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How to help a child with a blocked nose

A child with a blocked and stuffy nose can be irritable, easily upset and restless at night. Here’s how you can help your tot breathe easier.

With winter in full swing, it’s not uncommon for your child to complain of a blocked and stuffy nose. While a blocked nose isn’t serious, it can cause your child to be uncomfortable and unable to sleep peacefully at night. Keeping your little one’s sniffles at bay can prove difficult, especially when it comes to younger children.

Here are three ways to ease your child’s discomfort when their nose is blocked.

Use a humidifier

Steaming has become more popular with many South Africans steaming as a preventative and home treatment method in the face of COVID-19. A humidified or DIY steamer is one way of relieving nasal discomfort and works well for children too.

Eucalyptus rubs

Without a formal diagnosis or doctor’s visit, giving your child medicine and treatment can be dangerous. Natural remedies for nasal congestion like eucalyptus oil are safe for most people and have been used for centuries to clear a stuffy nose. Rubbing a eucalyptus rubs on your child’s chest and back can offer some relief and according to Healthline even treat irritated and inflamed sinus.

Keep their head elevated

When children are sick they sleep more than they usually do. Keep your child’s head elevated when they lay down with a pillow or rolled-up blanket. According to Medical News Today, when you or your child lay flat down mucus is allowed to pool, but when your head is elevated it can flow out of your nostrils relieving congestion.  

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I'm an experienced writer, sub-editor, and media & public relations specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the media industry – across digital, print, TV, and radio. I earned a diploma in Journalism and Print Media from leading institution, Damelin College, with distinctions (Journalism And Print Media, Media Studies, Technical English And Communications, South African Studies, African & International Studies, Technology in Journalism, Journalism II & Practical Journalism). I also hold a qualification in Investigative Journalism from Print Media SA, First Aid Training from St John’s Ambulance, as well as certificates in Learning to Write Marketing Copy, Planning a Career in User Experience, and Writing a Compelling Blog Post.

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