Unlike adults, a toddler’s immune system is still developing, making them vulnerable to illnesses like colds. In most cases, colds often lead to stuffy and runny noses, sneezing, and coughs. In fact, nasal congestion is also common during this time and occurs when mucus blocks the nasal passage. This can lead to breathing difficulties in toddlers. Plus, they are unable to blow their noses by themselves, hence, nasal congestion may cause significant annoyance and discomfort.
The good news is that there are many ways you can help alleviate the symptoms of nasal congestion in your toddler. Knowing the possible causes of nasal congestion in your little one can help you administer an appropriate remedial method and provide relief. You can also consider implementing certain preventive measures.
7 Causes Of Nasal Congestion In Toddlers
The most common causes of nasal congestion in toddlers include:
- Cold and flu: This is one of the most common causes of nasal congestion in toddlers and older children. Both conditions cause mucus to temporarily block the nose, making it difficult for your little one to breathe.
- Rhinitis: If your toddler is prone to allergies, they may experience allergic rhinitis by inhaling allergens such as pollen, smoke, pet dander, and dust particles. Allergic rhinitis can cause increased secretion of mucus, leading to nasal congestion. Additionally, toddlers with asthma are more likely to develop allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion.
- Sinus infections: The sinuses present in the face, usually drain into the nose. When these get infected, they drain mucus into the nose, which causes nasal blockage and congestion.
- Polyps in the nose: These are growth inside the nasal passage that may obstruct regular breathing. This condition usually requires medical intervention and other recommended treatments by the doctor.
- Swelling of the mucus lining: The mucus lining over the nasal bones could swell up due to infections or allergies. This condition can lead to nasal congestion and obstruction.
- Deviated nasal septum: The nose is divided into two halves, by a thin wall-like tissue, known as the septum. In some cases, the septum may deviate towards one side, causing nasal congestion in toddlers.
- Enlarged adenoids: Adenoids are tissues located at the back of the nose. An infection in this tissue can cause increased mucus production leading to nasal obstruction and congestion.
Symptoms Of Nasal Congestion In Toddlers
The common symptoms of nasal congestion in toddlers include:
- Noisy or heavy breathing
- Runny nose
- Coughing with or without expelling sputum
- Frequent sneezes
- Snoring
- Fever (in case your infant has an infection)
- Fussy and irritated temperament
- Changes in voice quality
Remedies For Treating Nasal Congestion In Toddlers
Toddlers only learn to blow their noses after the age of four years. To help decongest their nose and ease breathing, you may try the following effective remedial methods at home:
Saline Drops And Nasal Aspirator
An effective technique to relieve your toddler’s congestion is by using over-the-counter (OTC) saline nose drops and a nasal aspirator. You can do this a few minutes before your toddler’s feeding or sleeping time. Just put a few drops of saline in your toddler’s nostrils to loosen up the nasal mucus. Then, use a nasal aspirator to suck out the loosened mucus and clear your toddler’s nasal passage. You may also use a nasal saline spray after consulting your child’s doctor.
Keep A Humidifier In Your Child’s Room
One of the characteristics of nasal congestion is that despite the thick mucus inside the nose, the lining of the nasal passage remains dry. You can keep a cool-mist humidifier in your toddler’s room to ease out the dryness and also make breathing easier for them. Remember to clean the humidifier often.
Use Vapour Patches To Relieve Congestion
Vapour patches can provide instant relief from nasal congestion in toddlers. Use vapour patches containing natural oils such as eucalyptus and peppermint to soothe and decongest your little one’s nose. Both the oils have antiviral and antibacterial properties and they are effective in fighting infections, reducing fever, and soothing headaches. A single vapour patch can provide up to eight hours of relief from a nose block. Use this when your toddler goes to sleep so that their nose remains decongested and they get uninterrupted sleep.
Give Your Toddler Some Warm Soup
You can also serve some warm and tasty homemade soup to your child to relieve their nasal congestion. They keep your toddler full and are also nutritious. Plus, certain studies have noted that chicken soup contains compounds that can loosen the mucus and ease nasal congestion.
Make Sure They Are Getting Adequate Rest
Nasal congestion and its associated symptoms can tire out your toddler easily. Hence, ensure that they get as much rest as possible to recuperate before returning to their daily routine. Also, make sure to keep them well-hydrated at all times. Give them lots of fluids to prevent dehydration and a minimum of 8-10 glasses of water
Tips To Prevent Nasal Congestion In Toddlers
The best way to prevent nasal congestion is by keeping your little one away from the triggering factors. Use the following methods to prevent nasal congestion in your toddler.
- Sterilise your toddler’s toys and items regularly.
- Keep your little one away from people who have a cold or flu.
- Make sure your toddler washes their hands frequently, especially before eating and coming back from play. Use a natural foaming handwash with antibacterial ingredients like tulsi, mango oil, and coconut oil to keep their hands germ-free.
- Ensure that your toddler’s immunisations are up-to-date.
Nasal congestion in toddlers may result in a stuffy nose, fever, sneezing, and irritability. You can use remedial methods to relieve the congestion, such as giving them vapour patches or using saline drops to loosen the mucus. However, if the congestion doesn’t subside within a week, you should consider consulting your child’s doctor to determine a more appropriate treatment method for relief.
Also read:
Safe remedies for cold in babies that actually work: Is your little one suffering from a bout of cold? Check out this post to know about natural remedies to treat colds in babies.
