products help loosen thick or crusty mucus to make breathing easier. Use them every few hours to cleanse, moisturize and soothe irritated nasal passages.
At What Age Can You Use Saline Nasal Spray?
While cold and cough medicines are typically intended for older children, saline nasal sprays are suitable for kids of all ages, even babies and toddlers. For small children who can't blow their own noses with tissues, you can use saline drops followed by a nasal aspirator to gently remove mucus and relieve congestion.