Nasal Rinses

Why should they be performed?

Children breathe through the nose for the first 4-6 months of life. It is important to perform nasal rinses when there is nasal congestion, so that secretions are discharged and the child can breathe better.

When should they be performed?

10-15 minutes before eating and not after, to avoid vomiting. 6 to 8 times a day depending on the child’s condition.

Targets

  • Cleansing each nostril so that the child can breathe better.
  • Improving food ingestion and making the child comfortable.
    • For infants:
    • Step 1

      Wash your hands before and after the process

    • Step 2

      Prepare the suitable equipment

    • Step 3

      Place the child on the side and spray the saline in the upper part of the nostril

    • Step 4

      Keep the child's mouth closed, so that the saline is discharged from the other nostril along with the secretions

    Tips

    After the nasal rinse hold the child in your arms for 1-2 minutes using a pacifier or breastfeeding. This will help them relax and breathe better.

    • Ask the child to sit and hold their head downwards on the side
    • Spray saline once in the upper part of the nostril
    • Press gently
    • Repeat the same process in the other nostril
    • Ask the child to blow their nose

    Attention!

    Attention!
    • When using a syringe for spraying, remove the needle
    • Disposable saline ampules are preferable to using the same syringe from the bottle, because the nasal mucosa is extremely prone to infections from the use of non-sterile liquids
    • After nasal rinsing, the equipment should be cleaned thoroughly with water and soap to prevent the growth of bacteria

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    GREEK COMPANY OF PEDIATRIC NURSING
    ΕΡΓΑΣΤΗΡΙΟ ΠΑΙΔΙΑΤΡΙΚΩΝ ΝΟΣΗΛΕΥΤΙΚΩΝ ΕΦΑΡΜΟΓΩΝ ΕΚΠΑ