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Nasal hygiene plays an important role in maintaining respiratory health, especially when children experience nasal congestion or a runny nose.

1. Saline Nasal Drops

Using physiological saline solution (0.9% NaCl) is a simple, safe, and effective method to clean the nasal passages.

How to do it:

• Prepare a bottle of saline solution.
• Have the child lie on their side or sit with their head tilted slightly back.
• Administer 1–2 drops into each nostril.
• If the child knows how to blow their nose, have them do so gently to remove the mucus.

Notes:

• Do not use too frequently, as excessive use may dry the nasal lining.
• Use separate bottles for each individual to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Nasal Wick (Cotton Wick Technique)

A nasal wick is a small, simple tool that helps absorb nasal mucus, especially useful for young children.

How to do it:

• Prepare a piece of medical cotton or a soft, clean tissue of appropriate size.
• Gently twist it into a thin cylindrical shape.
• Insert the wick into the nostril, rotate it gently, and wait a moment for it to absorb the fluid.
• Wait briefly for mucus to be absorbed, then removed.
• Replace with a new wick if the process needs to be repeated.

Notes:

• Be gentle to avoid irritating the nasal lining.
• Do not reuse the cotton wicks.

3. Nasal Aspiration (Active Nasal Suction)

Nasal aspiration uses devices such as manual nasal aspirators or electric suction devices and is suitable for infants and young children who cannot yet blow their noses.

How to do it:

• Prepare the nasal aspirator and saline solution.
• Apply a few drops of saline into the nose to thin the mucus.
• Place the tip of the aspirator into one nostril and hold it gently.
• Suction gently and repeat the process on the other side.

Notes:

• Clean the device thoroughly before and after each use.
• Do not use excessive suction force to avoid mucosal injury.

4. Nasal Irrigation

This method uses a nasal rinse bottle or large syringe to flush the nasal passages and is more suitable for older children.

How to do it:

• Prepare clean irrigation equipment and saline solution.
• Have the child lean forward and keep their mouth open to prevent fluid from flowing into the throat.
• Insert the tip into one nostril and gently pump the saline in.
• Mucus and fluid will drain out through the opposite nostril.
• Repeat on the other side.

Notes:

• Always use clean equipment to prevent infection.
• Perform 1–2 times per day as needed.

To schedule health check-ups at DYM Medical Center Vietnam, please contact:

• DYM Medical Center Saigon: Room B101-B103, Basement 1, mPlaza Saigon Building, No. 39 Le Duan, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

• DYM Medical Center Phu My Hung: Room 3A01, 3A Floor, The Grace Building, 71 Hoang Van Thai Street, Tan My Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

• DYM Medical Center Hanoi: B1 Basement, Epic Tower, Alley 19 Duy Tan, Cau Giay Ward, Ha Noi

• Hotline: 1900 29 29 37