164 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
STUFFY AND RUNNY NOSES
A stuffy or runny nose can result from a cold or allergy (see next page). 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:
1. In little children, carefully suck the mucus
out of the nose with a suction bulb or syringe
without a needle, like this:
2. 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.The water should not
be too salty. 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed in a cup of
water is enough.
3. Breathing hot water vapor as described on page 168 helps clear a stuffy nose.
4. Wipe a runny or stuffy nose, but try not to blow it. Blowing the nose may lead to
earache and sinus infections.
5. Persons who often get earaches or sinus trouble after a cold can help prevent these
problems by using decongestant nose drops with phenylephrine or ephedrine (p. 383).
After sniffing a little salt water, put the drops in the nose like this:
With the head sideways, put 2 or 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.
Prevent ear and sinus infections—try not to blow your nose, just wipe it.