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Appraising the role of nasal hygiene in promoting the well-being of a child

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eMediNexus    29 September 2020

Children produce a fair amount of nasal secretions daily, which becomes, even more, when they suffer from viral upper respiratory tract infections or allergies due to dust or pollen.1,2 It is difficult for them to take care of these secretions as they cannot blow their nose efficiently.1 Therefore, infections of the upper airways are frequent causes for which parents visit general physicians or pediatricians, especially during the first two years of life.3

Regarding this, parents should be advised to perform nasal hygiene regularly with a saline solution, particularly an isotonic concentration.1,3 Saline not only helps in eliminating secretions, dust, and pollen but also diminishes congestion, humidifies nose, and improves breathing in infants and children.1,2 It also promotes better feeding and sleep; and reduces the probability of cold, cough, otitis, and sinusitis.1 Moreover, it aids in reducing the dependence on antibiotics and other medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids.1,2

References

 

  1. Nasal hygiene. Available at: https://www.chusj.org/getmedia/4288da42-4e62-43c9-8500-c300b1eebc2a/depliant_F-886-A_hygiene-nasale.pdf.aspx?ext=.pdf Accessed on 17 August 2020
  2. Chirico G, Quartarone G, Mallefet Nasal congestion in infants and children: a literature review on efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological treatments. Minerva Pediatr. 2014 Dec;66(6):549-57.
  3. Pizzulli A, Perna S, Bennewiz A, et al. The impact of nasal aspiration with an automatic device on upper and lower respiratory symptoms in wheezing children: a pilot case-control study [published correction appears in Ital J Pediatr. 2018 Jul 10;44(1):78]. Ital J Pediatr. 2018;44(1):68.

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