As a parent, I’ve been learning all sort of baby things each day for the past few years …. from how to talk to how to walk to even how to breathe. With the advent of monsoons, mums like me feel all the more concerned due to the onset of health issues like flu, cough and cold. These are pretty easy to tackle now, however, the first time #PrincessHeer suffered from a cold and a blocked nose, I had some crazy days and restless nights.
Newborns and young children are ‘obligate nose breathers’, means they can only breathe through their noses. Nasal congestion is the body’s way of getting rid of germs, however, the congestion also forces newborns and young children to breathe through their mouths which in turn makes them restless and cranky. As mothers, in our haste to bring comfort to our children, we tend to go to unnecessary lengths, when actually a simple thing will do the trick. One of the safest and most effective methods to help relieve a congested baby, and help him to breathe easy is to use a mild nasal decongestant like nasal drops.
Of course, there are numerous home remedies for nasal decongestion, but instead of any trial and error, it is best to seek the consultation of a paediatrician and opt for a nasal decongestant. Nasivion offer nasal sprays and drops that contain a low-dosage active ingredient, ideal for newborns and young children. Nasivion® Baby Nose Drops has 0.01 mg Oxymetazoline (active ingredient) in a buffered aqueous solution and 0.3 mg Benzalkonium (as a preservative) that offers up to 12 hours of easier breathing. However, it is imperative to follow the administration method and the dosage advice as per the age of the child. Paediatricians advice to instil a single drop of solution in each nostril 2-3 times a day for a child up to the age of 4 weeks and for children over 5 weeks its 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day.
The most effective way to administer the nose drops is to:
* Clean the child’s nose
* Lay him in a lying down position and tilt the head slightly backwards
* Squeeze in the decongestant from the bottle into the tube
* Squeeze out the decongestant to instil the prescribed dosage in the nostril
It is equally important to keep a close eye on the child, as he may easily become dehydrated and up the chances of catching pneumonia. If your child becomes feverish or loses his appetite it is time to see a doctor. However, if your child is breathing hard, in short-quick breaths, shows signs of distress, or turns pale it is best advised to rush to the ER for nasal congestion in some serious cases hinders mental and physical growth.
To know more about Nasal Congestion visit here.
Until next time,
~ Heena
Disclaimer: I have shared information as per my knowledge and experience with the infection, and I do not assume any liability. The blog post is not meant to be a replacement for a doctor consultation, nor is it a medical recommendation or prescription of treatment. Any reader of this blog should specifically consult his/her doctor for the same and follow the suggested course of treatment.
