5 month old severe nasal congestion. Baby won't allow aspirator near his Nose

[Ouchdownthere]

My 5 month old has always had a snotty nose. Recently it has got so bad the nose is crusting with dried snot and he is forming little holes in the snot to breathe through. It's disturbing his sleep so much that he is now waking at 4.30/5 and can't get himself back to sleep.

I have tried saline drops / aspirators / humidifiers / room temperature / bathroom steam but nothing clears it up. More recently the nose is also bloody.

I have been advised to up the ante on saline drops to regular administration throughout the day before looking to see if there is any underlying issue but would like to know if anyone else has experienced this. DS is severely traumatised each time we go anywhere near his nose and I am genuinely starting to be concerned he is going to develop a negative association with me, aren't I supposed to make everything better and not cause him pain? He just isn't getting used to it. There is absolutely no chance I could get any kind of suction implement to his nose even with someone else holding his head, and that in itself is wrong surely?

My gut is saying something is amiss here but would be interested to know how many others have a similar experience and if I am just being a pit precious.

Dd had a snotty nose from birth for months and months.

However, you sound worried so ask for a referral.

Sorry to hear her snotty nose lasted so long. You are right, I am concerned so will ask for a referral. Thank you for the little push I needed.

Hopefully its just a heavy cold, and snottiness is a good sign that the infection is coming out.

I would really try and persevere with the nasal aspirator - its a short term discomfort that is for the good of his health. he won't remember or develop negative associations with you or it.

By treating his cold, even if he doesn't like the way you do it, you are being a much better mum than if you just leave it out of fear he won't like you anymore!!

Other than that, I have found that warmed olive oil (or veg oil) on cotton wool wiped around his nostrils will dislodge the crusts but he's going to protest about that too, his nose must feel really sore, poor thing.