Teaching Kids to Clear Mucus

Mucus can build up in different places in the body, including the lungs, throat, nose and chest. Coughing is often the best way to expel excess mucus from the throat and lungs. Your child will need to blow his nose if the mucus is in the nasal cavities. Medications and home remedies are also used to help clear mucus. Consult your physician for additional guidance if your child has excess mucus.

A mucus membrane lines your throat and sinus and nasal passageways. This membrane contains small glands which help secrete mucus. Your body produces mucus to help keep these cavities moist. If something irritates the mucus membrane, it can start to produce more mucus. This often happens when your child is sick, but other conditions, such as allergies, can also cause excess mucus. The exact process for getting rid of extra mucus will depend on where the mucus is gathering.

Coughing is the best way for your child to expel most excess mucus. If the mucus is in the lungs or the throat, your child will need to cough or clear his throat to get rid of the mucus. Most children know how to cough already. Teach your child to cough into his bent elbow away from other people so that he doesn’t spread germs. You can also help your child force out mucus by gently patting him on the back while he is coughing.

For nasal mucus, your child will need to blow her nose. Teaching a young child to blow her nose can be difficult. Unlike coughing, blowing your nose is not a natural instinct. Practice blowing bubbles or blowing out candles to help your child learn how to blow through her mouth first. Move on to teach your child how to blow through her nose. Place a tissue close to her nose and make sure her mouth is closed. Encourage your child to try to move the tissue with the air from her nose.

Thin mucus is easier to expel than thick mucus. Some home remedies help to make the mucus thinner. Make sure that your child drinks plenty of liquids. This can help to thin out the mucus. A vaporizer or humidifier in his room will increase the humidity in the air, making the mucus thinner. Over-the-counter medications, such as antihistamines or nasal sprays, can help to reduce the mucus. Consult your pediatrician if your child is having difficulty clearing excess mucus.