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In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman welcomes back Dr. Nina Shapiro, pediatric ENT and author of Take a Deep Breath: Clear the Air for the Health of Your Child.

If your child always sounds congested, snores at night, or breathes through their mouth, this episode is for you. Dr. Shapiro explains the most common causes of chronic nasal stuffiness in kids — from back-to-back colds to allergies — and what parents can realistically do to help.

You’ll learn:

• Why constant congestion is so common in young kids
• How to safely use nasal saline, steroid sprays, and antihistamines
• When to think about allergies, adenoids, or sinus infections
• What “tired and wired” means, and how sleep and behavior connect
• Why mouth breathing happens — and when it’s okay vs. when to act

Dr. Shapiro also shares her favorite over-the-counter nasal spray for kids, her take on milk and mucus, and practical tricks for teaching kids to blow their noses.

🎧 If you missed Part 1, go back to hear Dr. Shapiro discuss baby breathing, safe sleep, and how to help infants breathe easier.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

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The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...