Patient's question:
Patient Age: Born 45 daysCondition Description: The infant frequently experiences nasal congestion. Using sesame oil drops can relieve it, but it is unknown if it is harmful to the infant.
Previous Treatment and Effect: No treatment has been administered, only sesame oil drops are used to relieve the symptoms.
Help Needed: To relieve the infant's nasal congestion.
Doctor's answer:
1 If the blockage is caused by nasal secretions, you can gently roll out the secretions with a cotton swab. If the secretions are dry, apply some ointment or eye ointment first, or use a cotton swab dipped in water to drop into the baby's nostril. It must be done in moderation to soften the secretions so they are no longer stuck to the mucous membrane, then use the cotton swab to remove them. Alternatively, let the baby cry for a while until the tears moisten the crust, soften it, and then gently pull the crust out with your hand.2 Apply a warm, damp towel to the nose. When the nasal mucosa contracts due to the heat, the nasal passage will become more open, and thick mucus will be easier to liquefy and flow out, relieving the stuffiness. Be sure to be gentle when applying heat.
3 Mothers can try changing the baby's position: lie on the right side if the left nose is blocked, and on the left side if the right nose is blocked, which can help alleviate the stuffiness.
4 Nasal acupressure: For older children, sit upright (infants should lie flat). Use your thumb and index finger to massage the sides of the nose from top to bottom for 3 minutes, then press and rub the Yingshi acupoint (sides of the nose) for 1 minute. When a warm sensation is felt in the nose, breathing will improve. Repeat every 2–3 hours to effectively relieve stuffiness.
5 When an infant is stuffy and cries constantly, holding the baby upright can help reduce stuffiness and make it easier for the baby to fall asleep.
6 If stuffiness affects the child's sleep, prop the head up at a 30-degree angle to alleviate the symptoms.
7 Pay attention to indoor ventilation and try to maintain the room temperature between 24–26°C and humidity between 60–70%. In cold weather, use an air conditioner or heater to adjust the room temperature and relieve the child's stuffiness and runny nose symptoms.