Regarding rinsing your nose when you have a runny nose
. The child is 1.7. How to do this correctly, how much medicine to use, how often to do it and most importantly - WHAT?
Answered by Komarovsky E. O.
The best solution is isotonic sodium chloride solution.
(saline solution) or (more convenient) any ready-made preparation, specifically aimed at frequent use in children, specifically for a runny nose.
The solution should be dripped (drops) or sprayed (spray) from the bottle into the nose frequently: 1-2 times into each nostril, every half hour to hour. There is no need to wake him up for the procedure (if he is sleeping peacefully, do not touch him). If the saline solution
is a regular medical pipette (full) or a disposable 1.5 ml syringe, the same dose is given in each nostril, the frequency is the same.
It is impossible to overdose in principle. The frequency of dripping-swishing-rinsing is directly related to air temperature, dryness of the air and the child’s body temperature. It becomes clear that the word “ washing
” itself is interpreted very conditionally. In essence, we are talking about frequent administration of a solution, for which strict dosing (number of drops, a certain number of times per day) is irrelevant.
When a little person is born, it is a very great joy. And in the first year the child’s body is very weak. Parents have to constantly monitor the baby’s health. In the first months of life, it is recommended that the child be helped to moisten the nasal mucosa. This should be done in order to reduce the risk of diseases in the newborn. Experts advise not to resort to medications and to rinse the child’s nose with saline solution, which can be prepared at home.
Saline solution can be purchased at pharmacies, but is often prepared at home. This product has antibacterial properties that have a long-lasting effect on health. Saline solution is used in the following cases:
- rinsing the nose for a runny nose;
- wound treatment;
- constipation;
- as inhalations;
- from nausea and vomiting;
- douching.
Doctors strongly recommend that every home have saline solution. It helps not only the child, but also the adult. Rinsing the nose with this remedy is considered very effective for a runny nose. Saline solution is also used as a preventative measure. This medicine is very successful and many people use it. Even the famous doctor Komarovsky recommends using it.
This remedy has no contraindications or side effects; it can be used:
- infants;
- during pregnancy;
- during lactation;
- for chronic diseases.
Composition of saline solution
Saline solution (0.9%) consists of table salt (NaCl) and distilled water. For this, a ratio of 9:1 is used (9 grams of salt per 1 liter of liquid), all components are mixed, and the medicine is obtained.
Nasal rinsing procedures promote the following:
- relieve inflammation of the mucous membranes;
- eliminate bacteria and microbes formed in the nasal cavity;
- moisturize the mucous membrane in the nasal cavity;
- dissolve secretions;
- restore the microflora in the nose.
Purpose of the procedure
Newly-made parents rinse the baby’s nose with saline in several cases:
- for a runny nose for medicinal purposes;
- to moisturize the nasal mucosa.
Manipulations are also carried out to prevent the occurrence of a runny nose.
In order to carry out the procedure of rinsing the baby’s nose with saline solution as quickly and safely as possible, it is necessary to follow the algorithm of actions.
- If too much mucus has accumulated in the baby's nose, it is recommended to use a syringe to remove as much liquid as possible before starting the cleansing procedure. This will allow the saline solution to penetrate inside the baby's nose more easily. You can replace the bulb with an aspirator.
- Then you need to drop a few drops of saline into each nostril of the infant. To do this, you can use a pipette or an ordinary disposable syringe. If the choice is in favor of the latter device, you need to separate the needle and draw a small amount of the product into the syringe. Then you need to put the baby on his side and turn his head in the opposite direction. This measure is necessary to prevent the child from choking during the procedure. Pediatricians strongly recommend instilling saline solution into the nose of a newborn baby using a pipette.
- Then you need to clear the nasal cavity of excess fluid. To do this, again you need to use an aspirator or syringe.
- After this, you need to take a cotton swab or turunda and clean the baby’s nose from crusts and boogers. After interacting with saline solution, they soften and are easily separated from the mucous membrane of the respiratory organ.
This completes the cleansing procedure. Finally, you can apply a small amount of apricot or peach oil to the surface of the nostrils.
If the appearance of excess fluid in the baby’s nasal cavity is due to colds or a runny nose, it is necessary, after all the above manipulations, to drip a few drops of the medicine prescribed by the pediatrician into the nose. No more than four times a day, you can rinse your baby’s nose with saline. Komarovsky, a well-known children's doctor, recommends completely reducing the number of washes to three.
How to perform the procedures correctly?
To properly rinse a baby’s nose with saline, certain devices are used: you need a specialized bottle for instillation, a pipette, a special rubber bulb, a syringe without a needle, a vessel with a spray nozzle. To rinse children's noses, they use the most common method - moisturize the nose using a bottle with a spray. It is injected twice into each nasal passage; procedures are recommended to be done every hour. If you use a pipette, 3 drops of saline are injected into the nasal canals. If you can’t rinse your child’s nose every 60 minutes, then it’s okay, you can put drops in your child’s nose at least at intervals of every three hours.
How to properly rinse a baby’s nose with a syringe or syringe? The manipulation is very simple. To do this, draw a warm mixture of medicine using a syringe. The baby is placed on his side, no matter which side. A syringe or a rubber bulb is inserted into the nasal passage; the device should not be inserted very deeply, about 2 cm. And they begin the procedure, carefully, slowly introducing the medicine until the liquid begins to protrude from the same nasal canal or from another. The other canal is washed in exactly the same way, the baby is turned over to the other side and the procedure is performed.
Qualified doctors advise parents not to use a syringe with a large hole to perform the manipulation. Because this can bring a number of troubles: with a large flow of medicine, there is a possibility of damaging the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity, and incorrectly introduced liquid into the nose can penetrate the ear and provoke otitis media. To avoid problems with this, it is better to use a syringe without a needle, since the flow in the syringe can be controlled.
To make it easier to rinse the nose of children over three years old, the event is carried out quite easily. The child is seated on a high chair and given a bowl. The head should be tilted so that the chin touches the neck, and the mouth should be slightly open. Then pour in the medicinal liquid using a syringe or syringe; when injecting the medicine, the pressure should not be strong. After the procedure, the baby blows his nose well and raises his head.
Analogues for rinsing the nose of infants
If a child is intolerant to standard saline, what should I use to rinse the newborn’s nose? Many parents ask this question, because rinsing the nose is a really good way, but ordinary sodium chloride can damage the mucous membrane and deform the tissue, through which infections will then spread.
Among the main drugs, AquaMaris, MarMaris, AquaLor and other drugs are considered as analogues. It is worth noting that they differ from the original saline solution only in other components. For example, purified sea salt is often used.
Similar drugs have a special device that helps inject the medicine into the nasal passages. The dispenser evenly sprays the solution along the walls of the mucous membrane, and the normalized dosage does not lead to tissue destruction.
Regular saline solution is sold in the form of ampoules or bottles of 200 and 400 ml. It is best to take ampoules, since the bottles cannot be opened, and the solution must be drawn from them using a syringe.
Rinsing with saline solution does not have any restrictions if the baby tolerates all its components normally. Washing should be carried out in accordance with all the rules so as not to disturb the mucous membrane in the newborn’s nose. For preventive purposes, saline solution is rarely used. Doctors recommend rinsing your nose no more than once a week.
Indications for use
This saline solution for rinsing or instilling the nasal cavity can be used for a child who is even several months old. Because it has no side effects and no time limits. In addition, there is no addiction to the medicine, which is extremely important.
It is safe to rinse the sinuses with this medicine; such procedures are recommended as preventive measures against various diseases, such as:
- sinusitis;
- rhinitis;
- inflammation of the adenoids.
If you follow the procedures described above, the result will not be long in coming, the effect will be noticeable quickly.
Be healthy and don't get sick!
Below is a video in which Dr. Komarovsky tells how to properly rinse the nasal passages, in what quantity and why this is done.
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Saline solution is an irreplaceable and, most importantly, affordable remedy, the benefits of which have long been proven and every health worker will confidently say that treatment of runny nose, cough and asthma attacks is indispensable without this solution of sodium chloride. With its help, the intestines are washed in case of poisoning, blood purification is performed by placing saline droppers, various types of dermatitis are treated, they are saved from vomiting attacks and nausea, and they are used for injections.
The drug is also good because it is absolutely safe for human health. Moreover, it is prescribed to both adults and children. Rinsing a child's nose with saline, for example, is very often recommended by pediatricians, even for infants. This method of getting rid of respiratory diseases does not cause harm, does not lead to allergic reactions or side effects.
What products to use for rinsing
It is better to rinse the nose of children before going to kindergarten or school in the winter. In addition, the procedure must be repeated upon returning home from crowded places. To cleanse the nasal passages of snot, you can use pharmaceutical preparations and traditional medicine.
It is better to rinse the nose of children before going to kindergarten or school in the winter. In addition, the procedure must be repeated upon returning home from crowded places. To cleanse the nasal passages of snot, you can use pharmaceutical preparations and traditional medicine.
Immediately after birth and during the first year of a baby’s life, many mothers face a huge number of questions and difficulties. One of these difficulties is the safe, correct and effective rinsing of the baby’s nose when there is a runny nose and persistent nasal congestion caused by the accumulation of mucus.
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Is it possible to rinse a child’s nose with saline?
As already mentioned, the use of this remedy for treating children is not contraindicated. It consists of two components: water and salt in proportions of 100/1. It does not contain any additional flavorings, stabilizers or other synthetic substances. That is why all mothers can rest assured that their child will not suffer from treatment with saline solution.
The washing process itself is quite simple and can be carried out even by young parents who are still inexperienced in treating children. Observing accuracy and caution, sterility and attentiveness, the procedure is carried out exactly as many times a day as the doctor prescribes. The doctor’s recommendations depend on the purpose for which these manipulations are prescribed to the child. In order to prevent respiratory diseases, for example, it is enough to rinse once a day, and for infants this should be done systematically, after first cleaning the nasal passages with cotton swabs. Newborn children have a special need for such hygienic actions. After all, a timely treated nose can breathe easier, which means nothing interferes with a restful sleep.
Due to congestion in the nasal passage, the baby may refuse to eat, since he breathes through his mouth at this time. Thanks to preventive rinsing, children get sick less, feel better and grow up healthy. If the child does fall ill, then in this case the saline solution should become a lifeline that will help cure the baby of a runny nose in a short period.
Doctors' opinion about sodium chloride
Doctors speak positively about the effect of saline solution. Experts note the high effectiveness of the drug in cleansing the nasal passages of not only children, but also adults.
Before starting use, doctors strongly recommend making sure that your baby has no contraindications to using this product. Otherwise, unpleasant consequences may occur.
The mixture prepared at home should not be too cold or, conversely, hot. After completing the procedure for washing the nose, it is strictly not recommended to take your newborn baby out for a walk. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the baby for at least an hour.
During rinsing, it is very important to monitor the jet pressure. It shouldn't be too strong. Otherwise, you can injure the baby’s nasal cavity. To reduce the risk of injury, doctors strongly recommend that when choosing between a syringe and a pipette, give preference to the latter device.
Parents need to understand that saline solution purchased at a pharmacy is sterile. While the homemade mixture does not have this property. This must be remembered. Before you start rinsing your baby’s nose with saline solution, you should consult your doctor.
It is not recommended to wash more than four times a day. Manipulations should be carried out only if the child’s breathing is difficult. If a runny nose does not go away within a week, parents should seek help from their pediatrician.
Rinsing the nose too often with saline solution for an infant can lead to unpleasant consequences. Frequent manipulation can cause a weakening of the immune system, as well as irritation of the mucous membrane of the child’s nasal passages. In addition, rinsing the nose causes discomfort for the baby. Frequent procedures can lead to a deterioration in the baby’s psycho-emotional state and swelling. For preventive purposes, saline solution can be used no more than twice a week.
It is recommended to rinse the nasal passages of a newborn only after consultation with a specialist. Although sodium chloride does not have pronounced side effects and does not provoke irritation of the mucous membrane, the child may still be intolerant to the components of this solution. You should first make sure that the newborn’s perception of sodium chloride is normal and rinsing will only be beneficial. In addition, there must be a good reason for such a procedure.
It is impossible to immediately use rinsing every time sniffles appear, since frequent use washes away the protective layer in the nasal passages, and this only aggravates the progress of the disease.
Another problem that arises when rinsing the nose with saline is the structure of the nasopharynx. In newborns, this part of the body is just forming, which means it differs from the nasopharynx of an adult. That is why rinsing the baby’s nose should be done with extreme caution so that he does not choke.
You need to clean your nose with saline in the following cases:
- runny nose;
- prolonged rhinitis;
- deviated nasal septum;
- formation of a dry crust.
Frequent rinsing with sodium chloride leads to disruption of the integrity of the mucous membrane. Microscopic cracks appear through which infections easily penetrate. Simply put, frequent prophylaxis with saline leads to a decrease in immune defense.
How to make saline solution for rinsing the nose?
It is not necessary to purchase this effective remedy in pharmacies. It can also be prepared at home. For this you need boiled water and table salt. The proportions are calculated based on the fact that per liter of boiling water you need only one heaped teaspoon of salt. Accordingly, for half a liter - half a spoon, etc. The amount of solution can be adjusted depending on the need for it. It must be remembered that after a day the saline solution will no longer be sterile and its use for rinsing a child’s nose is no longer advisable. All containers in which the medicine will be stored and prepared must be pre-treated with boiling water or steam.
Pharmacy preparations for rinsing
The easiest way is to buy ready-made medicine at a pharmacy. If you choose it according to the baby’s age, you can be sure that the composition is optimal and will not harm the child’s health.
Below is a list of the most popular pharmaceutical drugs:
- Saline solution is an inexpensive and effective remedy that does not dry out the nasopharyngeal mucosa and is not addictive. Can be used daily.
- Aquamaris is a preparation based on sea water. Effective for acute inflammation of the nasal cavity.
- Aqualor baby in the form of drops is designed specifically for infants. Helps with acute respiratory viral infections, infections of the nasal cavity, relieves swelling of the mucous membrane.
- Physiomer Unidose contains an additional set of microelements, quickly relieves swelling and makes breathing easier.
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This is not a complete list of pharmaceutical solutions intended for newborns. It should be remembered that medicine for infants should be chosen only in the form of drops; sprays are strictly contraindicated before reaching the age of 1 year.
How to properly rinse your nose with saline?
Considering all cases of the need to use the solution, we can highlight several of the most common procedures performed at home for children.
Cleansing the nasal passages of infants from crusts: for this, using a pipette, a couple of drops (no more) are instilled into each nasal passage. This use of the solution is preventive, it helps to soften the contents of the noses before cleansing them with cotton swabs.
Treatment of a runny nose in infants: before rinsing, remove all mucus from the nasal passages using nasal suction (aspirator). To do this, carefully insert the tip of the device into the nostril and quickly suck out the entire contents. Then, holding the baby in a reclining position, pipette the solution itself in the amount of two or three drops. All actions are carried out carefully and as carefully as possible. It is recommended that before inserting the tip, lubricate it with baby cream, this will prevent injury to the baby’s delicate skin.
Treatment of the respiratory system in preschool children: rinsing the noses of older children is much easier, especially since pharmacies sell special syringes, teapots, and sinus catheters for this purpose. All these devices are easy to use. For example, using the Dolphin device, the noses are washed as follows: first, insert the cap into the nostril until it fits snugly, then tilt the child’s head forward and gently press on the bottle with the solution. At the same time, liquid should pour out from the other nostril. The same manipulations must be carried out with the other nasal passage.
Saline solution is also used for inhalation; it is used to dilute medications for further use in a nebulizer, a device that sprays medicinal oils in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and various types of respiratory diseases.
Organization of inhalations for rhinitis
Saline solution is often used to moisten the airways and clear accumulated phlegm and mucus. If sodium chloride is diluted with another medicine during inhalation, the proportions must be strictly observed. In this regard, this should be done by a specialist. Information about the ratio is always indicated in the annotation.
The finished medicine can be stored in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Before using the inhaler, it is warmed to room temperature.
If several drugs are prescribed at once, it is important to follow the sequence established by the doctor
Inhalations with saline solution without impurities are carried out both for treatment and as prevention. You should not abuse this method, because the body gets used to it and stops responding correctly to treatment.
Let's start washing the newborn's nose:
- Pre-clean your baby's sinuses using an aspirator; you can also do this with cotton wool soaked in a rinsing solution. Then the solution will fit better into the spout.
- Lay the newborn on his side, and gradually pour in the solution from a syringe or aspirator until it begins to flow out of the nose on its own. Along with the solution, unnecessary mucus will come out of the nose.
The most favorable time for the procedure is after
A runny nose often plagues people, but children especially often suffer from it. Irrigation therapy is considered one of the safest and most effective remedies for it.
, but a reasonable question immediately arises: how to rinse a child’s nose so that the procedure only brings benefits.
After all, incorrect execution of actions can harm the baby’s health and provoke the development of complications.
It is recommended to stay at home for another hour and monitor the baby’s well-being. All manipulations must be performed extremely carefully so as not to damage the mucous membranes. Before rinsing, obtain the doctor's approval and his recommendations. A mixture prepared at home is not suitable for rinsing the nose of an infant, since it is not sterile.. The main advantage of rinsing an infant with a solution of sodium chloride 0.9% is the simplicity of the procedure
Which type to choose
Based on symptoms, we recommend:
- During viral epidemics, when the air in the room is not humid enough, during seasonal allergies, use Aqualor Soft.
- Before carrying out manipulations, Aqualor Norm is needed to effectively free the nasal cavity from infected accumulations.
- The nose is very stuffy, there is a large accumulation of pus, the maxillary sinuses are clogged. Aqualor Forte will help relieve swelling and clear the nasal cavity of mucus.
- Purulent processes in the nose and swelling will help relieve Aqualor Extra Forte with natural ingredients. The main condition is the absence of allergies to the constituent ingredients.
- Aqualor Baby isotonic solution is optimal for caring for the nose and treating a runny nose in a child with a viral nature.
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For what type of runny nose the drug is intended is indicated in the instructions for use.