A runny nose in a child is not a disease in itself. But this unpleasant symptom often accompanies ARI, SARS and influenza. Preschool children suffer from such ailments quite often, therefore, a runny nose is a constant "guest" in every home. If a child has a stuffy nose at night, then usually the whole family does not sleep well. Therefore, parents are looking for an effective and safe remedy that will help cope with the symptom. It is advisable that the improvement improves quickly and the effect is lasting.
Why is it important to restore normal breathing?
If the baby has a runny nose, then the crumbs sleep will be restless, which in itself is not too pleasant. But this does not exhaust the reasons for taking action. A normal supply of oxygen is necessary for cheerfulness and a clear mind. Otherwise, a person wakes up lethargic and tired.
If the child has a stuffy nose at night, then he not only sniffles, he has to breathe through his mouth. This leads to drying of the pharynx, getting on the tonsils of harmful microorganisms. Ultimately, this greatly increases the risk of developing infections. And they, in turn, can lead to complications.
Causes of congestion
There may be quite a lot of them, but experts identify three main groups of factors that lead to the fact that the child has a stuffy nose at night:
- Swelling of the mucous membranes. No wonder with flu and colds, doctors prescribe antihistamines. They help relieve swelling and ease breathing. The appearance of edema is inextricably linked with the inflammatory process. The following mechanism operates here. Blood rushes to the site of inflammation, the vessels dilate, which leads to an increase in the volume of the mucous membrane. In this case, the nasal passages narrow and the passage of air is very difficult.
- If the child has a stuffy nose at night, it is quite possible that he is simply clogged. If the mucus is liquid, it flows freely. But when the secret is thick and viscous, it blocks the nasal passages.
- The movement of air can be obstructed by mechanical barriers. If there is a suspicion of the presence of polyps, then you need to seek the advice of an ENT doctor.
Nuances
Among many factors, it is worth first of all to name infectious diseases. Sometimes parents are surprised by the fact that the child’s nose is very stuffy at night, but during the day he breathes normally. In fact, this phenomenon is quite natural.
Mucus is constantly produced in the nasopharynx, which flows out and enters the throat. With inflammation, this process is still intensified. In the afternoon, the baby breathes quite freely. At night, he takes a horizontal position, and swallowing movements stop. If the mucus is thick and the mucous membranes are swollen, then breathing becomes almost impossible.
Dry air
The temperature in the room also needs to be taken into account. If in winter the central heating radiators constantly work in the apartment, the air temperature rises to +29 ° , and there is no air humidifier, then you need to be prepared for the fact that there will be health problems. If the parents ask why the child has a stuffy nose at night, but the examination does not show any pathologies, then the doctor will most likely advise you to install a moisturizer. After that, the problem is usually resolved.
Cleaning, especially when wet, also needs attention. Dry as well as dusty air leads to the formation of additional mucus in the nasopharynx. It dries and complicates breathing.
Improving the conditions of the bedroom
Free breathing at night is determined by the air quality in the nursery. It must be clean and cool. The temperature is about 20 degrees, and the humidity is at least 70%. Mucus is formed anyway, but does not accumulate and does not clog the passages. She calmly flows out and the baby will breathe, despite a slight leakage of secretion. The nozzles can be gently wiped several times a night or removed using a small pear.
To ensure normal conditions for sleep, you often need to do wet cleaning. During the heating season, the air is very dry. You can wrap batteries with wet towels and often spray them with water. For convenience, you can purchase a special device - the above humidifier. It will be nice if it is equipped with a hygrometer. In this case, you do not have to wonder if the air is sufficiently humidified, or if additional measures need to be taken.
Treatment
First of all, you need to be examined by a doctor. After all, a runny nose is only the tip of the iceberg, that is, a symptom of a specific disease. If you prescribe adequate treatment aimed at combating the cause, then rhinitis will pass without special therapy.
But if the nose is stuffed up and the child snores at night, then every mother wants to alleviate his condition. Treatment methods:
- Symptomatic That is, restoration of nasal breathing.
- Etiological. Therapy is aimed at combating the disease itself, which causes nasal congestion.
- Auxiliary. The selected funds make the child feel better and accelerate the recovery of the body.
How to relieve swelling
And now let's look at what to do, the child has a stuffy nose at night. An emergency and trouble-free remedy are vasoconstrictive nasal drops and sprays: Otrivin, Vibrocil, Nazivin, Nazol Baby, Noxspray for children, etc. They act directly on the smooth muscles of blood vessels and cause them to contract. As a result, a mechanical decrease in the volume of the mucous membrane occurs. The nasal passages open and the movement of air through them is facilitated.
These are very effective drugs, but they should be used only in emergency cases, according to the instructions. There are a number of rules that a doctor should introduce when prescribing a drug:
- The maximum course of treatment is 5-7 days.
- The frequency of instillation is not more than 4 hours.
- Perhaps the development of side effects. Most often, this is limited to a slight burning sensation or a feeling of dryness. If you notice a digestive upset, you need to cancel the drug.
- Increasing the recommended dosage can lead to serious consequences.
Breathing relief
It is not necessary to use drops that constrict blood vessels. Moreover, pediatricians recommend using them extremely rarely, if absolutely necessary. The rest of the time, it is better to ease the condition of the baby with the help of other means:
- Saline. This is a simple 0.9% salt solution. It is instilled into the nose using a conventional pipette. There is no harm from such a tool, you can use it at your own discretion.
- Pharmaceutical drops and sprays. They help a lot if a child has a nose blocked at night. There are no snot or you clearly see their leakage - this is not so important. But if the child is breathing heavily, sleeping with his mouth open, and often wakes up, measures must be taken. The famous "AquaMaris" and its analogues will help. In fact, this is the same saline solution, only with a convenient spray.
- Oil drops for the nose. What they are good for is their natural composition. Vegetable oil prevents drying of the mucous membranes, reduces swelling and inhibits the growth of bacteria. Such drops help with viral and bacterial rhinitis. Do not forget that the essential oils that they contain can cause an allergic reaction. Therefore, consult with a doctor before use. The most famous example is Pinosol.
- Allergic rhinitis is another reason. A child’s nose is blocked at night, he doesn’t sleep well, and only antihistamines give relief. They block the production of substances that cause swelling and mucus formation. The most gentle means can be considered "Fenistil."
- Combined drugs. An example is Sanorin. A great option if you do not know the cause of the common cold.
Supporting Procedures
If the runny nose is not too strong, then sometimes you can do without special medicines. In any case, each parent should know how to help the child if his nose is blocked at night and there is nothing at hand. Various procedures are also suitable for alleviating the condition:
- Massage. You yourself can make sure that a light massage of the wings of the nose can accelerate the outflow of mucus.
- If there is an aroma lamp at home, be sure to light it. Inhalation of vapors of pine, fir and eucalyptus can quickly improve the condition.
- Drinking plenty of fluids helps cleanse the body and makes mucus more fluid.
- Inhalation.
- Rubbing with a warming ointment. Usually the effect ensures their evaporation.
Very often, parents use a warm compress on the bridge of the nose. It can be salt heated in a pouch or something else. But remember that it is vasoconstrictors that bring relief. And warming leads to increased edema. And of course, you need to consult a doctor.
Once again about the main thing
Of course, if the baby’s nose is blocked, then you need to help restore normal breathing. Otherwise, he will sleep poorly at night and be naughty during the day. But getting rid of a cold should not be the ultimate goal. After all, there is a root cause that causes its appearance. It is necessary to fight with it. Take the rest only as necessary, supportive measures to alleviate the condition.
It is not enough just to drip vasoconstrictors into the nose. They work well in conjunction with the main treatment, to facilitate the recovery period. But they themselves do not treat. Therefore, first go to the pediatrician, and then to the pharmacy.
What can not be done
It is most difficult for babies to breastfeed, because nasal congestion prevents food intake. First of all, forget about folk remedies such as instillation of breast milk in the nose, fresh urine or onion juice. Baby's nose - the system is very thin. All that you fill in there may be in the middle ear, and this will lead to the development of otitis media. Such a complication is fraught with a long course of antibiotics.
It is highly undesirable now to stop lactation. Yes, it’s hard for a baby to suck when his nose is not breathing. Therefore, apply to the chest as often as possible, albeit for a short period of time. This will make up for fluid loss, and also allow you to share antibodies with your baby. After all, most often you are sick together, just an adult has stronger immunity, so he does not feel the symptoms of an ailment.