Decongestants for toddlers should be used with extreme caution. New moms should know: if your baby (under 2 years old) has a cold, nasal congestion, or runny nose, they should not be given decongestants. Why are decongestants dangerous for young children? Let’s find out together—plus tips on how to care for your child’s runny nose without using medicine.
Runny noses are common in young children and often cause worry in parents, prompting them to look for relief options. Many mistakenly believe that decongestants for toddlers are a safe and quick fix. In reality, decongestants can have harmful side effects in young children and should not be used without professional guidance.
Mechanism of action and precautions for young children
Antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine)
These work by blocking substances that cause allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
Side effects to watch out for:
- Can cause drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or even respiratory suppression in infants.
- Dry up nasal secretions, which can make mucus thicker and harder to expel, potentially blocking airways.
Decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine)
These shrink blood vessels in the nose to reduce swelling and relieve congestion.
Side effects to watch out for:
- Can cause rapid heartbeat, restlessness, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures.
Why Young Children Should Not Take Decongestants
Decongestants For Toddlers | Side Effects and Respiratory Risks from Decongestant Use in Children:
- Thickened mucus and phlegm: Antihistamines can cause normally thin or watery mucus to become thick and sticky, making it harder to expel. Since young children naturally have narrower airways, this can easily lead to blockages.
- Airway obstruction: Thick mucus and phlegm that remain in the bronchi and lungs may block small air passages, leading to difficulty breathing, wheezing, or even secondary bacterial infections like pneumonia.
- Respiratory suppression: Some antihistamines cause significant drowsiness and may suppress the brain’s respiratory center, slowing down and shallowing a child’s breathing. This is especially dangerous for infants and may lead to sleep apnea.
- Worsened asthma symptoms: In children with sensitive airways or asthma, thick mucus and airway blockage can trigger or intensify asthma attacks.
- Other indirect effects on breathing: Some decongestants stimulate the central nervous system, causing abnormal heart rhythms or even seizures, which can disrupt normal respiratory function.
Not Recommended by Medical Authorities
Both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and pediatric experts worldwide strongly advise against using cold medicines or decongestants in young children, especially those under 2 years old. The potential risks far outweigh the limited benefits.
How to care for a baby with a runny nose without using medication?
Caring for young children with a runny nose without medication focuses on relieving symptoms and helping the body expel mucus naturally, which is the safest and most effective method.
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How to care for a child with a runny nose
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| Use a nasal aspirator or rinse the nose with saline solution. |
- Suction the mucus: This can be done using a small red rubber bulb syringe to suction out the mucus stuck in the nose, especially before feeding or bedtime, to help the child breathe more easily.
- Nasal irrigation with saline solution: Use saline solution specifically made for nasal cleansing. Drop or spray it into the nasal cavity to help loosen thick mucus and make it easier to expel.
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| Increase humidity in the air. |
- Cool mist humidifier: Use a cool mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom to increase air humidity. This helps keep the nasal lining moist, makes mucus thinner, and eases breathing. Be sure to clean the device regularly to prevent mold buildup.
- Warm steam inhalation: You can take your child into a bathroom with a hot shower running to create steam, or hold them while an adult takes a warm shower. The warm mist helps moisturize the airways and soften the mucus.
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| Drink enough water. |
It helps prevent mucus and phlegm from becoming too thick, making them easier to expel. For infants, continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as usual. |
| Position your child to sleep with their head slightly elevated. |
Or hold your baby in an upright position with their head elevated to help the mucus drain down the throat more easily and relieve nasal congestion. |
| Gently wipe the nose to keep it clean. |
Use a cotton ball soaked in warm water to gently wipe away the mucus, helping prevent irritation and inflammation of the skin around the nose. |
| Get enough rest. |
To strengthen the child’s immune system so they can fight off germs effectively. |
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention
If your child shows any of the following symptoms, take them to see a pediatrician immediately:
- Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or abnormal breathing sounds
- High fever that does not subside or lasts more than 2–3 days
- Lethargy, unresponsiveness, reduced appetite
- Other accompanying symptoms such as earache, persistent coughing, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Nasal mucus turns thick green with persistent fever
- No improvement or no response to home care within 2–3 days
- Infants under 3 months old with fever or cold symptoms
Why Toddlers Should Not Be Given Decongestants
Decongestants are unnecessary and can be dangerous for young children. For your child’s safety, it’s best to focus on proper and safe home care when they have a runny nose. Use gentle methods to help clear nasal mucus and make breathing easier, such as using a bulb syringe or saline nasal spray to soften and flush out thick mucus. Never give decongestants without medical supervision—medications should only be used under a doctor’s guidance.
Originally published on theAsianparent Thailand
