Permanently blocked nose, no illness

[Muddyslippers]

My 4 y old was very snotty and blocked up til at 14 months we stopped dairy. Then I noticed hearing and speech were not good and that improved greatly with grommets last June. They said speech would improve over time but the bunged up thing seems a lot worse, affecting sleep, speech - even I can’t understand his new words - and I suspect irritability. I know how I get with a blocked nose! Any thoughts? Can I try anything to clear it (must be pretty solid and sticky - I’ve always noticed he has snot stickier than Pritt stick!). Health visitor informed but it’s all about finding drop in sessions and getting referrals so it could be a while...

Have you tried a nasal spray? Not sure about brand for dc so ask a pharmacist. I have used one since early teens for allergies.

Were adenoids and tonsils discussed when he had the grommets?
Often they are done as a set. Certainly sorted the problem when my eldest was little.

Otherwise without medical help all you can do is up fluids to make sure he never gets dehydrated and give paracetamol to relive inflammation as necessary. You have my sympathies. It's awful when you can't move forward like this. Do keep pushing for appointments.

Allergies? Could be environmental ones, like grass, pets, leaf mould etc.

Can you get back to see the ENT easily? If the grommets are out, he may need a new set and the ENT can advise on sinus VS adenoid issues.

My six year old also suffers from a stuffy nose with no apparent cause. Gp said we could try an antihistamine daily but after a few weeks no change.

We have been using a Neil Med nasal rinse daily and he seems to be a bit more cheerful and we do find big blobs of snot are removed each time (sorry tmi I know). We bought the kit from boots but many available online.

Son does the rinse himself, it really is very easy and I've seen younger than 6 do it as well.