What Should You Do for a Child’s Nasal Congestion?

Nasal congestion in children is often related to nasal mucosal congestion and edema triggered by exposure to cold. Several factors can cause nasal obstruction in children, such as the common cold or excessively dry indoor air. During episodes of nasal congestion, ensure the child stays warm and avoids further chilling. Applying a warm, damp towel to the sides of the nose—or inhaling warm steam—can effectively relieve nasal stuffiness. Additionally, saline seawater nasal drops may be used 4–6 times daily, with 1–2 drops per nostril, as an adjunctive therapy. Encourage the child to drink plenty of warm water, avoid cold exposure and overly chilly environments to prevent symptom worsening, and refrain from visiting crowded places to reduce the risk of cross-infection, which could exacerbate nasal congestion.

Furthermore, maintain adequate ventilation at home by regularly opening windows. If indoor air becomes too dry and stagnant, consider using a humidifier to increase ambient humidity, thereby improving the child’s respiratory comfort. Incorporate foods and traditional remedies known to help prevent colds and rhinorrhea—such as turtle jelly (guilinggao), loquat syrup (pipa gao), and fritillary bulb (chuanbei)—into the child’s diet. Dietary therapy can gradually enhance the child’s immune resistance.