As kids get ready to return to school, concerns are high for the potential of cold and flu outbreaks. Recent coverage has reported the challenges that the H1N1 virus created for camps this summer and some experts believe the outbreaks are a harbinger of what could occur as schools open. Compounding the potential for congestion and sinus pain associated with colds and flu is the traditional fall allergy season, which impacts some six million children.
So in addition to backpacks, pens, calculators and laptops, parents this back to school season also have flu and allergy treatments on their list, but with pediatric OTC cold medications having been voluntarily recalled last year and continuing concerns about other traditional OTC treatments, options may seem to be limited.
One safe, natural and effective alternative for treatment of congestion and sinus pain for parents to consider is nasal irrigation with a saline solution.
While it cannot prevent infection from a flu virus, nasal irrigation has proven to be effective in treating cold and flu symptoms as well as stopping the recurrence of colds and flu. It has also been shown to help reduce the dependency upon medication for treatment of allergies. Nasal irrigation helps facilitate removal of mucous by thinning it and also helps flush allergens from nasal passages.
According to one study published in the American Academy of Pediatrics medical journal, AAP Grand Rounds (“Isotonic Nasal Saline Is Beneficial in the Management of Rhinitis in Children”; 20:17-18, 2008), nasal saline wash hastens the resolution of rhinitis symptoms during uncomplicated acute cold or flu and prevents reappearance of rhinitis In children aged 6 to 10 years old.
While the traditional method of nasal irrigation with a neti pot or squeeze bottle may not be practical with young children, SinuCleanse®, the nation’s leading manufacturer of neti pots, has developed Kids Mist™ specifically for use with infants and young children. Kids Mist features an easy-to-aim nozzle that does not need to be inserted into the nostril and that dispenses a fine mist of a pre-measured dose of saline solution.
SinuCleanse® Kids Mist™ (SRP $14.99) includes a three week supply of saline solution and is available at CVS, Duane Reade, Walgreens and GNC nationwide or online at www.sinucleanse.com.
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
My 2 year old gets allergies and currently has a cold. I feel like I am torturing her to use the squeeze bottle saline solutions, and becaus eshe is so young, we can’t really give her anything else. I think I will have to look into that Kid’s Mist. Thanks!
I am considering trying a cleanse, the closest I have tried is saline nasal spray.
.-= AngelMira´s last blog ..What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine? =-.
These nasal irrigations do work well for clearing the sinuses…just be sure not to mix the solution too salty. Even though a hypotonic (overly saline) solution does dry the sinuses temporarily, it can irritate the lining and cause an inflammatory reaction.
.-= George@Neti Pot Solution´s last blog ..Neti Pot Solution =-.
Really fantastic article on safe, natural and effective alternative for treatment of congestion and sinus pain.