What to do about nasal congestion in children after a cold?

Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
Updated on December 14, 2024
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After a child catches a cold and exhibits symptoms of nasal congestion, antihistamine medication can be taken orally under the guidance of a doctor to relieve nasal congestion. Local use of nasal drops or saline solution, or the use of nasal spray locally can also relieve symptoms of nasal congestion.

When a child has a cold causing nasal congestion, it is mostly because the nasal mucosa becomes congested and swollen after the cold, leading to the symptoms of nasal congestion. Some children may develop symptoms of allergic rhinitis after a cold. In addition to nasal congestion, most children may also experience symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.

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How to treat a child's cold with a stuffy nose

When children catch a cold, they may exhibit symptoms such as fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. If a child's nasal congestion is severe and the nose is blocked, we can apply a warm towel to the root of the nose for a hot compress, or gently remove the nasal secretions using a small cotton swab. It is also possible to apply some nasal ointment at the vestibule of the nose to improve air passage. At the same time, it is advised to administer cold medicine for symptomatic treatment.

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Can children with a cold drink milk?

Children can drink some milk when they have a cold, but be sure to only give it in moderate amounts. After catching a cold, a child's respiratory tract may show signs of congestion and swelling among other inflammatory symptoms. Milk is rich in nutrients, including a large amount of protein which can help enhance the child's immune resistance, so it's appropriate to drink some in moderation. However, care must be taken not to drink too much because the digestive system of a child with a cold can be quite fragile. Drinking too much can easily overburden the gastrointestinal tract, affecting the child's digestion and absorption. During a cold, it is advisable to provide the child with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and to encourage them to drink plenty of warm water.

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What to do for quick relief of nasal congestion in children with a cold?

A minor cold with nasal congestion is likely caused by a viral infection leading to swelling of the nasal mucosa, and thus, blocking the nasal passages. For quick relief, we can initially take oral medications such as children's acetaminophen-diphenhydramine granules, etc., which can promote the contraction of the nasal mucosa. Additionally, antiviral oral solutions can be taken for antiviral treatment. Locally, a 3% sodium chloride solution can be used for nasal drops to promote the contraction of the nasal mucosa, or physiological seawater nasal drops can also be used for the same purpose. Furthermore, physiological saline can be used to wash the nasal cavity, and then a nasal aspirator can be used to clean the secretions inside the nasal cavity, which also helps to clear the nasal passages.

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How to treat children's colds, coughs, and phlegm

When children catch a cold and cough with phlegm, the first consideration should be whether there is bronchitis. If the cough is severe, expectorant and cough suppressing medications can be administered orally, such as traditional Chinese medicine or Western medicine, for example, ambroxol. Additionally, bronchitis might be accompanied by a bacterial infection, in which case anti-inflammatory drugs like cephalosporins or penicillin can be prescribed. Nebulizer treatment can also be used, which helps in thinning the mucus and suppressing cough. Furthermore, it might be necessary to conduct a routine blood test to assess the child's condition.

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Can children with a cold eat fish and shrimp?

Children should avoid consuming fish and shrimp during a cold, as these foods are considered stimulating. Children's immune functions are relatively weaker during a cold, leading to symptoms like fever and gastrointestinal discomfort. First, eating fish and shrimp can hinder digestion and absorption in the stomach and intestines, further burdening the gastrointestinal tract during a cold. Furthermore, fish and shrimp are particularly likely to trigger allergic reactions in children, which can occur even under normal circumstances, leading to hives or inducing respiratory difficulties among other allergic responses. Therefore, consuming these foods during a cold could worsen the symptoms and possibly trigger an allergic reaction, which is detrimental to a child's health. It is recommended to focus on a light, easily digestible liquid diet during illness.