Jackie G. Maxwell
Toddlers can have a congested nose for many reasons. The problem
may lie in allergic rhinitis, a cold, or adenoidal difficulty,
which means the nose is not draining properly.
Infants' and toddlers' nasal passages are not yet fully
developed to a size where they can be cleared easily, and they
aren't old enough to know how to blow their noses. In order to
clear the nasal passages, try the following.
Keep the air in their room fairly humid, in the 40-50% range. At
one time the recommendation was for warm mist, but most doctors
now will suggest a cool mist humidifier. This keeps the nasal
passage moist, and helps the congestion from drying out and
making it hard to remove.
Sick, or congested children tend not to want to drink or eat as
much as usual. A lack of fluids in their diet means the
secretions will be thick and may start to dry. Encourage them to
drink as much as possible, and use a saline nose drop as
recommended. These will help loosen the mucous, which can then
be suctioned from their nostrils with a bulb and syringe or
nasal pump. Be sure to wash it thoroughly after each use.
Most nasal congestion is viral in origin, and of a cloudy
appearance. If your child's nasal discharge becomes yellow, or
green, that is evidence of a possible bacterial infection that
may require antibiotics.
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