Children's nasal cavities are delicate and prone to congestion and runny noses due to dust, allergens, or accumulated secretions. Incorrect cleaning methods can cause choking, resistance, and even damage to the nasal mucosa. Mastering scientific cleaning methods can effectively clean the nasal cavity while ensuring the child's comfort and cooperation. This article, combining children's physiological characteristics and clinical experience, systematically introduces the key steps and practical techniques for safely cleaning the nose.
Choosing the Right Tools and Solutions
Tools and Suitable Age
Infants 0-1 years: Use saline nasal drops or a syringe-type soft silicone-tipped irrigator first. Apply 2-3 drops of nasal drops to each nostril, soften the secretions, and then gently suction them out with a nasal aspirator. For syringe-type irrigators, choose a capacity of 60mL or less to avoid excessive pressure.
Children 1-6 years: Try a squeeze bottle irrigator or an electric spray device. Squeeze bottles should be equipped with a child-specific soft nozzle, and the volume of each rinse should be controlled within 120mL. Electric spray devices can atomize saline into tiny particles, suitable for children who resist rinsing.
Children over 6 years old: Can use a squeeze bottle or nasal irrigator independently, but should be instructed to control the irrigation pressure and avoid excessive force.
Solution Concentration and Temperature
Concentration: For daily care, use 0.9% isotonic saline solution, which has the same osmotic pressure as the human body and is less irritating. For severe nasal congestion, 2%-3% hypertonic saline solution can be used for a short period (not exceeding 7 days continuously), but only under the guidance of a doctor.
Temperature: Heat the solution to approximately 37℃ (close to body temperature) to reduce cold stimulation to the nasal cavity and avoid sneezing or coughing. The temperature can be measured with a thermometer or tested on the back of the hand; it should feel warm but not hot.
Preparation and Posture Adjustment Before Operation
Soothing Emotions: Before cleaning, relax the child through games, storytelling, or demonstrations (such as using puppets) to avoid muscle contractions due to tension, which increases the risk of coughing.
For resistant children, proceed in stages: first, drip saline solution to soften secretions, and then try rinsing after the child has adapted.
Correct Posture
Sitting with Forward Lean: Have the child sit upright with their body slightly leaning forward, head slightly lowered, and breathing through their mouth. This position helps guide the rinsing solution out of the nasal cavity, preventing it from flowing into the throat.
Side-Lying Position: Suitable for infants or children who cannot sit. Have the child lie on their side, rinse the upper nostril first, and after the secretions have drained, turn them over to rinse the other side.
Holding and Stabilizing Position: The parent holds the child in their arms, using one hand to stabilize the head and the other hand to operate the rinsing device, ensuring the head is stable.
Step-by-Step Operating Techniques
Nasal Drops/Spray Method (0-6 years old)
Steps: Have the child lie flat or on their side. Gently insert the nasal drops or spray nozzle into the nostril (no need to insert it deeply), spraying 2-3 times on each side (2-3 drops per side for nasal drops).
Key Points: After spraying, maintain the same position for 1-2 minutes to allow the solution to fully soften the secretions; if using a spray, have the child breathe through their mouth to avoid swallowing the solution.
Squeeze Bottle Rinse (1 year and older)
Steps: Have the child sit leaning forward, breathing through their mouth. The parent holds the rinsing device and gently places the nozzle against one nostril.
Slowly squeeze the bottle to allow the solution to enter through one nostril and flow out through the other nostril or mouth (if it flows out of the mouth, the posture is correct).
After rinsing one side, wipe the face clean with a tissue, then rinse the other side.
Key Points: Squeeze slowly to avoid excessive pressure; if the child coughs, stop immediately and adjust the posture (e.g., have the child tilt their head down or to the side).
Electric Spray Method (All Ages)
Steps: Gently cover the child's nostrils with the nasal cannula of the spray device. Turn on the device and have the child breathe through their mouth.
Key Points: Choose a device with fine atomized particles (e.g., 5-10 microns) to ensure the solution reaches deep into the nasal cavity; each use should not exceed 5 minutes to avoid nasal dryness.
Post-Rinse Care and Precautions
Nose Blowing and Suctioning
After rinsing, instruct the child to gently blow their nose (press one nostril closed and blow the other), avoiding excessive force that could damage the mucous membrane.
For infants, a nasal aspirator can be used to remove residual secretions, but a mouth-suction or electric aspirator should be chosen; avoid manual squeezing aspirators which can cause excessive suction.
Observe Reactions
If the child experiences ear pain, persistent cough, nasal bleeding, or worsening nasal congestion after rinsing, it may be due to solution flowing into the Eustachian tube or improper pressure. In such cases, rinsing should be stopped and a doctor consulted.
Recommended Rinse Frequency: 2-3 times daily during the acute phase, once daily during the chronic phase, and reduced to 2-3 times per week after symptoms subside.
Contraindications and Prevention
Contraindications: Rinse should be stopped during active nasal bleeding, acute sinusitis with high fever, or after nasal surgery when the wound has not healed; children with hypertension should have their blood pressure controlled before the procedure.
Preventing Choking: Avoid feeding or drinking the child before rinsing to prevent vomiting during the procedure; maintain a quiet environment and minimize disturbances during the procedure.
Properly cleaning a child's nose requires attention to tool selection, posture adjustment, and operating techniques. The core principles are "gentle, slow, and observant." Parents can help their child adapt through simulated practice and gradual attempts, while paying attention to their feedback and adjusting the method accordingly. If the child continues to resist or exhibits abnormal reactions, they should be taken to a doctor promptly to rule out conditions such as rhinitis or sinusitis.
