What to Do When Your Baby Has a Stuffy Nose: Quick-Relief Solutions

In general, nasal congestion is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infections (i.e., the common cold) and may also occur due to prolonged failure to remove foreign objects or debris from the nasal cavity. Specific management strategies include:

① Cotton Swab Technique

If nasal congestion is caused by nasal secretions, gently roll and remove the secretions using a cotton-tipped applicator. For dry secretions (crusts), first apply a small amount of ointment or eye ointment—or moisten a cotton swab with water and carefully instill a few drops into the infant’s nostrils. Use only a minimal amount to soften the crusts without irritating the mucosa; once softened and no longer adherent to the nasal mucosa, gently remove them with the cotton-tipped applicator. Alternatively, allow the infant to cry briefly—tears will help moisten and soften nasal crusts, facilitating gentle manual removal.

② Ventilation and Air Exchange

Ensure adequate indoor ventilation. Maintain room temperature between 24–26°C and relative humidity at 60–70%. During colder weather, use air conditioning or heaters to regulate room temperature, thereby alleviating nasal congestion and rhinorrhea in infants.

③ Saline Nasal Irrigation

Nasal congestion may be relieved using isotonic or hypertonic seawater nasal sprays, which help reduce nasal mucosal edema. For older children, in addition to saline sprays, topical nasal decongestants such as oxymetazoline hydrochloride spray may be used—but only for short-term use, typically not exceeding five days.