In the first year of a baby's life, mothers face many questions and difficulties, especially if the child is the first. While the baby cannot sit on his own, problems with nasal breathing can significantly complicate life, both with a physiological rhinitis, and with a cold or allergic. Let's figure out how to safely and effectively rinse your nose to help a newborn or baby.
Causes of problems
Nasal congestion in babies can be caused by various reasons: colds, allergies, dry indoor air, teething. Whatever the reason, nasal discharge can make your baby's life much more difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to take effective measures to eliminate them. First of all, you need to find the reason. If a runny nose manifests itself as an allergic or as a reaction to dry air in the room (physiological rhinitis), then it is enough to moisturize the nasal mucosa, ventilate the room more often and walk with the baby in the fresh air. If the child has a cold, and nasal discharge does not allow him to breathe (viral rhinitis), then it is necessary to help the baby get rid of these unpleasant sensations. The simplest and most effective way to cleanse an infant's nose is to rinse with saline, sodium chloride, or seawater.
Is it always necessary to clean your nose
If nasal congestion is caused only by dry air in the room or allergy to dust, it will be enough to use a humidifier, especially relevant during the heating season. With excessively dry air, a child can sniff and grunt in a dream, which indicates a dry nasal mucosa. In this regard, mucus is produced, which can be mistaken for a viral rhinitis. Also, to moisturize the nasal mucosa, it will be enough to drip saline or another salt-based product into the nose at night.
In addition, the baby has a profuse nasal discharge when teeth appear. In this case, it is enough to give him one of the means that are aimed at facilitating teething.
It is necessary to cleanse the nose in case of obvious discharge from the nose, as well as in the case when the baby becomes uncomfortable: it is uncomfortable for him to eat, he sniffs or grunts.
Several rules must be followed in order to alleviate the condition of the child:
- often ventilate the room;
- water the child with warm boiled water as often as possible;
- drip any salt-based product into the nose and wipe the nose;
- in case of heavy nasal discharge, we help the baby get rid of them by sucking the snot with an aspirator.
We wash it right
The very term "lavage" is conditional in relation to young children, since the correct approach is to simply instill a saline solution into the nose. Instillation helps with dry physiological rhinitis to soften the formed crusts and moisturize the nasal mucosa. It is enough to carry out it 1-2 times a day as needed. For nasal congestion, saline solution is dripped 3-4 times a day, 1-2 drops (the frequency varies depending on the nasal congestion). The general procedure is as follows:
- we put the child on the back;
- we bury 1-2 drops in each nostril;
- remove the excess with a napkin.
To moisturize the nasal passages of a newborn, 1-2 drops of saline are enough
Purchasing a solution from a pharmacy has the advantage of being sterile in the first place. In the future, the solution can be drawn through a syringe with a needle, which then must be removed, since sterility is lost when the container is opened.
You can also find nasal drops and sprays for children similar to saline at the pharmacy. They are made on the basis of sea water, they are quite effective, but they are expensive.
Photo Gallery: Popular Nasal Rinsing Products for Babies
Spray Physiomer 
Saline drops 
Spray Aqua Maris baby 
Drops Aqua Maris baby 
Spray Aqualor baby 
Drops Aqualor baby 
Saline
How to prepare saline solution at home
To prepare saline on your own, just mix a teaspoon of table salt and a liter of chilled boiled water. For convenient use and storage, the prepared solution can be poured into a used container from under baby drops from nasal congestion.
The shelf life of a self-prepared solution is 7-10 days.
Can sprays be used
Sprays are not recommended for children under one year old. There are sprays that, according to the manufacturer, can be used from birth, for example, AQUALOR Baby, due to the minimum spray pressure. However, the advisability of using a spray to eliminate nasal congestion can only be determined by a doctor. Otolaryngologists and pediatricians do not recommend using spray preparations for newborns and infants, since the solution is supplied into the nasal passages under pressure and can damage the baby's auditory tube. Be sure to read the instructions before use. In addition, there is a risk of mucus and infection entering the auditory tube and sinuses, which can cause sinusitis and otitis media. This is especially susceptible to babies who are not yet able to sit on their own, and in a supine position it is easiest to get mucus from the nose into the auditory tube without using a spray. Here are a few statements by doctors from the Russian Medical Server website (http://www.rusmedserv.com):
Preparations in the form of a spray for children under 1 year old are not allowed.
Cristall
Nasal spray is prohibited (according to the instructions) in children under 5 years old, due to the peculiarities of registration and the form of release itself - most drugs in the form of nasal sprays are not used in children under 5-6 years old, although Aqua Maris in the form of a spray, for example, is allowed from one year ...
OlgaSha
Nasal sprays are really dangerous, undesirable, if I remember correctly, even up to two years, and not up to a year.
Hass
It is clear that there are situations when one instillation is not enough. For example, with colds and acute respiratory viral infections, snot must be constantly removed so that the infection does not remain deep in the baby's nose. After instilling drops or saline in this case, doctors recommend using a special safe device - an aspirator.
How to rinse the nose of a newborn baby
The simplest and most effective way to cleanse the nose of a child of the first month of life is to instill a saline solution, which can be purchased at the pharmacy or prepared by yourself (1 teaspoon of table salt per 1 liter of boiled water).
A newborn child does not yet hold his head on his own, so the procedure is carried out in a supine position.
- Lay the child on their back.
- Turn its head to the side and drip saline into the upper nasal passage.
- Turn the head to the other side and carry out the same manipulations with the other nasal passage.
- Remove mucus from the nose with cotton swabs or a cotton swab, inserting them into the nostril no more than 1 cm and gently twisting.
Gently remove the discharge with a cotton swab after rinsing
Dangerous method: washing with breast milk
Often, young mothers hear from their grandmothers insistent advice to instill breast milk in the baby's nose. They believe that breast milk can be used to cleanse the infant's nasal cavity. However, this is the greatest misconception, since breast milk does not have disinfectant properties, but, on the contrary, is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and can turn into a big disaster for a baby. For example, inflammation may occur in the sinuses or nasal mucosa. Therefore, it is important to remember that if breast milk enters the baby's nose, for example, when the baby has choked with milk, it is necessary to rinse the nasal cavity with saline. In this case, you will prevent the development of infection and keep the baby healthy.
How to rinse the nose for babies over a month old
Cleansing the nose using saline or drops
While the child is not yet holding his head on his own, it is better to clean the nose while lying down, in the same way as for a newborn.
If the baby is already more or less confidently holding his head, the procedure will change slightly.
- Keep the child upright.
- Using a pipette or syringe, inject saline into the nose without pressure.
- Tilt the baby's head slightly forward so that excess fluid can easily drain out.
- Remove secretions with a tissue or cotton swab.
Spray cleaning
The use of sprays in each specific case must be agreed with a pediatrician or otolaryngologist. If a doctor you trust, for certain indications, prescribed a nasal lavage for a child under one year old using a spray, the scheme of actions is as follows.
- In an upright position, turn your baby's head to one side.
- Insert the tip of the handpiece into the nostril on top and moisten the nasal cavity with one long press (1-2 seconds).
- Repeat the same procedure with the other nostril.
- If necessary, remove accumulated mucus with an aspirator.
The instructions usually indicate that the duration of the spray depends on the degree of nasal congestion.
Video: using the Physiomer spray
Remember that the safest and at the same time effective way to treat a cold and eliminate nasal congestion is to instill saline or similar drops into the nasal passages.
A runny nose is a symptom of a great variety of diseases. In children, most often, the appearance of a runny nose is a sign of a viral infection. There are other reasons for the appearance of snot, and they are also not uncommon in childhood. However, viruses are the unsurpassed leaders in causing the common cold of all intensities. It is usually well treated at home by instilling a saline solution. But not everyone knows what this solution is, how to prepare it and how to use it correctly. Dr. Komarovsky talks about a recipe for a saline solution for rinsing a child's nose.
The need for application
When viral particles enter the nasal cavity, local immunity is activated. Mucus, which is usually a little in the nose, begins to be secreted at a more intense rate. This is noticeable with the naked eye - the child has a runny nose. The released at the same time has no color, it is transparent, the consistency is very liquid.
The abundant nasal mucus has an important purpose - it binds viruses, slowing down their further advance. In addition, nasal mucus contains a large amount of special substances that can neutralize viruses.
It turns out that there is no need to fight against the very liquid flowing snot in case of ARVI or flu, they are necessary for the body to protect itself. But this mucus can be dangerous to the baby if it begins to thicken. This can happen if the child breathes dry warm air, if he drinks little liquid, if the room is dusty. If the body temperature is elevated, the mucus dries up even faster.
Thickened snot that not only change its consistency, but also color (for example, turn green) is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. They no longer protect against viruses, but only contribute to the emergence of bacterial (secondary) inflammation. Such a runny nose is difficult to treat and will require antibiotics.
In the drying of nasal mucus, there is little useful for other respiratory organs - bronchi, trachea, lungs. Viruses freely penetrate into these parts of the respiratory system, infect them, and inhalation of unmoistened air through the mouth (the nose is clogged with thick mucus) leads to drying out of bronchial secretions, which is fraught not only with bronchitis of varying severity and duration, but also pneumonia.
Evgeny Komarovsky says that the task of any sane parents at the very initial stage is to prevent excess mucus in the nose from drying out. This is where the saline solution, which is often called saline solution, is called upon to help.
Whatever you call it, the benefits of rinsing your nose are great:
- mucus in the nose is constantly moisturized that does not allow her to dry out;
- recovery is faster;
- the risk of developing secondary inflammation the associated bacterial disease is significantly reduced;
- parents have something to do which gives them the opportunity to feel that they are not sitting idle, but are really treating the child;
- saline has no side effects, it is impossible to get an overdose, and therefore this method is suitable even for a newborn.
Operating principle
Everyone knows the formula of common salt from school - NaCl. And few people know that in fact salt contains not only sodium and chlorine, but also other useful minerals - magnesium, potassium, calcium, zinc and a number of other elements. When rinsing with a saline solution, sodium and chlorine ions enter the body, which are extremely important for the normal functioning of cells, for the distribution of fluid in tissues. These ions are essential components of the extracellular fluid.
Saline solution for washing a child's nose is very close in concentration to the concentration of salt in blood serum, and therefore it is not regarded by the body as something foreign. Additional minerals stimulate the cells of the ciliated epithelium to a more active immune response.
Recipe
You can make a saline solution for rinsing your nose and gargling your throat yourself (at home), or you can buy it at a pharmacy. Yevgeny Komarovsky argues that purchasing saline is just a matter of convenience for parents. If it is convenient for them to buy a ready-made solution, no problem, it is inexpensive. If there is an opportunity and desire to prepare a rinse aid on your own, problems should not arise either.
You can buy pharmacy drops at least once, because then a bottle will remain from them, which is very convenient for irrigating the mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx. You can then pour home solution into it and use it. From pharmacy products you can purchase "Aquamaris" or "Salin".
At home, isotonic sodium chloride solution (namely, this is the official scientific name of saline) is very simple to prepare. You will need:
- ordinary table salt (1 teaspoon);
- boiled water cooled to room temperature (1 liter).
A solution is prepared from these ingredients by mixing, the concentration of salt in which is approximately 9 g per liter. In the finished product "Salin", the salt concentration is lower - about 6.5 g per liter. In a pharmacy saline solution, the salt concentration is at the level of a home solution. More concentrated salt solutions are prepared for external use for certain skin diseases, and weaker solutions are relevant for washing the stomach and eyes.
Mode of application
To rinse the nose with saline to achieve a therapeutic effect, you need to correctly.In case of influenza and SARS, Evgeny Komarovsky recommends irrigating the nasal mucous membranes as often as possible - one or two drops of the ready-made pharmaceutical solution into each nostril (every half hour). If the child has fallen asleep, then it is not worth waking him up for instillation or spraying, the procedures that will be carried out during periods of wakefulness are quite enough.
If you decide to rinse your nose with saline prepared yourself, you can also use a dispenser bottle (at the above dosage). If a pipette is used for rinsing, then you need to collect a whole in each nostril. If the procedure is more convenient to carry out using a disposable syringe, then you need to collect about one and a half milliliters to rinse each nostril. The frequency of flushing is at the specified dose every 30-40 minutes.
There is another way to wash the nose, which is popularly called "cuckoo". It is often recommended as a physiotherapy for sinusitis and some other diseases of the respiratory organs. The procedure got its name due to the fact that when rinsing one should often say "cuckoo". This allows the larynx to close tightly, preventing the penetration of saline and pathological contents of the sinuses.
If sinusitis is treated in a hospital, washing will be carried out in a certain way - not without the participation of a medical specialist. If the stage of the disease is initial, the doctor allowed to be treated at home and recommended to do a "cuckoo", then it is worth remembering the procedure.
For washing, you will need a special teapot, which can be bought at any pharmacy. In the absence of such a product, Komarovsky recommends using a disposable syringe.
The child's head should be positioned above the sink in the bathroom - in a position slightly forward and tilted to the side (about 45 degrees). The solution is injected into the nostril gently, with a gradual increase in the stream. If everything is done correctly, then a solution with fragments of nasal mucus, pus or other impurities will begin to flow from the second nostril. Then the second nostril is washed in the same way.
It is not at all necessary to strictly observe the dosage when using a saline solution, since in principle it is impossible to overdose. Evgeny Komarovsky claims that there is no safer and more effective way of treating a cold.
Vasoconstrictor drops cause persistent drug addiction, drugs with antibiotics are needed and effective only for bacterial rhinitis, and even then not for everyone. And the saline solution, which can be prepared at no extra cost and at any time, does not cause any negative consequences. At the same time, with its help, you can not only moisturize the mucous membranes in order to prevent the mucus from drying out, but also remove accumulated clots, dead cells, and virus particles from the nasal cavity.
The efficiency of nasal and nasopharyngeal irrigation with saline solution will be significantly higher, and recovery will come much faster if parents (in addition to instillation and rinsing) observe several important concomitant conditions:
- The room should be humid and cool. The air temperature is not higher than 18-20 degrees, and the air humidity is 50-70%.
- If the child's fever has decreased, you must definitely walk in the fresh air.
- During illness, the child should drink as much as possible. The drink should be warm so that it is absorbed faster.
How to properly prepare a saline solution, Dr. Komarovsky tells in his video below.
- Doctor Komarovsky
- Saline solution
Most new parents think about how to rinse a baby's nose, since it depends on how the baby will feel. This procedure is characterized by the presence of certain features that must be taken into account by parents. The list of drugs for cleansing the nasopharynx and the rules of procedure will be considered in this article.
When a runny nose appears in an infant, there should be an integrated approach to its treatment. Cleansing the sinuses is an important hygienic procedure aimed at eliminating mucus, microbes, allergens, and nasal crusts. Due to this, it reduces mucosal edema and inflammation, increases the tone of the capillaries. Do not forget that the room temperature and humidity must be "correct".
Before you rinse your baby's nose, you need to clearly understand when this procedure is required.
Indications for cleansing the mucous membrane
- rhinitis of various etiologies, sinusitis, inflammation of the tonsils, frontal sinusitis;
- drying of mucus in the sinuses is often observed, which leads to the formation of crusts (it is difficult and painful for a baby to remove them mechanically);
- this is an effective way to cleanse the nasal mucosa from viruses and bacteria (the solution for manipulation has bactericidal properties);
- the microflora of the nasal sinuses is normalized;
- helps to eliminate the allergen, therefore, prevents an attack;
- after this procedure, drops and spray act on the mucous membrane faster and more effectively.
Contraindications
Despite the high efficiency of nasopharyngeal lavage in newborns, this procedure is characterized by the presence of certain contraindications.
You can not cleanse the mucous membrane in such situations:
- in the presence of allergic reactions to one of the components of the solution;
- if the tympanic membrane is damaged;
- if the baby has an inflammatory process of the middle ear (otitis media);
- tumor processes in the nasopharynx and polyps;
- if the baby has nosebleeds often enough;
- experts prohibit this manipulation with a variety of pathological conditions in the nasopharynx area (curvature of the intranasal septum).
Before cleansing the sinuses of a newborn, it is imperative to take into account contraindications, which will eliminate the possibility of developing certain complications. If, it is important to know where this comes from.
Caring for children in the first months of life, for newly-made parents, seems to be a super difficult task. But soon experience, knowledge comes, and, for example, the question of how to wipe your eyes is not so difficult. Or, if you understand how to massage the tummy with colic, then you can ease the painful condition of your beloved child. A lot of excitement happens to parents if the child does not sleep all day. It will help to understand the reasons for this behavior.
Important rules for how to properly cleanse the sinuses of babies and older children
Before rinsing a newborn's nose, you need to properly prepare for the manipulation.
A baby cannot blow his nose by himself, so he needs help to remove mucus from the nose.
For this you will need:
- cotton filaments 6-7 pcs.;
- rinsing solution;
- pipette;
- aspirator for children (preferably).
Before rinsing a newborn's nose, he should be laid on his back and his head tilted back slightly.
1 It is necessary to clear the mucus from the sinuses with the help of cotton flagella. First insert into one nostril and draw out the contents in a circular motion, then do the same in the other nostril. Cleansing can also be done with an aspirator.
2 Draw up the cleaning solution into a pipette and add 2 drops to each nostril. When we bury the right side, then the baby's head needs to be slightly turned to the left. We are waiting for a few minutes for the child to swallow the liquid. We drip the solution into the left nostril - turn the child's head slightly to the right.
3 After that, the sinuses must be cleaned of the remaining fluid and mucus with a cotton wool flagellum or an aspirator.
Do not drip a lot of liquid, as this can provoke an inflammatory process in the middle ear.... You can rinse often, but with a small amount of liquid.
Pharmaceutical preparations should be used to cleanse the mucous membrane no more than 5 times a day, at any convenient time of the baby's wakefulness.
The procedure in this form can hardly be called rinsing, but for a baby at the age of 1 month, this is a rather serious event. If everything is done calmly and correctly, then everything will be fine, and this manipulation will bring maximum benefit.
For older children, it is customary to use a different method of cleansing the nasal sinuses - in an upright position.
Before starting the procedure, the child needs to be explained that it is useful and not painful at all. For this you need:
- rinsing solution;
- a douche bag with a soft tip or a syringe without a needle;
- a basin or bowl for liquid (or everything can be carried out over a sink, bath)
Before rinsing a baby's nose, the mother should familiarize herself with the procedure for this event. The presence of both parents is desirable, or the mother should take someone to help. One person holds the baby, the second carries out the procedure.
1 It is necessary to clear the sinuses of mucus and crusts. This can be done naturally or with a baby aspirator.
2 It is necessary to keep your child in an upright position above a basin or sink, tilting slightly forward.
3 Into the syringe bulb or syringe we collect the solution for cleaning. Preheating to a temperature close to body temperature.
4 Insert the syringe (pear) into one nostril and slowly (without pressure) squeeze out the liquid. When all the contents from the spout poured back, only then do the procedure in the second nostril.
Everything needs to be done quickly and accurately, do not worry. Children feel the confusion and fear of their parents, so confidence is the key to success. If everything is done according to the recommendations, then there will be no difficulty.
If you are interested in the question of how to rinse the nose with saline for a newborn and a baby, then this manipulation can be performed every 1-1.5 hours.
Choosing a drug for cleansing the mucous membrane
Before rinsing a baby's nose with a runny nose, it is necessary to decide on the drug for the procedure. In pharmacies, a huge number of ready-made products are presented that are allowed to be used for newborn children. Some parents ask themselves: is it possible to rinse a baby's nose with saline? Most experts recommend Sodium Chloride because it is not only effective but also safe.
Let's see which pharmaceutical preparations are suitable for newborns, and which ones for infants and older. Probably the leader among the preparations for cleansing the nasopharynx is Aqua Maris. It is a highly effective preparation based on sea salt. Before rinsing a newborn's nose with Aquamaris, parents are advised to consult a specialist.
Most pharmacy products are ordinary purified seawater The list of the most effective drugs is presented in the table.
| Name | Compound | Method of application, form of release | average price |
| Aqua Maris | Contains:
| For babies, the drug in the form of drops - 2 drops in each nostril 3-4 times a day. It is customary for adults and children over 1 year old to use Aqua Moris in the form of a spray. Babies 1-7 years old - 1-2 injections 3-4 times. Children over 7 years old - 2 injections up to 6 times a day. Adults, 2 injections 4-6 times a day. | Drops - 125 rubles. Spray - 325 rubles. |
| Saline (Sodium Chloride) | Contains sodium chloride, excipient water for injection. | Children 3-4 drops in each nostril, up to 10 times a day. | Solution - 37 rubles. |
| Aqualor baby | Contains sterile natural isotonic seawater. | Drops are intended for children from birth - 1-2 drops in each nostril 2-4 times a day. Spray 2-4 times a day, more often if necessary. | Drops - 137 rubles Spray - 365 rubles. |
| Quicks | The active ingredient is water from the Atlantic Ocean, with a salt content of 2.6%, purified water. | Permitted for use from 3 months of age. Children - 2-3 injections into each nostril 2-3 times a day (interval 8 hours). Adults 1-3 sprays up to 3 times a day. | Spray - 300 rubles. |
| LinAqua | Natural sterile sea water | Children 1-2 drops 3-4 times a day. | 320 RUB |
The use of drops is carried out in a prone position, the spray must be used in an upright position of the baby.
How to make home rinse
How can you rinse a baby's nose if at the moment it is not possible to buy a ready-made solution at the pharmacy?
- Saline solution for children... In 1 l. boiled water, you need to add 1 tsp. salt. Thanks to this tool, you can slightly relieve puffiness and clear the mucous membrane of viruses and allergens (with an allergic rhinitis). The tool is characterized by the absence of irritating effects.
- Herbal decoction... It is a good antiseptic. To prepare the broth, you can use chamomile, calendula, St. John's wort, eucalyptus. You need to take any pre-crushed herb or a mixture of herbs in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Infuse the medicine for 2 hours. Then strain through several layers of gauze and can be used for rinsing. This recipe works best for older children.
Conclusion
Washing the nasal sinuses of a newborn baby is a highly effective manipulation, with the help of which a runny nose is treated and nasal breathing is relieved. If parents complain of nasal congestion in their child, you need to approach the problem with complex solution methods.
Flushing is the first step to recovery. However, it is worth paying attention to contraindications to this procedure, since this may not always be useful. It is necessary to consider each situation separately.
The most effective and safe treatment for nasal congestion is irrigation therapy. Rinsing the nose can be done not only for medicinal purposes, but also as a daily hygiene procedure. Many experts believe that rinsing your nose at home is just as important as brushing your teeth and tongue.
For some children with chronic rhinitis or allergies, this procedure improves their health. If infants have free nasal breathing, they easily accept food. Otherwise, babies become capricious, their appetite disappears. However, not all mothers know how to rinse their baby's nose to clear it of mucus and dust inhaled with the air.
Nasal lavage is one of the main procedures for the prevention and treatment of viral infections.What is the effect of rinsing the nose?
Performing the procedure regularly during the winter months can reduce the risk of developing bacterial diseases of the nasal cavity and protect yourself from colds. When a cold begins in children, bactericidal solutions used for washing help quickly cope with the infection. At the same time, the terms of treatment are reduced. The effect of nasal drops will be higher if they get on the cleaned mucous membrane.
Babies prone to allergic reactions feel much better after washing, since a significant part of the allergens that enter the nasal passages during a walk are washed out. To avoid allergic attacks, the procedure should be carried out immediately upon returning home from the street.
A simple procedure normalizes the microflora of the nasal cavity. Rinsing the nose relieves the child of excessive mucus and crusts, which is important during the heating season, when the air humidity is extremely low. The baby's nasal breathing improves, the mucous membrane is moistened.
At what age is the procedure indicated for children?
It is possible to rinse the nose from a very young age, however, the technique of the procedure and the method of administering fluids for different age groups is different. When a baby has a stuffy nose, he needs irrigation therapy (we recommend reading :). The baby cannot breathe fully during feeding, he has to swallow air with his mouth. As a result, the baby has an eructation, he regurgitates some of the food.
Babies under the age of two are prohibited from flushing using a syringe, as this is fraught with the development of otitis media. Fluid, mucus, and accumulated debris can easily enter the Eustachian tube.
For washing the nose for a one-year-old baby, it is better to choose:
- weak chamomile decoction;
- saline;
- warm water.
A few drops of liquid are instilled into the nozzle from a pipette. The accumulated discharge is removed with a rubber bulb or nasal aspirator.
What is used to wash a child's nose?
Nasal lavage is widely used to prevent and treat nasal congestion. For children, all the actions performed are unpleasant, but refusal to rinse the nose is fraught with protracted illness and high risks of complications.
Irrigation therapy is carried out with saline solutions, in some cases, medications or homemade medications with herbal ingredients are prescribed. When carrying out the procedure, you need to take into account the characteristics of the child's body. The fact is that the baby's nasal passages are much narrower than that of an adult, so all actions must be done carefully in compliance with the rules.
Pharmacy preparations with saline solution
The advantage of pharmaceutical preparations lies in the correct technology for their preparation. The exact concentration of medicinal components is observed in the medicine.
When choosing saline solutions, you must take into account the age of the child. As a rule, doctors prescribe drops for small patients under 6 years old, and for those who are older, they prescribe aerosols. Of all the drugs on the market, Aqua Maris is very popular. The solution is based on sea water. A similar composition is possessed by such funds as:
- Dolphin;
- Marimer;
- Humer;
- Salin;
- Morenazal.
Alternatively, you can use normal saline solution. It contains all the necessary substances that ensure the sanitation of the nasal cavity. The solutions can be used by babies with any type of rhinitis. Rinsing relieves puffiness, moisturizes and protects the nasal mucosa.
The listed funds have an antiseptic effect, contributing to a speedy recovery. Medicines are used not only for therapeutic purposes. Saline solutions are an excellent preventive measure during the cold season.
Antibacterial and antimicrobial agents
If nasal congestion is caused by an infection, antibacterial and antimicrobial drugs will help to cope with the disease:
- A relatively safe and highly effective antiseptic, Miramistin, will help to cope with sinusitis, rhinitis or sinusitis. The active ingredient in the drug destroys pathogenic microorganisms at the cellular level.
- Furacilin is an inexpensive but effective broad-spectrum drug. Getting on the nasal mucosa, the medicine relieves inflammation and prevents the development of pathogenic microflora. After a couple of days of using Furacilin, the child will feel relief.
- A good therapeutic effect in the treatment of bacterial rhinitis and sinusitis can be achieved if the child rinses the nose with Chlorophyllipt. The list of side effects of this drug is very modest, so pediatricians often prescribe it to their patients. The procedure will require an alcohol solution of Chlorophyllipt 1%, which is pre-diluted with water.
- If children's immunity is not able to overcome the infection, and the disease is difficult, then doctors prescribe the drug Polydex with phenylephrine to babies who are already 2.5 years old. The preparation contains antibiotics and hormonal components.
Folk remedies
Nothing is easier than making your own saline solution for rinsing your nose. This will require stirring 1 tsp. salt in 1 liter of water. Sometimes a couple of drops of iodine are added to the solution. Also, the child can rinse the nose with mineral water without gas.
Using decoctions of medicinal plants, you can prepare effective anti-inflammatory and antiseptic solutions for the treatment of rhinitis. If the child is prone to allergies to the choice of herbs, you need to be more careful. To prepare a rinse solution, use the following traditional medicine recipes:
- 1-2 tbsp. l. dried plants (calendula, chamomile, St. John's wort, eucalyptus, etc.) are poured with a glass of boiling water. The broth should be infused for two hours. Before you start rinsing the baby's nose, the liquid must be filtered through gauze and slightly warmed up to body temperature.
- Half tsp. Pour boiling water over green tea. Insist half an hour. During flu epidemics, the procedure can be performed regularly.
- To prepare the solution, an alcohol tincture with 10% propolis is taken. In 1 glass of boiled water, you need to dissolve from 10 to 20 drops of tincture. The number of droplets is determined by the age of the child.
Various folk remedies are effective for rinsing the nose, but they should only be used under the supervision of the attending physician. Nasal flushing technique
There are several ways to rinse a child's nose. For small children under one year old, the procedure at home is carried out as follows:
- the child is placed on its back;
- a few drops of herbal decoction with chamomile, saline or saline solution are instilled into the right and then into the left nostril with a pipette;
- in order to avoid injury and damage to the mucous membrane during the procedure, the baby's head should be fixed by the mother's hand;
- after the liquid enters the spout, at least 1 minute must pass;
- mucus is removed with a rubber bulb;
- the nasal passages are cleaned with a cotton swab.
Technique for rinsing the nasal cavity for children from 2 years of age:
- the child should be asked to bend over the sink in the bathroom;
- if hair or items of clothing interfere, they must be secured;
- the child should stick out his tongue;
- a stream of water from a rubber bulb must first be directed into one nasal passage - the solution, along with accumulated mucus and impurities, must flow out through the other nostril;
- the procedure is repeated from the opposite side;
- after all the actions, the child should blow his nose well.
Children over 5 years old can rinse their nose on their own. They need to tilt their heads over the sink and try to draw in liquid through their nose. After passing through the nasal cavity, the solution enters the mouth, and then spits out. At the end of the procedure, to clear the nasal passages, the baby is carefully blown out.
Precautionary measures
Failure to follow the correct nasal rinsing technique and precautions can harm your baby. Carrying out a simple procedure, children and parents need to adhere to certain rules:
- as far as possible, it is necessary to clear the nasal passages of mucus (blow your nose, suck out snot with a nasal aspirator or a rubber bulb, use vasoconstrictor drops) (we recommend reading:);
- do not carry out the procedure immediately before bedtime - the liquid and mucus remaining in the nasal cavity will drain into the larynx;
- you should not leave the room immediately after rinsing the nose, since the mucous membrane by this time will not be ready to withstand cold air and bacteria;
- the temperature of the liquid used should be within 32-35 degrees;
- when introducing a solution, you need to control the pressure, otherwise an increase in pressure in the nostrils is fraught with the penetration of mucus into the middle ear;
- you should not perform the procedure too often - this way not only pathogenic, but also beneficial microorganisms are washed out.
How often is the nose washed?
If, in addition to rinsing, medications are prescribed, then they must be applied to the cleansed nasal mucosa immediately after the procedure.
For small patients under 3 years old, the number of washes per day should not exceed 3-4 times. If the baby is subjected to this procedure too often, thereby it is possible to weaken his natural immunity and provoke otitis media and sinusitis.
If washing is carried out for prophylactic purposes, then the number of procedures is determined by the parents. In this situation, it is enough to rinse your nose a couple of times a day.
When is flushing contraindicated and ineffective?
For most people, the nose wash procedure is safe and very effective. However, in some situations, it is better to refuse it. Experts do not recommend flushing if the child suffers from any of the following conditions:
- nosebleeds, the patient is prone to increased capillary permeability;
- otitis media is chronic;
- the formation of cysts, polyps and other neoplasms in the nasal passages;
- perforation of the ear membrane;
- epilepsy;
- individual intolerance to the components of the rinsing solution;
- curvature of the nasal septum.
Every young mother should monitor the health of her baby. Babies do not know how to express everything that bothers them and causes inconvenience, which is why parents are obliged to monitor their condition and help their children in time.
It often happens that a baby has a nose and there are many reasons for this phenomenon:
- Insufficient care of the child, not clearing the nose.
- Poor air humidification in the children's room.
- The presence of a viral infection, which the baby contracted from relatives.
These processes cause breathing problems, which greatly interferes with the baby: it is uncomfortable for him to suck on his mother’s breast, so he is often naughty. During feeding, the baby tries to breathe through its mouth and swallows excess air, which is why it regurgitates. If the discharge from the nose is abundant, then it leads to a cough, as it flows down the pharynx and greatly irritates it. The most effective way to get rid of nasal congestion is considered to be timely rinsing it.
How to rinse the nose of newborn babies
In order to defeat snot, it is worth using an integrated approach. Be sure to ventilate the room where the child is, and moisturize it well. This can be done with diapers dipped in water and bowls of water placed on the windowsills. But the ideal option is to buy a universal humidifier.
Clean your baby's nose regularly. You should not directly pick a dried crust from the nose - it must be softened initially so that it falls off by itself, cleaning the nose. For such purposes, you can use an ordinary saline solution or buy specialized drugs: various sprays and drops. It can be "Aquamaris", "Dolphin" or "Solin", available in every pharmacy.
Quite often, mothers use pears to suck out excess mucus from the baby's nose. But doctors do not advise using this option very often, because it greatly dries the mucous membrane of the nose.
The most important thing is to rinse the nose before bringing the baby to the breast. Even when you are sure that there is no more mucus, play it safe again and re-clean the nose. The kid will be very grateful to you, because this is the only way he can eat without discomfort.
If you rinsed the nose several times, and the child continues to breathe heavily, then try using drops that constrict the blood vessels. Here it is worth knowing that such drugs do not cure problems, but only help get rid of it for a while. They reduce the swelling of the mucous membrane, which makes breathing easy and pleasant. Thanks to such drops as "Nazivin" or "Otrivin", the baby will be able to eat, sleep and play with pleasure.
But remember that you can use medicines no more than 3 times a day. And if you find purulent discharge in the nose, then this indicates that there is a virus there, which will have to be treated with the help of Protargol drops.
This remedy was used by our grandmothers for the treatment of diseases and for personal hygiene. They often cooked it with their own hands. To do this, arm yourself with half a teaspoon of salt, a pinch of baking soda and a glass of filtered and boiled water. All ingredients are mixed and used as a preparation for rinsing the nose of babies. If you do not want to bother once again, then saline can be bought at any pharmacy. Fortunately, it is very cheap.
Often mothers panic and are afraid to wash their baby's nose. You do not need to do this, because the process is quite simple, the main thing is to have all the necessary items at hand. It is recommended to flush with confident, clear movements and preferably quickly so that the baby does not have time to scream. The child should be thoroughly swaddled in advance, because he can interfere with his mother with his little hands. Saline is dripped with a small pipette, which must be used only for this purpose.
Tilt the head of the crumb back a little and drip 2 drops of the product into each nostril in turn. When processing the right nostril, then turn the head to the left, when the left - vice versa. It happens that a particle of drops enters the baby's mouth, which causes an unpleasant sensation and crying. But you do not need to pay attention to this while continuing the procedure. Remember that you cannot drip many drops, as they can get into the ear canal and lead to otitis media. Also, do not try to soften the crust with a pear, a pipette is enough for the baby.
Before you start rinsing, you need to stock up on small cotton swabs, which will come in handy after the spout is rinsed. There must be at least six of them. It is these tampons dipped in oil that remove all excess mucus. This is done by carefully screwing the tampon into the baby's nose to a depth of about 2 centimeters. Actions should be performed until the spout is completely free of snot.
Aquamaris for newborns
Currently, the substance "Aquamaris" is considered a leading agent for the treatment and prevention of diseases of the nasal cavity in both children and adults. This is due to the fact that it contains purified sea salt, which does not have bacteria and various viruses.In addition to sea salt, the drug contains many useful trace elements, so it can be used even during the period of bearing a baby.
Always remember that before you start using any remedy, you should definitely consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
Video: how to cleanse the nose of a baby
