Children's nasal cavities and sinuses are relatively narrow, making them prone to accumulating secretions when they have a cold, allergies, or sinusitis. This can lead to nasal congestion, runny nose, difficulty breathing, and even affect sleep and appetite. As parents, helping children drain sinus secretions promptly can not only relieve discomfort but also prevent the infection from worsening.
Keep the room humid to soften secretions
Dry air irritates the nasal mucosa, causing secretions to dry and crust over, making them even harder to drain. Parents can increase air humidity in the following ways:
Use a humidifier: Maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%, avoiding excessive dryness or dampness.
Steam inhalation: Use hot water to inhale the steam (be careful of water temperature to avoid burns), or let the child breathe warm steam in the bathroom to help soften secretions.
Drink plenty of water: Encourage children to drink small amounts of water frequently to keep the mucous membranes moist and help dilute secretions.
Physical Methods to Assist Drainage
Warm Compress to the Nose
Apply a warm towel to the child's nasal root and forehead for 5-10 minutes each time, 2-3 times a day. Warm compresses promote local blood circulation, relieve nasal congestion, and thin the secretions, making them easier to drain.
Adjust Sleeping Position
Elevate the child's head by 15-30 degrees during sleep (e.g., elevate the upper body with a pillow). Gravity helps secretions flow from the sinuses into the nasal cavity, reducing nighttime nasal congestion.
Gentle Massage
Gently massage the Yingxiang acupoints (located beside the midpoint of the outer edge of the nostrils) on both sides of the child's nose with your fingertips, or push from the nasal root towards the nostrils for 1-2 minutes each time, several times a day. This can promote the drainage of secretions.
Nasal Irrigation
Nasal irrigation is the "golden method" for clearing sinus secretions, especially suitable for children with thick secretions and severe nasal congestion. The following points should be noted during operation:
Choose the appropriate irrigation tool
Saline nasal drops: Suitable for infants or children trying it for the first time. Apply 2-3 drops to each nostril, gently pressing the nostrils to promote absorption.
Nasal spray: Sprays a fine mist, gentle and non-irritating, suitable for children of all ages.
Nasal irrigation pot (e.g., nasal irrigator): Requires a special saline packet to prepare the irrigation solution. Suitable for older children (e.g., over 3 years old) who can cooperate, and provides a more thorough effect.
Prepare the irrigation solution
Use sterile saline (0.9% sodium chloride solution), or prepare according to the instructions using a special saline packet. Avoid using table salt mixed with water (may irritate the mucous membranes).
The irrigation solution temperature should be close to body temperature (approximately 37°C). Too cold or too hot will cause discomfort.
Operation steps
Position: Have the child lean forward, with their head slightly tilted to one side (e.g., tilt the head to the left when rinsing the left nostril).
Rinsing: Gently insert the tip of the rinsing device into one nostril and slowly squeeze the bottle to allow the saline solution to flow out of the other nostril (or be spat out through the mouth).
Alternate: After rinsing one side, repeat the process on the other side.
Cleansing: After rinsing, have the child blow their nose (hold one nostril closed and gently blow the other), or use a nasal aspirator (for infants) to remove any remaining liquid.
Precautions
Rinse 1-2 times daily. Over-rinsing may damage the mucous membranes.
Keep the child calm during rinsing and avoid swallowing the liquid (this may cause choking).
If the child resists, demonstrate first or distract them with toys to gradually get used to it.
Observe for ear pain, nosebleeds, etc. after rinsing. If any abnormalities occur, stop rinsing and consult a doctor.
Medical Indications and Professional Treatment
If your child experiences any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
Persistent nasal congestion and purulent nasal discharge for more than 10 days;
Fever, headache, facial tenderness (possibly due to sinusitis);
Difficulty breathing, mouth breathing, or snoring during sleep;
Symptoms do not improve after nasal irrigation, or discharge is bloody or has an unusual odor.
The doctor may prescribe nasal corticosteroid spray, antibiotics (in case of bacterial infection), or further examination (such as nasal endoscopy), depending on the situation.
Helping your child drain sinus secretions requires patience and the correct methods, especially nasal irrigation. Although the procedure is simple, details determine the effectiveness. Parents should avoid forceful nose blowing, nose picking, or other rough behaviors. Instead, use a moist environment, physical assistance, and proper irrigation to help your child comfortably get through the nasal congestion period. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly to avoid delaying treatment.
