Hi CMDH,
I've never used a decongestant for with my children. Homeopathy usually worked really well (usually pulsatilla was the right remedy for my two children when they had a stuffy nose). Occasionally they've needed motrin/tylenol combination (for strep throat and 105+ degree fever), but we were not able to find them in dye-free formulas. Would the 4-yr-old be able to take a small/crushed pill if it were mixed in pudding, applesauce, yogurt, or something similar? The pills still have dyes, but at least there's not as much dye.
To clear the nasal passages, have you ever tried a neti pot? I only learned about these a few years ago from a holistic practitioner who swears by them. I bought one from my local health food store (though now you can easily buy them online or even in regular drug stores). You pour salt water through one nostril and it drips out the other.... bringing with it loads of "gunk" and long stringy boogers. My children think it's so cool and gross and funny all at the same time... and often ask to use it at the littlest sniffle. Some people use them daily to clear out their sinuses.
http://www.sinucleanse.com/netipotlanding.htm?ovchn=GGL&ovcpn=Neti+AdGroup&ovcrn=neti+pot&ovtac=PPC
Hope this helps...
Take care,
Waldorf Mom
