Thursday, October 6, 2016

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How to Get Rid of Thrush in Infants

Posted: 06 Oct 2016 05:00 PM PDT

Thrush is caused by the yeast Candida albicans and it typically forms after either the mother or infant has taken antibiotics, as yeast tends to grow after bacteria in the body are destroyed.[1] If the nursing mother has thrush or a yeast infection of the nipples at the same time the infant does, it's important to treat both mother and child, as the mother may transfer the yeast infection back to the child during feeding.[2] Most cases of thrush are considered non-threatening, as the disease itself is easily treated at home and often clears up without medication. But severe cases of thrush can cause dehydration and (rarely) fever, and should be treated by a doctor right away. Knowing how to identify problem signs of thrush, as well as how to treat mild cases at home, can help keep your baby happy and healthy.

EditSteps

EditTreating Thrush With Natural Remedies

  1. Talk with your child's pediatrician. Before you proceed with any natural or homemade remedies, check with your child's pediatrician. The doctor will be able to confirm the diagnosis and give you a professional medical opinion about what treatment will be best for your infant. While many home treatments for thrush appear to be safe, keep in mind that your baby's digestive and immune systems are still fairly immature, and your pediatrician may want to proceed with caution.
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 1 Version 3.jpg
  2. Give your child acidophilus. Acidophilus is a powdered form of the bacteria typically found in a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Yeast and intestinal bacteria balance each other in the human body, and often taking antibiotics or developing thrush allows a spike in yeast growth. Taking acidophilus may help reduce yeast growth and treat the causes of thrush in infants.[3]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 2 Version 3.jpg
    • Make a paste by combining acidophilus powder with clean water or breastmilk.[4]
    • Rub this paste in the baby's mouth once daily until the thrush clears up.[5]
    • You can also add one teaspoon of acidophilus powder to formula or breastmilk if the child is bottle feeding. Administer acidophilus once daily until the thrush clears up.[6]
  3. Try yogurt. If your child is able to swallow yogurt, your pediatrician may recommend that you add unsweetened lactobacilli yogurt to your child's diet. This works similarly to acidophilus, by balancing out the yeast population in your child's gastrointestinal tract.[7]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 3 Version 3.jpg
    • If your child is not old enough to swallow yogurt, try applying it with a clean cotton swab to the affected area. Only use a small amount of yogurt and supervise your child closely to ensure that he does not choke on the yogurt.[8]
  4. Use grapefruit seed extract (GSE). Grapefruit seed extract, when mixed with distilled water and administered daily, may help treat the symptoms of thrush in some children.[9]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 4 Version 3.jpg
    • Mix 10 drops of GSE in one ounce of distilled water. Some doctors believe that the antibacterial treatment of tap water may reduce the efficacy of GSE.[10]
    • Use a clean cotton swab to apply the GSE mixture to your child's mouth once every hour during all waking hours.[11]
    • Swab the child's mouth prior to nursing. This may help reduce the bitter taste associated with nursing while the child is afflicted with thrush, and can help him return to a normal feeding schedule.[12]
    • If the thrush does not improve significantly by the second day of treatment, you may try increasing the strength of the GSE mixture by dissolving 15 to 20 drops of GSE into one ounce of distilled water, instead of the original 10 drops.[13]
  5. Use pure, virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil contains caprylic acid, which may help fight the yeast infection that causes thrush.[14]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 5 Version 3.jpg
    • Use a clean cotton swab to apply coconut oil to the affected area.[15]
    • Consult with your pediatrician before trying coconut oil, as some children may be allergic to coconut oil.
  6. Make a baking soda paste. A baking soda paste can help treat thrush at the site of affliction, and can be used both on the mother's nipples (if nursing) and on the child's mouth.[16]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 6 Version 3.jpg
    • Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with eight ounces of water.[17]
    • Apply the paste to the mouth with a clean cotton swab.
  7. Try a saltwater solution. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water.[18] Then apply the solution affected area using a clean cotton swab.[19]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 7 Version 3.jpg

EditTreating Thrush With Medicine

  1. Administer miconazole. Miconazole is often the go-to treatment option for pediatricians treating thrush. Miconazole comes in a medicated gel that a parent or caretaker will need to apply to the baby's mouth.[20]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • Wash your hands with antibacterial soap. You will need to have clean hands before applying any medication to your child.[21]
    • Administer 1/4 of a teaspoon of miconazole to the affected areas of the child's mouth, up to four times daily. Use a clean finger or a clean cotton swab to apply miconazole directly to the affected site.[22]
    • Do not use too much gel, as it may cause a choking hazard. You should also avoid administering the gel in the back of your child's mouth, as it could easily slide down his throat.[23]
    • Continue miconazole treatments until your pediatrician tells you to stop.
    • Miconazole is not recommended for infants under six months of age. The risk of choking is significantly increased in children younger than six months.[24]
  2. Try nystatin. Nystatin is often prescribed instead of miconazole, especially in the US. It is a liquid medication that is administered to the affected area in a child's mouth using either a dropper, medication syringe, or a clean cotton swab coated in nystatin.[25]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Shake the bottle of nystatin before administering each dose. The medicine is suspended in liquid, so it's important to shake the bottle so that the medicine is evenly distributed throughout the bottle.[26]
    • Your pharmacist should give you a dropper, syringe, or spoon to measure and administer nystatin. If your pharmacist has not given you a tool for measuring and administering nystatin, follow the instructions that came with the medicine.[27]
    • If your child is small, your pediatrician may recommend that you administer half a dose to each side of the child's tongue, or she may recommend that you use a clean cotton swab to apply the liquid to the sides of your child's mouth.[28]
    • If your child is old enough to follow your instruction, have the child swish the nystatin around his mouth to thoroughly coat the entire surface of the tongue, cheeks, tongue, and gums.[29]
    • Wait five to ten minutes after administering nystatin before feeding your child, if it is near his meal time.[30]
    • Administer nystatin up to four times daily. Continue administering the medication for up to five days after thrush has cleared up, as thrush commonly recurs shortly after treatment ends.[31]
    • Nystatin rarely causes side effects like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort, or may cause allergic reactions in some children. Talk to your pediatrician about the possible side effects of nystatin before administering the medication to your child.[32]
  3. Try gentian violet. If your child hasn't had any luck with miconazole or nystatin, your pediatrician may recommend that you try gentian violet. Gentian violet is an antifungal solution that is applied to the affected area using a cotton swab. It is available in most pharmacies without a prescription.[33]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Follow the dosing recommendations on the bottle or from your pediatrician.
    • Apply gentian violet to the affected areas using a clean cotton swab.[34]
    • Administer gentian violet two to three times daily for at least three days.[35]
    • Be aware that gentian violet will stain both skin and clothing. Gentian violet may cause your child's skin to appear purple while treating him with gentian violet, but this will clear up once you've discontinued use of the medicine.[36]
    • Talk to your pediatrician about using gentian violet, as some children may be allergic to the medication or to the dyes and preservatives used in gentian violet.[37]
  4. Talk to the pediatrician about fluconazole. If other methods fail, your doctor may prescribe your baby fluconazole, which is an antifungal medication that the child swallows once daily for seven to 14 days. It will slow the growth of the fungi causing your infant's infection.[38]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 11 Version 2.jpg
    • Follow your pediatrician's instructions on dosage.

EditAdministering Home Care For Thrush

  1. Understand thrush. Though thrush can be painful for your child and difficult for you as his parent, know that in most cases thrush is not particularly harmful to the child. Some cases of thrush clear up without medical treatment within one to two weeks.[39] More severe cases may take up to eight weeks to heal without treatment, while a pediatrician's care can help thrush heal in as little as four to five days.[40] However, sometimes thrush involves more serious complications, and could be indicative of a more severe problem. Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child:
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Has a fever[41]
    • Exhibits any kind of bleeding[42]
    • Is dehydrated, or drinking less than normal[43]
    • Has trouble swallowing or breathing
    • Has any other complications that you find worrisome[44]
  2. Reduce bottle time. Prolonged sucking on a bottle's nipple may irritate your infant's mouth, making him more prone to an oral yeast infection. Limit bottle time to 20 minutes per meal. In severe cases of thrush some infants may be unable to use a bottle due to mouth pain. If this occurs you may need to switch to a spoon or syringe instead of a bottle.[45] Talk with your pediatrician to find the best way to avoid further irritating your infant's mouth.
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 13 Version 2.jpg
  3. Limit pacifier use. Pacifiers are a great way to soothe an infant, but the constant sucking associated with pacifier use may cause irritation to your child's mouth and make him more prone to a yeast infection.[46]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • If your child has or has had thrush, only give him a pacifier when nothing else will calm him down.[47]
  4. Sterilize nipples, bottles, and pacifiers if your baby has thrush. To prevent the spread of thrush, it is important you keep milk and prepared bottles in the refrigerator to prevent yeast growth.[48] You must also clean nipples, bottles, and pacifiers throughly with hot water or in a dishwasher.[49]
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 15 Version 2.jpg
  5. Talk to your doctor about discontinuing antibiotics. If a nursing mother develops thrush from taking antibiotics or steroid treatments, she may need to stop taking those medications or reduce the dosage until the thrush clears up. However, this should only be done if discontinuing or reducing the dosage of antibiotics or steroids will not cause medical complications for the mother.[50] Talk to your doctor if you believe your medication is causing thrush.
    Get Rid of Thrush in Infants Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • This applies to any medications the infant is taking as well.


EditWarnings

  • Infants with thrush can also have a yeast infection in the diaper area. This causes a red and sometimes painful diaper rash. Your doctor will usually prescribe an antifungal cream for diaper rashes caused by yeast.


EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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How to Handle Exceptions in Java

Posted: 06 Oct 2016 09:00 AM PDT

There are many different concepts to learn when learning a programming language. Many of these concepts are like grammar in spoken languages – they help keep it structured and functioning properly. Handling exceptions in Java is an important skill in becoming a good Java programmer.

Exceptions are thrown when the program has encountered an error. Once the exception is thrown, it is up to the programmer to decide what happens next. The most common and the worst handling of an exception is silently ignoring it. Printing stack trace to the console should at least be done so that pinpointing an error is easier.

EditChecked vs Unchecked Exceptions

Checked exceptions are classes derived from Exception class and are thrown when the program can recover from the exception and they must either be caught using one of the try blocks or rethrown. Unchecked exceptions are classes derived from RuntimeException and are thrown when the program cannot recover from the exception and they don't have to be caught or rethrown. Generally, unchecked exceptions are a result of a programming error and can be avoided (e.g. checking if a variable is null to prevent NullPointerException).

Since unchecked exceptions produce cleaner code, programmers favor it over checked exceptions and nowadays it basically comes down to a personal choice. However, exceptions in the Java API abide the difference.


Exception examples:
Checked Unchecked
IOException NullPointerException
ClassNotFoundException IllegalArgumentException
InterruptedException IllegalStateException

EditSteps

EditUsing Try-Catch-Finally

  1. Handle exceptions in java method1 step1.png
    Create a class and the main method. Create a class and name it however you want and inside the class create the main method.
    public class HandleExceptionExample {      public static void main(String[] args) {         }  }
  2. Handle exceptions in java method1 step2.png
    Declare three primitive integer variables and perform division. Declare three int (primitive integer) variables and name them dividend, divisor and quotient. Assign an arbitrary number to dividend variable, assign zero to divisor variable and assign quotient of dividend and divisor to quotient variable. Print quotient variable to the console.
    public class HandleExceptionExample {      public static void main(String[] args) {          int dividend = 50;          int divisor = 0;          int quotient = dividend / divisor;          System.out.println(quotient);      }  }
  3. Handle exceptions in java method1 step3.png
    Compile and run the program. Program prints exception stack trace to the console and terminates the execution at the line where the quotient variable is assigned a value. Quotient variable will never be printed to the console because uncaught exceptions, on the line they were thrown, break out of the method.
  4. Handle exceptions in java method1 step4.png
    Catch and handle exception. Assign a number zero to the quotient variable and create try-catch block with ArithmeticException in the catch statement. Inside the try block, divide dividend and divisor variables and assign their quotient to the quotient variable. Inside the catch block, print the exception stack trace to the console. After the try-catch block, print the quotient variable to the console.
    public class HandleExceptionExample {      public static void main(String[] args) {          int dividend = 50;          int divisor = 0;          int quotient = 0;          try {              quotient = dividend / divisor;          } catch (ArithmeticException e) {              e.printStackTrace();          }          System.out.println(quotient);      }  }
  5. Handle exceptions in java method1 step5.png
    Compile and run the program. Program prints exception stack trace to the console, but does not terminate the execution at the line where the quotient variable is assigned a value. Quotient variable is also printed to the console, but before the exception.
  6. Handle exceptions in java method1 step6.png
    Add finally block. finally blocks are always executed after the try and/or catch blocks and they are mostly used to release the resources. Instead of after the try-catch-finally block, print the quotient variable to the console inside the finally block.
    public class HandleExceptionExample {      public static void main(String[] args) {          int dividend = 50;          int divisor = 0;          int quotient = 0;          try {              quotient = dividend / divisor;          } catch (ArithmeticException e) {              e.printStackTrace();          } finally {              System.out.println(quotient);          }      }  }
  7. Handle exceptions in java method1 step7.png
    Compile and run the program. Program prints exception stack trace, and quotient variable right after, to the console.

EditUsing Try-With-Resources

  1. Handle exceptions in java method1 step1.png
    Create a class and the main method. Create a class and name it however you want and inside the class create the main method.
    public class HandleExceptionExample {      public static void main(String[] args) {         }  }
  2. Handle exceptions in java method2 step2.png
    Create try-catch block. Create try-catch block and add parenthesis to the try statement.
    public class HandleExceptionExample {      public static void main(String[] args) {          try () {             } catch () {             }      }  }
  3. Handle exceptions in java method2 step3 fixed.png
    Add resource to the try and exception to the catch statement. Instantiate FileReader and File as its parameter in the try statement. In the catch statement, add IOException and inside the block, print stack trace to the console.
    public class HandleExceptionExample {      public static void main(String[] args) {          try (FileReader reader = new FileReader(new File("filename"))) {              // code omitted          } catch (IOException e) {              e.printStackTrace();          }      }  }
  4. Handle exceptions in java method2 step4.png
    Finished. Using try-with-resources automatically releases the resources back to the operating system. Think of it as an automatic finally block. If exception is thrown while reading the file, reader.close() will be automatically called.
    • The equivalent using try-catch-finally:
      FileReader reader = null;  try {      reader = new FileReader(new File("filename"));      // code omitted  } catch (IOException e) {      e.printStackTrace();  } finally {      if (reader != null) {          try {              reader.close();          } catch (IOException e) {              e.printStackTrace();          }      }  }

EditVideo

EditTips

  • If you're unsure of what exception to catch, you can always catch the superclass for all exceptions, the Exception class.
  • Catching and handling more than one exception is possible. There are multiple ways to do so:
    • To catch and handle multiple exceptions separately, add another catch statement and block at the end of the try-catch block.
      try {      Socket socket = new Socket("localhost", 5940);  } catch (UnknownHostException e) {      e.printStackTrace();  } catch (IOException e) {      e.printStackTrace();  }

      UnknownHostException will only be caught if it is located before the IOException since the former is derived from the latter. Otherwise it will be caught with IOException. If there is no need to go into detail with exceptions, only the superclass needs to be caught.

      try {      Socket socket = new Socket("localhost", 5940);  } catch (IOException e) {      e.printStackTrace();  }
    • To catch and handle multiple exceptions together, add multiple exceptions in the same catch statement separated by the | character. However, those exceptions must have different superclasses. For example, UnknownHostException and IOException cannot be caught like this because the latter is a superclass of the former.
      try {      Socket socket = new Socket("localhost", 5940);  } catch (IllegalArgumentException | IOException e) {      e.printStackTrace();  }

EditWarning

  • Silently ignoring is a bad practice and the worst method of exception handling. Example of silently ignoring an exception:
    try {      // code omitted  } catch (Exception e) {  }

EditRelated wikiHows


How to Make Saline Nasal Spray

Posted: 06 Oct 2016 01:00 AM PDT

Nasal congestion (stuffy nose) is a common condition in which nasal tissues swell with fluids. It may be accompanied by sinus congestion and nasal discharge (runny nose). Luckily, a saline (salt water) nasal spray can get you through nasal congestion from cold or allergies. You can easily make your own saline nasal sprays at home for use on adults, children, or even infants.

EditSteps

EditMaking a Saline Solution

  1. Gather your materials. Making a saline solution is simple because all you need is salt and water![1] Sea salt or table salt are both acceptable for a saline solution, but use a non-iodized salt (pickling or kosher) if you have an iodine allergy. To administer the solution nasally, you'll also need a small spray bottle. One that holds one to two ounces is ideal.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • Infants and small children aren't able to blow their noses effectively. Get a soft, rubber-bulb syringe to remove nasal secretions gently and efficiently.
  2. Make the saline solution. There's more to making saline that just mixing salt and water. For the salt to effectively dissolve into the water, you must raise the water temperature. Boiling the water will also kill off any potentially dangerous microbes living in the tap water. Boil 8 oz. of water, then allow it to cool until just "very warm." Add ¼ teaspoon of salt and mix well until the salt dissolves. The ¼ teaspoon of salt will make a saline solution that matches the amount of salt in your body (isotonic).
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 2 Version 2.jpg
    • You may want to try a salt spray that has a greater concentration of salt than your body (hypertonic). This is useful for significant congestion with a lot of discharge. If you're having trouble breathing or clearing your nose, consider a hypertonic solution.[2]
    • To do this, simply add 1/2 teaspoon of salt instead of 1/4 teaspoon.
    • Don't use a hypertonic solution for infants or small children younger than five years old.
  3. Consider adding baking soda (optional). A half teaspoon of baking soda will adjust the pH of the solution. This makes it less likely to sting a sore nose, especially with hypertonic solutions with a higher salt content. Add it while the water is still warm, and mix well to dissolve the baking soda.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • You can add the salt and the baking soda all at once, but adding the salt first usually results in easier mixing.
  4. Fill your spray bottle and store the remaining solution.[3] Once the solution has cooled to room temperature, it's ready to use. Fill the one to two ounce spray bottle with the solution, then pour the rest into a covered container and refrigerate it. After two days, throw out any unused solution and make a new batch if necessary.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 4 Version 2.jpg

EditUsing the Saline Nasal Spray

  1. Use the nasal solution whenever you feel congested. The small bottle will make it easy to carry around in your pocket or purse. The nasal spray should loosen up the nasal secretions blocking up your nose. Blow your nose after using the nasal spray to remove the blockage.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Lean forward and angle the spray nozzle into the nostril, toward the ear.[4]
    • Spray one or two squirts into each nostril. Use your left hand for your right nostril, and your right hand for your left nostril.
    • Sniff gently to keep the saline solution from dripping right out of your nose. Make sure not to snort it back into your throat, though, as this may cause irritation in your septum.
  2. Consider using a bulb syringe to administer nasal spray to babies and small children. Squeeze out about half the air in the bulb and draw up the salt solution into the bulb. Tilt the child's head back slightly and hover the tip of the bulb over one nostril. Drop three to four drops of the solution into each nostril, avoiding touching the inside of the nostril with the tip as best you can (it can be hard to do this with a wiggling baby!). Try to keep the child's head still for two to three minutes while the solution goes to work.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 6 Version 2.jpg
  3. Suction children's nasal secretions with the bulb syringe.[5] Administer the nasal spray just as you would for an adult, then wait two to three minutes to let it work. After that, you can use the rubber-bulb syringe to gently remove secretions from the child's nose. Use a soft tissue to gently wipe away any secretions that remain around the nostrils. Remember to use a new tissue on each nostril, and make sure to wash your hands before and after each treatment.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Tilt the child's head back slightly.
    • Press on the bulb to remove about 1/4 of the air from it, then gently insert the tip into the nostril. Release the bulb to suction nasal secretions into the rubber-bulb syringe.
    • Do not insert the tip deep into the child's nose. You're only removing the material in the front part of the nostril.
    • Try to avoid touching the inside of the nostril, as it could be sensitive and sore during illness.
  4. Maintain proper hygiene after using the bulb syringe.[6][7] Wipe any secretions on the outside of the syringe off with a tissue, and discard the tissue. Wash the rubber bulb syringe in warm, soapy water immediately after you've finished using it. Suck soapy water in and squeeze it back out several times. Repeat with clean, un-soapy water. Swirl the water around inside the bulb to remove secretions from the walls.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 8 Version 2.jpg
  5. Repeat this two to three times a day. You don't want to overdo it with the rubber bulb syringe. Your child's nose is already sore and irritated. If you fiddle with it all the time, the child will only feel more pain. At most, suction nasal secretions four times a day.[8]
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 9.jpg
    • The best times to do this is before feeding or bed, to help your child breathe better while eating and sleeping.
    • If the child squirms too much, just relax and try again later. Remember to be very gentle!
  6. Stay hydrated. The simplest way to improve nasal congestion is to keep your body moisturized. This keeps the discharge thin and fluid, making it easier to blow your nose or drain. The discharge may drain down the back of your throat. While this is unpleasant, it's normal and healthy. Drinking hot tea or chicken soup may be especially helpful in keeping you hydrated.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Drink at least eight to ten 8 oz. glasses of water every day. Drink even more if you have a fever, or if your illness causes vomiting or diarrhea.[9]
  7. Be gentle in blowing and clearing your nose. To prevent the skin of your nose from drying too much, use Vaseline or a hypoallergenic skin lotion or cream. Apply it to a Q-tip and gently spread it around your nostrils as needed. You can also use a humidifier or just place bowls of water throughout the house. The water will evaporate and humidify the air. Rest and relax as much as possible!
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 11 Version 2.jpg
  8. Have a doctor examine infants and small children. For infants, nasal congestion can be a serious problem. It can cause difficulty with both breathing and feeding. Call your physician within 12-24 hours if the nasal spray does not help.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 12 Version 2.jpg
    • Call your physician immediately if your infant or young child has nasal congestion along with any fever, cough, trouble breathing, or trouble feeding due to the congestion.

EditUnderstanding the Causes of Nasal Congestion

  1. Consider a wide range of possibilities. Nasal congestion can point to many different causes. The most common causes are infections like cold, flu, and sinusitis and allergies. Environmental irritants like chemicals or smoke can also cause congestion. Some people have chronic runny nose — a condition known as vasomotor rhinitis or VMR.[10]
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 13 Version 2.jpg
  2. Look for signs of viral infection. Viruses are difficult to treat because they live in the body's cells and reproduce very quickly. Luckily, the most common viral infections are cold and flu, which resolve on their own with time. Treatment is essentially about managing the symptoms and staying as comfortable as possible. To prevent the flu, get an annual vaccination before flu season begins.[11] The symptoms of cold and flu include:[12]
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 14 Version 2.jpg
    • Fever
    • Runny or stuffy nose
    • Clear, green, or yellow nasal discharge
    • Sore throat
    • Coughing and sneezing
    • Fatigue
    • Muscle aches and headaches
    • Watery eyes
    • The flu has additional symptoms: a higher fever (over 102 °F or 39.9 °C), nausea, chills/sweats, and loss of appetite
  3. Take antibiotics for bacterial infection.[13] Bacterial infections can have widely varying symptoms, including fever. Most bacterial infections are diagnosed clinically or occasionally by a nasal or throat culture. The doctor will be prescribe the antibiotic most likely to treat the most common bacteria. The antibiotic will either kill the bacteria or stop it from reproducing, allowing the immune system to fight the remaining infection.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 15 Version 2.jpg
    • Always take the full course of antibiotic treatment, even if you feel better. If you stop taking the treatment before the doctor recommends it, the infection may return.
  4. Watch for symptoms of sinusitis.[14] Sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses get inflamed and swollen, causing mucus buildup. It can be caused by a cold, allergies, or bacterial or fungal infections. Though it can be irritating, sinusitis can usually be treated at home without medical intervention. More severe or persistent sinus infections are usually treated with antibiotics. Symptoms include:
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 16 Version 2.jpg
    • Thick yellow or green nasal discharge, often found in the throat as well
    • Nasal congestion
    • Tenderness and swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, and forehead
    • Lowered ability to smell and taste
    • Coughing
  5. Determine whether your lights are too bright.[15] Bright lights are a fairly common cause of nasal congestion. The eyes and nose are closely related, so stress on the eyes can affect the nasal cavity as well. Try dimming the lights in your home or work environment slightly to see if your nose clears up at all.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 17 Version 2.jpg
  6. Get tested for allergies.[16] Your nasal congestion may be the result of an allergic reaction you don't even know about. Make an appointment to get tested for allergies at your doctor's office if you have chronic or severe nasal congestion, especially with itching or sneezing, or think you may have allergies. The doctor will perform a test in which he injects tiny amounts of common allergens into your skin. Only the patches of skin with substances you're allergic to will swell up slightly, like a mosquito bite. This will allow you to either seek treatment (oral or nasal medication, or even injections) or avoid those allergens. The most common allergens include:
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 18 Version 2.jpg
    • Dust mites
    • Foods: milk, gluten, soy, spices, shellfish, and food preservatives
    • Pollen (Hay fever)
    • Latex
    • Mold
    • Peanuts
    • Pet dander
  7. Remove irritants from your environment. Every single time you inhale and exhale, you're dragging your external environment through your nose. If the air around you is the source of your nasal irritation, you can take steps to change your environment. Common irritants include:[17]
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 19.jpg
    • Tobacco smoke
    • Exhaust fumes
    • Perfumes
    • Dry air (buy a humidifier)
    • Sudden changes in temperature
  8. Ask your doctor about your medications. You may be taking a medication to treat a condition that has nothing to do with your nose, but a side effect of that medication may be causing your nasal congestion. Provide your doctor with a list of all prescription and over the counter medications you're taking. If one of the drugs is causing your congestion, the doctor may be able to suggest alternate treatment. Congestion commonly arises from:
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 20.jpg
    • High blood pressure medications[18]
    • Overuse of decongestant nasal sprays
    • Drug abuse
  9. Consider any hormonal changes.[19] Hormones control many functions throughout the body and can affect many different systems. Hormonal changes and disorders can have an impact on your ability to drain your nasal passages normally. If you are pregnant, have thyroid disorder, or in any way suspect hormonal changes, speak with your doctor. He or she may be able to help you control your hormones and reduce the impact on your congestion.
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 21.jpg
  10. Get examined for anatomical problems.[20] It may be that there are no infections, medications, or hormonal fluctuations causing your congestion. It could just be the way your nasal anatomy is constructed. Ask your general practitioner to refer you to a specialist if you are unable to get your nasal congestion under control. A specialist will be able to diagnose whether a physical abnormality is interfering with your breathing. Common anatomical problems include:
    Make Saline Nasal Spray Step 22.jpg
    • Deviated septum
    • Nasal polyps
    • Enlarged adenoids
    • Foreign body in the nose
      • This is especially common in children. This often causes a thick nasal discharge with a bad odor, and it is often only on one side of the nose.

EditWarnings

  • If you have symptoms of nasal congestion for more than 10-14 days, call your physician.
  • Also call your physician if the nasal discharge is greenish or bloody or if you have any respiratory conditions, such as COPD or asthma.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Water
  • Salt (non-iodized if you have iodine allergy)
  • Baking soda (optional)
  • Sealed container to refrigerate extra solution
  • One to two ounce spray bottle
  • Measuring spoon
  • Soft, rubber bulb syringe for use with infants and small children

EditRelated wikiHows

EditSources and Citations


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