Q: How can I help my child sleep better with a runny nose? He's taking medicine but still struggling.

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Question:

My child has a runny nose and is having a very hard time sleeping at night. He is already taking the prescribed medication for it. Are there any other methods or home remedies I can try to help him sleep more comfortably?

Answer:

It must be so difficult to see your child unable to sleep due to a runny nose. It's even more upsetting when they are already on medication but still uncomfortable.

Here are some methods you can try right away:

Immediate Relief:

* Elevate the head: Raise the head of the mattress by 10-15 cm (about 4-6 inches) using pillows or towels placed under the mattress.

* Use a humidifier: Maintain a room humidity of 40-60%. If you don't have one, hanging a wet towel in the room can also help.

* Saline drops: Put 2-3 drops of saline solution in each nostril before bedtime.

* Nasal aspirator: After using saline drops, gently use a suction bulb or aspirator to clear the mucus.

While Sleeping:

* Side-lying position: Lying on their side can help mucus drain more easily.

* Room temperature: Keep the room between 22-24°C (72-75°F).

* Warm fluids: Offer warm water frequently to help soothe post-nasal drip.

Important Precautions:

→ Avoid menthol or eucalyptus products (like vapor rubs) for children under 2 years old.

→ Only use decongestant nasal sprays after consulting with a doctor.

When to See a Doctor:

* Yellow or green nasal discharge that lasts for more than 10 days.

* A fever that persists for more than 3 days.

* The child complains of ear pain.

* Difficulty breathing.

A runny nose from a common cold typically lasts for 7-10 days. Combining these methods with your child's current medication should help provide relief and lead to gradual improvement

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us