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In a toddler, a runny nose may not be a major concern, but in a 2-year-old, it may turn out to be a nightmare, especially for the tired parents. There is one common question that many parents ask themselves, which is how to dry up a 2-year-old runny nose without powerful medications. Luckily you can safely treat your child with different home cures, nasal aspirating machines and care which the pediatrician has accepted.
What Causes a Runny Nose in a Baby?
Prior to the treatment of a runny nose, it is a good idea to know what causes it. There are multiple reasons why toddlers are particularly likely to have nasal drainage:
1. Viral Infections
The common cold is the most frequently encountered reason that might make a toddler have such a runny nose. The immune system is forming in a child who is two years old; hence, they are more susceptible to viruses. Most children of toddler age contract 8 to 10 colds annually, which is more in those having older siblings or individuals in the childcare system.
2. Allergies
Allergic rhinitis (known as hay fever) may appear as early as at the age of two. When the nose of your child is runny all the time and at that too with clear and watery mucus, along with itchy eyes or very frequent sneezing, chances are it could be due to allergies. Such triggers may be:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Mold
3. Teething
Although some experts disagree, some parents observe their child to accumulate a runny nose during the teething process. There is a possibility of increased drooling and mild inflammation, which may add to the nasal symptoms.
4. Dry Air
When heaters are kept on in winters especially, the dry air inside a house can cause irritation to the nasal passage. This has the ability to trigger the nasal manufacture of an excess amount of mucus in order to safeguard itself and thus results in congestion and a postnasal drip.
5. Environmental Irritants
The sensitive toddler's nose may be irritated by smoke, air pollution or strong perfumes as well as household cleaning reagents, which in turn respond with a runny nose because this is seen as a line of defence against the irritants.
Knowing what made your child develop a runny nose will also help you know which course of action to pursue in treating the condition- you could calm the cold, dampen the allergens, or unclog their water-laden nose.
What to Do to Dry the Runny Nose in a 2-Year-Old Child?
Wiping off the runny nose of a toddler does not necessarily imply that you should get rid of mucus, which serves as a protective barrier and helps to trap germs. But in cases where the nose is too stuffed up to run, here are the safe, direct ways of getting rid of the over-fullness.
- Operate a Cool-Mist Humidifier
Install a cool-mist humidifier in the room of your little child (even during sleep). Humid air prevents the nasal tissues from drying and even liquefies thickened mucus. Why not give the humidifier a daily cleaning to avoid the development of mold or bacteria?
- Ensure Your Toddler Gets Properly Hydrated
A fluid causes the thickening of mucus, making it simple to get rid of. Give it water frequently, even taking small sips. Warm things such as soup or juice weren't allowed, either. It is advisable to avoid consuming sugary drinks as they aggravate inflammation.
- Gently Elevate the Head During Rest
In the event that your child has trouble with postnasal drip during nap, you can simply raise the mattress at one end (by putting a rolled towel or wedge beneath it, not above the mattress). Do not use pillows with toddlers (they are a danger of suffocation).
- Apply a Saline Spray Prematurely Suctioning
Saline nasal spray is okay to use over the counter with toddlers. It assists in making dry mucous wet and helps get rid of dust or allergens. Use 2 sprays on each nostril and give it 1 minute and then use a nasal aspirator.
Home remedies to stop a runny nose
In the case of mild symptoms, natural treatments may be enormously helpful. Those are medication-free remedies that can be used more than once:
Steam Inhalation
You make a steam room by running a hot shower and sitting in the bathroom (not in the shower) with your child for 10-15 min. Steam is useful in loosening mucus so that it can drain.
Warm Compress
Apply a warm cloth on the bridge of the nose of the child and the cheeks as well. This stimulates drainage of the sinus, and it might relieve the sinus pressure when it feels congested.
Hydrating Foods and Soups
Foods that can hydrate your child include, warm chicken soup, broth or fruits, water-based such as water melons and cucumber; this helps in easing the inflammation besides keeping him hydrated. Even studies have revealed that chicken soup minimizes such upper respiratory symptoms.
Diffused, Safe Essential Oils (Diffused Safely)
It is possible to evaporate relaxing essential oils such as regular chamomile or lavender during a nap session. Oils should not be applied on the skin or on the nose of a toddler. Nevertheless, it is very important to maintain a well-ventilated room and monitor the presence of sensitivity.
Medications for a runny nose
Use of medication should be the last resort for toddlers unless it is severe or persistent. FDA firmly discourages OTC administration of cold medications in children below 4 because of potential side effects that may be severe.
Nevertheless, under special circumstances, a pediatrician can suggest:
Antihistamines
A doctor might recommend toddler-safe antihistamines such as:
- Cetirizine(Zyrtec)
- Loratadine (Claritin)
- They can be used to dry up runny mucus and block sneezing or eye-itching.
- Prescriptions Nasal Sprays
- In case of serious congestion or repeated allergies, a doctor can prescribe a pediatric nasal spray that is allowed to be used (only after proper examination), like fluticasone.
Baby’s Runny Nose at Night: Home Remedies
Lying down or dry air or cold can make nighttime congestion worse. In case your runny nose-made child is not getting sleep at night, and the problem is not only keeping them awake at night but also you, here are some soothing solutions that can help your child specifically at bedtime:
1. Take a Nasal Aspirator To Breathe Clearly
Clean the nose with a good nasal aspirator before going to bed. There are two very powerful tools:
Momcozy 2-in1 Spray and Suction Electric Nasal Aspirator
This combination suction and mucus dissolving machine sprays a fine salty mist to dissolve the mucus and suction it out-you do not have to use a sickly manual bulb. It is quiet, fast and convenient to operate, particularly when your child is sleepy and bothered.
Aspirator Momcozy Hospital Grade Nasal
A larger aspirator, crafted to go deeper into congestion, this aspirator is highly effective in clearing your toddler's better without burning their delicate noses. Perfect against nighttime stubborn congestion.
2. Make the Room Moist and Warm
Use a humidifier, and do not let the room of your toddler be too cold or dry because it can make the nasal symptoms more severe. The use of light cotton pajamas and breathable bedding will moderate comfort.
3. Touch Your Child or Cuddle Your Child
At night, congestion is overwhelming. For a couple of minutes, place your child in an upright position or manually rub their back. These will reassure and assist in the drainage.
Can You Use Vicks on a 2-year-old?
No, classic Vicks is NOT safe to be used on children below 2 years of age.
It has camphor, which may bring about serious side effects when it is either inhaled or swallowed.
How to Prevent a Runny Nose in a Baby
Prevention is better than cure. This applies to toddlers who frequently have nasal problems. So here is what you can do to diminish the risks of another runny nose:
- Wash hands to wash hands: You should teach your toddler to use the washroom and then clean their hands after playing, eating and going out.
- Clean toys, pacifiers and sippy cups: Disinfect high-touch items.
- Stay away from smoke and perfumes: Keep your home smoke-free and perfume-free, as the airways of your child may get irritated by that.
- Keep an eye on allergies: Seasonal symptoms in toddlers can be evidence of allergies; that is why allergy tests should be taken into account, and contact with known allergens should be limited.
- Keep your immunity intact: Make sure your child sleeps, eats nutritious and exercises well.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Running the nose is normally not harmful. However, there are cases when it is nothing more than a sign of another problem. Call your pediatrician in case:
- The runny nose extends over 10 days.
- Your child has a fever above 100.4°F O F (38 degree °C)
- Symptoms of an ear infection appear (putting the ears, crying, sleeping badly)
- Your toddler has dehydration or breathing signs of difficulty.
Conclusion
The runny nose is widespread in toddlers aged 2. However, it does not make the condition any simpler to manage, particularly when they are sleeping or playing. Is it good news? Medications are not the only thing that you need to resort to.
