Treating Runny and Stuffy Noses in Kids鈥擶hat to Know
Every parent knows that children are no strangers to runny and stuffy noses. While these common symptoms are often caused by colds or allergies, they can still cause discomfort and annoyance for children and their parents.听听
Discover ways to help your little ones clear their congested noses to help them find relief faster.听
What Causes Runny and Stuffy Noses?听听
Just because a child has a runny nose, that doesn鈥檛 always mean they have a cold. It鈥檚 important to understand what causes runny and stuffy noses in children so you can help them avoid unnecessary discomfort. Common causes of a runny nose in children include:听听
- Viral infections: Common colds and viral infections are the leading cause of runny noses in children. These infections can lead to nasal congestion, sneezing and a runny nose.听
- Allergies: Allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander or certain foods can trigger runny noses and congestion in children.听
- Environmental irritants: Exposure to irritants such as tobacco smoke, pollution or strong odors can also lead to nasal congestion and runny noses.听
How Can You Treat a Runny and Stuffy Nose?听听
While there鈥檚 no cure for the common cold, flu, allergies and other common causes of congestion, there are many ways to treat these symptoms in children.听
There are many options for treating a runny or stuffy nose in a child. Such options include:听听
- Hydration: Keeping your child is crucial. Offer them plenty of fluids like water, clear soups and herbal teas. Hydration helps to thin mucus, making it easier to expel while relieving congestion.听
- Humidification: Use a cool-mist humidifier in your child鈥檚 bedroom, especially during dry seasons or in