Congestion
What Is Congestion?
Congestion is when the nasal passages, and sometimes the sinuses become inflamed and filled with extra mucus.
This inflammation and excessive mucus can make breathing through the nose difficult for your child. If your child has a congested nose, they might also have a runny nose, a cough and a sore throat (because of the mucus drainage).
Causes of Congestion
Common Colds (viral infection)
The most frequent cause of nasal congestion in children.
Allergies
Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens can trigger allergic reactions. This can cause inflammation and increased mucus production in the nasal passages.
Sinus Infections (viral and bacterial)
Like the common cold, your child can get inflammation and increased mucus production in their sinuses. Sometimes sinus infections must be treated with antibiotics (bacterial infection) and can last longer than the common cold.
Environmental
Smoke, strong odors, and pollution can irritate the nasal passage and cause symptoms of congestion.
How Congestion Affects Children
Breathing
Congestion can make it hard for children to breathe normally. This can especially be seen when they are eating or sleeping.
Sleep
Congestion can disrupt sleep, leading to nighttime awakenings and difficulty falling asleep.
Eating
In infants, nasal congestion can interfere with nursing or bottle-feeding, as the child may struggle to breathe comfortably while sucking.
Managing Congestion (Without Medications)
Hydration
Keeping your child well hydrated can help thin the mucus, making it easier to clear.
Cool-mist humidifier
Adding moisture to the air can help loosen mucus and soothe irritated nasal passages.
Saline nasal drops or sprays
These can moisten dry nasal passages and help thin the mucus, making it easier to clear.
Rest
Ensuring your child gets extra rest can help their body fight off the cause of the congestion.
Head Elevation
Raising your child's head with an extra pillow or adjusting the crib mattress can help drain the mucus while they sleep.
Managing Congestion (With Over the Counter Medications)
Nasal Decongestant Sprays (e.g., Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine)
How It Works: Nasal decongestant sprays work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages which can help decrease mucus production. This can help swelling, helping your child breathe easier.
Oral Decongestants (e.g., Pseudoephedrine)
How It Works: Like nasal decongestant sprays, oral decongestants also reduce swelling in the nasal passages by constricting blood vessels and decreasing mucus production. Taking oral decongestants can also help with sinus congestion along with nasal congestion.
Nasal Steroid Sprays (e.g., Fluticasone, Budesonide)
How It Works: These spray can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. This will help decrease mucus production and decrease congestion.
Expectorants (e.g., Guaifenesin)
How It Works: Expectorants work by thinning the mucus in the airways. Thinning the mucus can make it easier to cough up and clear out.