congestion suggestions

pahokie

Since cold & flu season is just around the corner, I thought I would share. 

Poor DD was so congested she couldn't fall asleep last night.  After looking around online, this is what I tried:

1) run the shower on hot and sit with her in the steamy bathroom for 10 minutes
2) drip some nasal spray into her nostrils (I just turned the bottle upside down and let it run out instead of spraying it)
3) tried to suction out the mucus with the bulb aspirator (I say tried because she did NOT like it so I basically got one squeeze on each side and that was it).

It really made a big difference - I think the steam was the biggest help.  She fell asleep almost immediately after calming down from #3.

I was proud that I figured out a solution without having to call my mother!

 

M.Amy

Thanks for the advice. We have a steam shower and I figured it would help if DS got stuffed up.

Pesky

Yep, you did exactly right!  WTG!  And FYI, the nurses have told me to have the suction more successful, to basically press the other nostril in with your finger so there is only one available -- the one you are suctioning.  And to only suction at most 2, maybe 3 times a day or otherwise you irritate the nasal passages and create more congestion than you solve.

pahokie

Pesky - plugging one nostril makes sense, and I never would have thought of it.  Thanks for the "not too much" warning as well.

iluvtom

I do all of the above and then add a cool midst humidifier..It stinks seeing them so stuffy. I hope they all feel better soon.

JenniferTCU

Thank you! J is congested right now. I appreciate the suggestions!