Colds, flu, and allergic reactions are common causes of nasal congestion seen in infants, toddlers, and young children. Unfortunately, most of these conditions cannot be treated with the help of antibiotics alone. Instead, they need to be tackled with supportive treatment methods that help soothe symptoms and boost the immune system to fight the virus. Following are a few natural treatments and home remedies to ease nasal congestion and stuffiness in children.

Clear out the mucus
Nasal congestion is mainly caused due to the inflammation of the blood vessels that lie in the lining of the nose. In some cases, nasal stuffiness can also be attributed to increased mucus secretions. So, one way to tackle a stuffy nose is to clear out the mucus. If you are dealing with an infant, you may want to try out a nasal bulb. Nasal bulbs provide suction and gently clear up the build of mucus in the nasal passage.

Try steam inhalation
Steam inhalation is a popular and effective home remedy to tackle nasal congestion. The warm steam can help loosen thick mucus in the nasal passage and give the child much-needed relief. You can try giving the child a warm bath before bedtime. You can also get a steam machine.

Use a humidifier
Humidifiers are used to add moisture to the air. This helps prevent dryness that can lead to irritation. To tackle nasal congestion, you can try a cool-mist humidifier. This helps keep the air moist and reduces symptoms such as dry cough and stuffiness. Use humidifiers, especially at night, and try to keep them out of the child’s reach. Don’t forget to clean out the humidifier often, as mold can grow in wet and moist spaces.

Chicken soup can help
Another great home remedy for nasal congestion and stuffiness is chicken soup. Studies have shown that warm chicken soup can help reduce the inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. Chicken soup also helps the child stay hydrated. It also encourages children to eat when unwell.

Don’t forget fluids
Drinking fluids is essential when it comes to fighting a stuffy nose. This is because water and other fluids help thin the mucus that is being discharged in the nasal passages. Thin mucus is easier to cough out. Drinking lots of fluids may also help the child prevent dehydration.

Try over-the-counter pain relief
Stuffiness in the nasal cavity can often lead to pain in the face. One of the ways to tackle this is with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen. Don’t forget to check in with the doctor if you try pain relief for young children.