A stuffy or runny nose can result from a cold or allergy. A lot of mucus in the nose may cause ear infections in children or sinus problems in adults.
To help clear a stuffy nose, do the following :
■ In little children, carefully suck the mucus out of the nose with a suction bulb or syringe without a needle, like this,
■ Older children and adults can put a little salt water into their hand and sniff it into the nose. This helps to loosen the mucus.
■ Breathing hot water vapour helps clear a stuffy nose
■ Wipe a runny or stuffy nose, but do not blow it. Blowing the nose may lead to earache and sinus infections.
■ People who often get earache or sinus trouble after a cold can helo prevent these problems by using decongestant nose drops like phenylephrine or make nose drops with ephedrine tablets. After snuffing a little salt water, put the drops in the nose like this:
With the head sideways, put 2 to 3 drops in
the lower nostril. Wait a couple of minutes
and then do the other side.
CAUTION: Use decongestant drops no more than 3 times a day for no more than 3 days.
A decongestant syrup (with phenylephrine or something similar) may also help.
SINUS TROUBLE (SINUSITIS)
Sinusitis is an acute or chronic(long term) inflammation of the sinuses or hollows in the bone that open into the nose.
Signs:
■ Pain in the face above and below the eyes, (it hurts more when you tap lightly just over the bones, or when the person bends over).
■ Thick mucus or pus in the nose, perhaps with a bad smell. The nose is often stuffy.
■ Fever (sometimes )
■ Certain teeth may hurt.
TREATMENT:
■ Drink a lot of water.
■ Sniff a little salt water into the nose
■ Put hot compreseses on the face
■ Use decongestant nose drops such as phenylephrine (neo-synephrine)
■ Use an antibiotic such as tetracycline, ampicillin or penicillin
■ If the person does not get better, seek medical help.