Deep nasal suction is a supportive treatment often used in infants and young children with RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) to relieve nasal congestion and improve breathing. RSV can cause significant mucus buildup, especially in small airways, leading to difficulty feeding, sleeping, or breathing.

Deep suctioning, typically performed with a catheter and suction device, may be done in clinical settings when bulb suction or nasal saline alone is insufficient. While it can temporarily improve oxygenation and comfort, routine or frequent deep suctioning may irritate nasal passages or cause trauma, so it should be used judiciously. It is generally reserved for moderate to severe cases or hospitalized patients with respiratory distress.