Rinse Away Stuffiness

Airborne particles—such as dust, pollen and pet dander—and the common cold virus can cause nasal passages to swell and excrete mucus. When these symptoms occur, nasal washes can help improve airflow and provide relief.

“Nasal washes directly thin and wash away the mucus, flushing out the virus, bacteria or allergen that may be causing irritation,” says Kelly Ross, MD, pediatric hospitalist on the medical staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Saline solutions are safe for children as young as age 2 as long as they can spit and are willing to have something poured into their noses.”

Nasal Wash How-To
Parents can use bulb syringes to administer a saline solution, which can be made by mixing a half teaspoon of uniodized salt with eight ounces of warm water, through each nostril of their child’s nose (remember to sterilize the bulb for each family member). If using a purchased kit available in the pharmacy section of most stores, each member of the family should have his or her own kit to avoid sharing germs.

“Nasal washes are safe for children and adults to use up to twice daily to relieve symptoms of allergies, colds and sinusitis,” Dr. Ross says. “If a person has an infection, nasal washes can help clear the sinuses, allowing prescribed antibiotics to do their job.”