It is said that Rhinitis (or “Hay Fever,” as it is more commonly known) is the single most widespread disease all over the world. There is likely not a single person in the entire world who has not caught such a cold, or who has not suffered from otitis (ear infection) and/or sinusitis, which are both possible aftereffects of illness. When someone picks up bacterial infections, the cold tends to linger for a while.
Nasal catarrh, a disorder of inflammation of the mucous membranes in one of the cavities or airways of the body—in this case the nasal cavity—is also often caused by rhinitis. This disorder can result in nasal congestion, a thick emission of mucus and phlegm. It is best to treat nasal catarrh before these aftereffects occur. For infants, sometimes a simple cold like this, rhinitis or sinusitis can actually become a serious malady since their nasal passages are badly congest. A baby can have a hard time sleeping, a poor appetite and may become capricious and irritable. It is incredibly important to treat colds in children in solitary instances.
Children under the age of two have very narrow nasal passages which means that the nasal cavities are usually not cleaned using traditional methods, making the mucous membrane vulnerable. The nasal mucous membrane can become swollen very quickly. Edema, or a swelling of the body’s tissues, can be evident in the first few days of illness, which is a difficult period for both parents and their infants.
Infants under the age of one often suffer from special forms of colds, like physiological colds, since the nasal passages are low and the respiratory system is underdeveloped. Mucus discharge is small but can cause discomfort while the baby is suckling or breathing. If this lasts for several days, it is very important that parents visit their pediatrician.
Sometimes a cold can indicate symptoms of different disease. It’s important for parents to know that rhinitis has different forms: infectious (viral or bacterial rhinitis), non-infectious (allergies). Babies, who are known to haphazardly put everything both in their mouths and noses, probably have some foreign body in their nasal cavity. Frequently, rhinitis has a viral nature in 95% of humans. In the winter, the nasal mucous membrane is very sensitive to viruses. During the winter it is advisable to keep your baby’s feet warm, since there are reflex zones on the heels that are directly connected with the nose. If your baby’s feet are cold, this can provoke rhinitis.
Doctors have distinguished three stages that are used to diagnose rhinitis. First there is a discomfort and dryness in the nose, followed by subsequent edema and snot. The second stage is the most difficult one as a baby doesn’t want to eat and becomes very capricious, often leading to weight loss. The third stage is characterized by reduction of nasal mucous membrane edema and thicker discharges which are reduced with time (crusts may appear).
Though many say that a cold disappears in seven days, it’s possible to treat one in only three – four days if you begin the treatment in time. Otherwise, such a harmless malady can turn into suppuration and chronic disease. If the rhinitis is non-infectious, it can usually be treated without doctor’s recommendations. Just keep perform nasal cleaning procedures regularly so that a baby could breathe easily. Oral antihistamines and nasal sprays are relatively safe and effective in reducing symptoms associated with Allergic Rhinitis in infants.
An aspirator pump is required for infants under three years old, as cotton tourniquets and handkerchiefs are both unsanitary and too rough for infants’ skin. Doctors usually recommend taking Otrivin Baby to take care of babies’ noses. It is necessary to remove mucous from the nasal cavity by means of an aspirator, as this procedure is safe and will not cause damage to a mucous membrane. Otrivin has a baby-soft mist aspirator with a safety tip nozzle designed to gently cleanse and relieve congested noses specifically for children under six months old. The applicator nozzle has an oversized safety tip that prevents it from being inserted too far into the nose. It produces a soft spray that effectively clears out mucous.
To use this kind of spray, parents must first lay the child on its back with its head tilted towards the right. The applicator tip is then inserted into the left (upper) nostril and pumped to spray a short burst to cleanse the nasal cavity. The same procedure is then followed in the right (upper) nostril after turning the baby’s head to the left. This can be down one – two times a day or as often as needed. After each use, it is important to clean and dry the nozzle and then put the protective cap back on. (Please note that you may want to seek medical advice before using one of these devices on infants who are under two weeks old).
A child who suffers from rhinitis should be examined by a doctor in the next few cases:
- If the body temperature is above 99.5˚F in infants and more than 100.4˚F in babies over one year old.
- If the baby is experiencing short breath, sleepless nights, lack of appetite and less stool.
- If a baby under one year old doesn’t eat and becomes weak.
- If rhinitis doesn’t disappear in more than two weeks.
- f rhinitis was provoked by potential allergens.
Such clearance (dropping or spray application and aspirator usage by means of Otrivin Baby) is very physiological procedure. Drops and spray contain sterile isotopic saline solution with pH level which is close to natural secretory liquid of a nose. Mucous becomes more liquid and baby’s nose becomes clean.
As a rule, this type of a procedure is usually enough to cope with rhinitis. You can find this product at any drugstore or online. It contains eighteen 5 mm dropping vials for lavage nasal cavity, 20 ml spray, nasal aspirator and 10 changeable heads.
Before using Otrivin Baby, read all instructions thoroughly!
