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We cannot see our kids suffer, be it because of a fever, vaccination or just common cold or allergies. Cold and cough are common in babies. The nights become miserable for you and your little one when your kid catches a seasonal allergy. They cough, sneeze, get runny nose, but the most bothering for both of you is when they can’t breathe through their nose as they are all stuffed up. They cannot sleep and you cannot sleep as well, seeing them in such a condition. Are Nasal Sprays Safe For Kids? Many nasal sprays are available in the market to provide instant relief from blocked nose. But are they all safe? There are three types of nasal sprays and some of them are unsafe too. Let’s have a look.
Dubbed as “quick fixes” for providing relief congested nasal passages caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections. However, nasal sprays are just a short term solution, and should never be used for more than 3 days in continuity. Also, nasal sprays should never be used on infants, unless prescribed by the doctor.
Decongestant nasal sprays are used to ease the stuffy nose. You can purchase it with a doctor’s prescription for topical use. They are often available in the form of spray or drops. They work by narrowing the small blood vessels in your nose and thus reduce the swelling. These should not be used for more than 3-4 days as it can create a rebound effect and worsen the congestion once the effect wears off. They provide quick relief as they contain chemical medications. Some of the medicines used in these nasal sprays:
It contains salt water solution and can be purchased without any prescription. They do not contain any medication
These are used for allergic rhinitis symptoms and also for nasal blocks. They last longer and are anti-inflammatory. These anti-histamine sprays work by blocking histamine and one dose will last for 12 hours. Some of the medicines used in these sprays:
Lets look at the safety of the nasal sprays discussed above one by one-
A statement from Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in 2009 says that-
Decongestant nasal sprays cause the “rebound effect”. That means that if you overuse them (more than for a few days) it becomes less effective and the congestion comes back as soon as its effects wears off
Since they do not contain any medication, these are considered the safest to use when dealing with nasal congestion in children
In two separate studies, the effects of two nasal sprays was monitored. Researchers monitored their effect on the child growth. In each of these studies, 100 children were monitored for a year. The two treatments studied were Nasonex (mometasone) and Vancenase (beclomethasone)
Yes, these are some of those difficult days for you and your child but try to relax as much as you can and don’t get too stressed out because you need to be on your toes for a few more days until your child recovers. Try the safe alternatives first, but if the congestion is severe and nothing else works, talk to your doctor about which nasal spray you should use. Find out if is it okay to give yogurt to your baby when he has cold.
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