Cleaning your child's nose with a syringe is one of the simplest and most effective ways to assist in this when he or she has nasal congestion. It can be challenging to find a suitable method to help your child get rid of the accumulated mucus.
You should read this article to learn the key details about using a syringe to clean a child's nose:
Cleaning the nose for children with a syringe
Because they cannot expel mucus in other ways, young children, including infants, require the use of a syringe more than those who are older than them, making the process of cleaning the nose for children with a syringe very important. Drops of water and salt can be put in the nose before use to help with this. A ready-made saline solution can be purchased from pharmacies or prepared at home by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
The children's noses are then being cleaned with syringes by placing two drops of this solution into each nostril.
How to clean the nose of children with a syringe
The following are the procedures for using a syringe to clean a child's nose:
- Deflate the syringe from the air by pressing on it, in order to be able to suck out the mucus.
- Gently insert its tip into one of the baby's nostrils while continuing to press it.
- Gradually release the pressure on her to start sucking out the mucus.
- Remove it from the baby's nostril after suctioning and press it firmly to remove the mucus you have sucked onto a tissue.
- Clean the syringe well, then repeat the process in the child's other nostril.
It is important to note that if a child has a runny nose and the mucus is thin, there is no need to use saline drops. If it is thick, one or two drops of this solution can be placed in each nostril to soften the mucus and facilitate its suction with a syringe.
Important alerts about cleaning the nose for children with a syringe
The following should be considered before using a syringe to clean a child's nose:
- Use the syringe gently: Steer clear of violently sucking mucus out of the baby's nose; doing so could irritate his nasal tissues or cause bleeding, which would worsen his congestion.
- If the child refuses to use them, do not pressurise him to do so; instead, wait until he has calmed down.
- Avoid overuse: It is advised not to use the syringe more than 3–4 times per day as doing so may result in irritation-induced inflammation or nosebleeds.
- Never use saline solution more than four days in a row. This can cause nasal dryness, which exacerbates congestion and other nasal issues.
- Make sure to clean the syringe: After each use, the syringe should be cleaned by submerging it in warm soapy water and repeatedly squeezing and dropping it.
Ways to relieve nasal congestion for children
In addition to cleaning the nose for children with a syringe, there are other methods to relieve nasal congestion, which in turn leads to the accumulation of mucus and the need to suction it with a syringe. The following are the most well-known of these techniques:
1. Use humidifiers
These gadgets spray cool mist, which helps to hydrate the nose and clear congestion.
2. Fill the bathroom with water vapor
Keeping the child in the steamy bathroom for a few minutes before bedtime helps relieve congestion.
3. Put a pillow under the mattress
This aims to elevate the child's head above his body in order to stop mucus from building up in his nose while he sleeps.
However, you should refrain from doing so if the child is under two years old or sleeping in a cradle because doing so increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
4. Drink more fluids
Water in particular helps thin mucus, preventing congestion, when consumed.
5. Helping to remove mucus
The child can be taught to clear his nose of mucus by forcingfully exhaling if he or she is old enough to comprehend the instructions.