Nasal Rinses

Why should they be performed?

Children breathe through the nose for the first 4-6 months of life. It is important to perform nasal rinses when there is nasal congestion, so that secretions are discharged and the child can breathe better.

When should they be performed?

10-15 minutes before eating and not after, to avoid vomiting. 6 to 8 times a day depending on the child’s condition.

Targets

Cleansing each nostril so that the child can breathe better.

Improving food ingestion and making the child comfortable.

For infants:
For older children:

Step 1
Wash your hands before and after the process
Step 2
Prepare the suitable equipment
Step 3
Place the child on the side and spray the saline in the upper part of the nostril
Step 4
Keep the child's mouth closed, so that the saline is discharged from the other nostril along with the secretions

Tips

After the nasal rinse hold the child in your arms for 1-2 minutes using a pacifier or breastfeeding. This will help them relax and breathe better.

Ask the child to sit and hold their head downwards on the side
Spray saline once in the upper part of the nostril
Press gently
Repeat the same process in the other nostril
Ask the child to blow their nose

Attention!

When using a syringe for spraying, remove the needle
Disposable saline ampules are preferable to using the same syringe from the bottle, because the nasal mucosa is extremely prone to infections from the use of non-sterile liquids
After nasal rinsing, the equipment should be cleaned thoroughly with water and soap to prevent the growth of bacteria

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