Statistics
In Canada, children are subject to approximately 6 to 8 colds a yearespecially between October and May. What’s more, many children also suffer from allergic rhinitis, a condition characterized by nasal congestion, clear secretions, dry cough, sneezing and tingling of the nose and throat. That’s why it’s essential to adopt preventive measures, such as nasal hygiene and hand washing, to help reduce the risk of complications.
What exactly is nasal hygiene?
This involves gently irrigating your child’s nose with a physiological saline solution (salt water) to remove secretions and particles that can obstruct the nasal passages and cause discomfort. This can be done when your child has symptoms of nasal congestion or a cold, or on your doctor’s recommendation for ear problems. It’s important not to use tap water, but rather water boiled for 10 minutes and cooled, or distilled water, which can be bought in pharmacies.
Why nasal hygiene?
Good nasal hygiene can help prevent complications from respiratory infections and ensure your little ones’ well-being during the colder months.
Why is nasal hygiene so important? The nose plays an essential role in filtering, humidifying and warming the air we breathe. When the nose is congested, it can impede breathing, disrupt sleep and even affect feeding. Babies and children, in particular, produce more secretions when they have colds or respiratory allergies, and they often have trouble managing these secretions because they can’t blow their noses effectively.
How do I go about nasal hygiene?
For more information on how to properly perform nasal hygiene on your child, we recommend that you consult the Dépliant d’information destiné aux parents provided by Hôpital Sainte-Justice, a reference in the field in Quebec.
And for adults?
Adults can also benefit from nasal hygiene, especially in winter and in cases of infection. Whether it’s to relieve nasal congestion due to a cold or to prevent complications from respiratory infections, nasal hygiene can be an effective and natural solution. By gently irrigating the nasal passages with a saline solution, adults can reduce discomfort, promote healing and improve respiratory comfort. Whether for persistent symptoms or just as a precaution, nasal hygiene can play an important role in managing adults’ respiratory health during the winter season.
Message from Dr. LeBlanc
Please note that the procedure recommended by Hôpital Sainte-Justine changed in 2023, notably with regard to the frequency and quantity of saline solution to be used. These adjustments have been made to avoid ear problems, among other things. We strongly recommend that you refer to the revised method available online. Explanatory videos are also available to guide you in practicing nasal hygiene with your child, as needed.
