why does our 7 year old son get stuffy at night?

Question

every night , as soon as he lays down, our son gets a really stuffy nose. it seems to only happen around this time of year though.
last year we took him to his doctor, who said it could have been a couple different things, gave him some asthma meds, and didn't persue it any further. the meds didn't help at all, but as soon a summer came, he was fine, so we thought he out grew it . but now its back!? hes not faking , i know that for sure.

anyone else experience this?

Answer 1

Yes my daughter who is 9 has suffered it on and off. She is occasional with her nasal congestion, but when she does have it she is all stuffed up, has post nasal drip and ends up coughing and snoring. Something was indeed causing an allergic reaction for her and it could be from anywhere as well, we just notice it more when they lay down. The doctor suggested during this time we give her a non-steroidal and non-addictive nasal spray called Cromolyn.( you can buy it over the counter at drug stores) and Allegra liquid.
It took about three days to kick in and then the congestion was gone(combined with Allegra once a day for the first 5 days then you shouldn't need it again) We used it 3 times a day for 4 days then 2 times a day for about 3- 4 weeks reducing the dose bit by bit and stopped using it.
We tried everything and she has an inhaler as well.We had to buy a pillow and mattress cover for her. I even put a new coat of paint on the walls even increase her fluid intake use a humidifier( I still do it is important to keep her nasal passages moist)
I know what you are going through for sure trying to solve this.You probably already know this but when they lay down they are laying on lots of dust particles,dust mites dander, and pollen that came in through the windows that we can't even see as well as whatever they are exposed to during the day.

I wish you the best!

Answer 2

First off, I agree with Hazeltine. You really might need to consider a new doctor. And an allergy specialist. But in the meantime, try putting a humidifier near your son's bed at night. It will help a little bit with the stuffy nose. Especially if you get one that also filters the air. The more allergens you can remove the better. And Vick's Vaporub will to if it's bad enough to need it. And then there's always Benadryl OTC if he's really uncomfortable and you think it's allergies (which is what it sounds like to me). But you can't do the Benadryl thing long term. He needs to see an allergist if he's going to be medicated regularly.

Answer 3

This happens to me (always has) if it's too warm. I can only sleep with a thin blanket and sheet and I always lower the air conditioning at night. Once I get under a thick comforter I just can't breath. I'm up all night if it's just a little too warm, which is odd because I'm cold all day.
Try putting a very thin blanket on him and cooling down the room (not so he's cold or freezing though) just a light breeze.
If that doesn't work it could be allergies.

Answer 4

Sounds like allergies to me. My son has them - and it is seasonal. But he gets bad when things are dusty, too. You might try some over the counter allergy meds before he goes to bed. If that helps, I'd have him see the doc again and get some prescription. My son has tried them all, it seems, and QDall works best. The thing about the night is that he is calming down and slowing down, so it gets worse. Best of luck!

Answer 5

Dod your doctor test him, or just give Asthma meds? If he didn't test, get a new doctor! Your son needs to be tested for allergies at a real allergist. He is most likely allergic to dust mites, which live in the sheets, pillow, blankets, etc. 7 is about the right age for allergies to start.

Answer 6

Sounds like allergies. My advice is to take him back to the doctor and TELL the doctor that the meds didn't work. The doctor doesn't know this until YOU tell him/her so the doctor can't prescribe something else that might help.

Answer 7

This happens to me also. During the winter, as you know cold air sinks, and hot air rises. Our beds, especially children's are low. The cold air just clogs him up, that all. Or it could be your filter. The vent in his room. Make sure you change the filters, he could be allergic to some particles in that. Also if he has a fan in his room, turn the fan off. And set the air conditioner to 74-78 degrees.

Answer 8

Allergies. Change the pillow, and pillow cases. Change detergents. He may be allergic to a grass or weed that only bothers him during the summer season.

Answer 9

I agree, sounds like you might need a humidifier in his room. Also the vicks vaporiser works wonders. I recently bought the one that you plug in, and it uses vapor strips. Good luck!!

Answer 10

He might be allergic to something in his room, could be mold. Is there a bathroom nearby .. check in there, or was there a leak that got fixed? If you live in a humid climate, definitely check this out.