A child has a runny nose

Runny nose in a child

A runny nose is one of the most common childhood diseases, medically known as acute rhinitis. This pathology is an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa, accompanied by characteristic symptoms.

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In most cases, a runny nose is a concomitant symptom of a number of diseases and conditions of a diverse nature; it appears as a separate disease only in every fourth case.

Causes of a runny nose in a child

Below are the most common causes of runny nose in children.

  1. Viral infections. Coronaviruses, rhinoviruses, adenoviruses and other pathogenic agents cause acute forms of rhinitis in a child.
  2. Bacterial and fungal infections. Less commonly, they cause a runny nose; as a rule, they are pathogens in the later stages of rhinitis during the transition from the acute to the chronic stage of the disease.
  3. Hypothermia or sudden temperature change. Local or general hypothermia/temperature changes in a child’s body are not considered a direct cause of a runny nose, but significantly reduce the immune response, which in turn allows viruses, bacteria and other pathogens to activate almost unhindered and provoke the development of the underlying disease.
  4. Allergens. Allergic rhinitis is a real scourge of modern society, especially for a child living in a large metropolis. Seasonal pollen, hair or saliva of pets, dust, waste products of mites, and other types of allergens can provoke the development of acute and chronic runny nose, which does not go away on its own and requires special therapy.
  5. Manifestations of other underlying diseases. A runny nose almost always accompanies diseases such as influenza, measles, diphtheria, sinusitis, sinusitis, etc.
  6. Exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other irritants on the mucous membranes.
  7. Contact with a foreign body on the mucous membrane.
  8. Side effects of a number of medications (medicinal rhinitis).

Symptoms

The symptoms of a runny nose are quite clear and have a clear clinical picture.

  1. First stage. Dry irritation of the mucous membrane with its hyperemia. There is a burning sensation in the nasal passages; the child constantly wants to sneeze and “cry.” Subfebrinal temperature often appears, moderate pain in the head occurs, general malaise, weakness, and in some cases signs of intoxication with aching in the extremities. As a rule, this stage lasts a day, maximum two days.
  2. Second stage. Swelling forms on the mucous membrane, breathing through the nose is difficult, due to the narrowing of the nasal passages, nasal congestion develops, and in children the ability to sense taste and detect smell is often impaired. Moist serous discharge actively appears, often liquid and colorless - this seeps through weakened small-caliber vessels, the liquid fraction of the blood plasma, which in turn provokes forced secretion already on the mucous membrane. Around the nasal passages, on the wings of the nose and the upper lip, irritation appears, caused by the serous components of the secretion - sodium chloride and ammonia.
  3. Third stage. If the child’s immunity is strong enough, the cold can go away in 3–5 days and end in the second stage. If this does not happen, then after some time, you will be able to observe yellow/green mucopurulent discharge from the nose with an almost complete blockage of the nasal passages due to severe swelling. The child breathes exclusively through the mouth, and there is a partial hearing loss due to ear congestion. Under favorable circumstances, after another 3–4 days, the above-described symptoms weaken, the swelling begins to subside and healing occurs 14–18 days after the onset of the runny nose. However, in the absence of proper treatment, in most cases, rhinitis passes into the chronic phase.

Treatment of runny nose in children

A fairly large majority of parents do not perceive a runny nose as an illness and let it take its course, believing that after some time the child’s immunity will cope with the illness on its own. Unfortunately, the modern generation of children has a weakened immune system, which in turn creates certain risks of complications even after a common cold. A child’s runny nose can and should be treated!

It is very important to understand the cause of a runny nose. If a runny nose is caused by ARVI or a common cold, then there is no need for “active” treatment. First of all, it is necessary to provide the apartment with fresh air (ventilate frequently). Secondly, make sure that the air in the apartment is humid. Moisten the nasal passage with regular saline or a preparation such as Salina. In 90% of cases, this is more than enough to treat a child’s runny nose.

What to do if your child has a runny nose

  1. First of all, identify the cause of the runny nose, and do not run to the pharmacy for vasoconstrictor medications.
  2. If the child is small, make sure that mucus does not accumulate in the nose; regularly clear the nasal passages of snot using an aspirator. Can your baby blow his nose on his own? Provide him with disposable wipes that he can throw in a bucket after use to wash his hands. Leave tissue handkerchiefs in the last century - bacteria accumulate on them.
  3. Unless absolutely necessary, do not use antipyretic drugs - the body’s correct immune response involves the occurrence of subfebrinal temperature, therefore it is rational to use paracetamol, ibuprofen and other medications only in case of severe fever and the indicator rises above 38 degrees.
  4. Try to protect your child from drafts, while regularly ventilating the rooms where he is located, if necessary, ensuring a normal level of humidity.
  5. Avoid nasal drops based on eucalyptus, mint, milk, etc. oils. - in a child, this can not only aggravate the disease, causing additional irritation, an active allergic response, and in some cases even sinusitis, when a viscous substance enters the nasal sinuses and accumulates there.

Medication

  1. Vasoconstrictor drugs that provide temporary relief of edema - Vibrocil, Brizolin, Otrivin, Nazivin for the appropriate age. They can be used for no more than 10 days in a row, since the mucous membrane quickly becomes accustomed to the main active ingredient of the drug and its effectiveness is significantly reduced. Moreover, with prolonged use, vasoconstrictor drugs can cause the opposite reaction - drug-induced rhinitis.
  2. Rinsing the nasal passages - drugs Dolphin, Aqua-Maris, etc. This is done after using vasoconstrictor drugs and thoroughly blowing your nose. If the child is too small and this procedure cannot be carried out, use the usual instillation of saline solution or preparations like Salina according to the given scheme.
  3. Local use of antiseptics and anti-inflammatory drugs - Avamis or analogues.
  4. If the runny nose is of an allergic nature, use antihistamines Loratadine in tablets or Erius in syrup.
  5. Antiviral and antibacterial local drugs. In the case of a confirmed infectious nature of the disease, use local antibiotics and antiviral sprays, such as Bioparox, Isofra.
  6. The use of non-narcotic analgesics and antipyretics of low toxicity with an antipyretic effect as needed - paracetamol, ibuprofen in tablets, rectal suppositories or syrup.
  7. The use of immunomodulators in instillation solutions (Derinat) or tablet/syrup forms based on interferon and its derivatives/combinations.
  8. Vitamin complexes with a high content of vitamin C.
  9. Conservative physiotherapy - diathermy, UHF, UV irradiation, inhalation using a nebulizer.

Treatment with folk remedies

Any folk remedies used on a child to treat a runny nose must be agreed upon with the pediatrician!

  1. Squeeze the juice from beets or carrots, dilute it in a 1 to 1 ratio with clean water and place one drop in each nostril three times a day for a week.
  2. Carry out inhalations based on chamomile decoctions or saline solutions.
  3. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in 100 milliliters of water, moisten 2 tampons with the solution and place them in the child’s sinuses for 5 minutes.
  4. Take the required amount of onion and honey in a ratio of 1 to 1, make a mixture of the ingredients as much as possible and take one teaspoon 4 times a day thirty minutes before meals for a week.
  5. Brew 50 grams of pine buds in 1 liter of water, boil the broth for 10 minutes, strain and give the child a glass to drink 4 times a day along with honey or jam.
  6. Take dry mixtures of calendula, yarrow and chamomile in equal proportions. Pour one teaspoon of the mix with a glass of boiling water and place in a water bath (about twenty minutes). Cool, strain and drop two drops into your nose three times a day for a week and a half.
  7. Cut the onion in half, grate the garlic, and place the ingredients on a plate. Let the child breathe in the released phytoncides until a slight burning sensation appears in the nose/throat. Repeat the procedure 5-6 times a day until recovery.

Complications after a runny nose in a child

The list of possible complications of a runny nose in children includes the formation of a chronic form of rhinitis, otitis, conjunctivitis, all types of sinusitis, diseases of the lower respiratory tract (laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, tracheitis), and in some cases, meningitis.

Prevention

The basic preventive list of measures to prevent the development of a runny nose in a child includes hardening, normalizing lifestyle with the organization of a proper diet and a full cycle of work/rest/sleep, taking general strengthening and immunomodulatory drugs, as well as the use of external protective ointments applied to the inner surface of the nasal passages (oxolinic ointment) during epidemics, timely treatment of nasopharyngeal pathologies (adenoids, deviated septum, etc.).

Useful video

Runny nose and medications for the common cold - School of Dr. Komarovsky

Komarovsky about children's runny nose

Question answer

How to quickly cure a runny nose in a child at home?

It all depends on the stage of the disease and its type, as well as the individual characteristics of the child’s body. With acute rhinitis and an integrated approach to treatment, complete recovery will occur 7–14 days after the formation of a runny nose. If the disease progresses to the chronic stage, as well as if complications arise, the child may be ill for much longer.

The list of basic general measures includes the use of nasal sprays with a vasoconstrictor effect and local antiseptics with an anti-inflammatory effect, rinsing the nose with saline solution, the use of immunomodulators and vitamin complexes, acupressure in the problem area. If there is no effect, be sure to contact your pediatrician - it is quite possible that the cold is of a viral, bacterial, allergic or other nature, which requires additional diagnostics and the prescription of special therapy.

Please advise remedies for runny nose in children

Some of the available and relatively safe ones include:

  1. Vibrocil. It does not cure, but relieves swelling, which allows you to use any drops and sprays.
  2. Salin, Aqua-Maris - preparations based on ionized saline solution, perfectly moisturize the mucous membrane and partially disinfect it.
  3. Isofra is a local antibacterial nasal spray. Can be used for bacterial rhinitis.
  4. Erius is a powerful antiallergic agent.

A 2 year old child developed a runny nose. What and how to treat?

The list of basic measures for the treatment of a runny nose includes:

  1. Taking vitamin complexes and immunomodulators.
  2. Suctioning nasal secretions to prevent them from accumulating in the sinuses.
  3. Rinse the nose and be sure to have fresh, moist air in the apartment.
  4. Use of local antiseptics.
  5. Physiotherapy.
  6. Inhalations with a nebulizer.
  7. In some cases, antiviral, antibacterial and antiallergic therapy is prescribed - here you need to consult a doctor who will prescribe an individual course of treatment.

What to do if a 3-year-old child has a persistent runny nose?

If a runny nose continues for more than two weeks, then, as a rule, it goes into a chronic stage or additional complications have been added to the underlying disease. Self-medication in this situation is ineffective, so contact a pediatrician who will prescribe a comprehensive diagnosis and prescribe an individual course of therapy.

Will inhalation help with a runny nose if the child is 1 year old?

Inhalations can be used as an additional therapy in the treatment of a runny nose. It is better to carry it out using a nebulizer, using saline solution, Borjomi water or chamomile-based herbal decoctions as the main reagent.

Is it possible to make mantu when you have a runny nose?

Mantoux is an immunological test for the presence of tuberculosis infection in the body. If a runny nose was caused by a viral, bacterial, fungal infection, or is a consequence of another disease, then the test may give an incorrect result. Accordingly, it is rational to make manta only if your baby is completely healthy for at least two weeks after the last illness.

Source: http://www.doctorfm.ru/sickness/nasmork-u-rebenka

Runny nose in children. Causes, stages of development, symptoms and treatment of runny nose in children

What is a runny nose?

Anatomy and function of the nasal cavity

Anatomy of the nasal cavity

Functions of the nasal cavity

  • filtering of inhaled air;
  • protective function;
  • function of warming the inhaled air.

Filtration of inhaled air

The air passing through the nasal cavity must be filtered. The filtration function is carried out by the ciliated epithelium of the mucosa. Numerous villi of the mucous membrane, moving in different directions, clean the air from dust particles and other foreign objects. This is why it is important to always breathe through your nose. If the nose is stuffy and the child begins to breathe through the mouth, the air is not cleaned and enters the body as contaminated.

The work of epithelial cilia is also aimed at eliminating ( removing ) foreign objects from the respiratory tract. This could be poplar fluff, pieces of wool and other objects. Getting into the nasal passages, they irritate the receptors embedded in the mucous membrane. Irritation of the receptors leads to muscle contraction, resulting in the implementation of an unconditioned protective reflex - sneezing. Thanks to sneezing, all pathological elements are removed from the upper respiratory tract.

The nasal cavity also warms the inhaled air, which plays a particularly important role in cold seasons. This function of the nose prevents the lower respiratory tract from becoming cold. Entering the nasal cavity, the air passes into the nasopharynx, and from it into the larynx and bronchi. Passing this entire path, the air warms up and at the moment when it reaches the lungs, it does not lead to hypothermia of the mucous membrane.

Causes of runny nose in children

Infectious causes of runny nose in children

  • acute respiratory diseases ( ARI );
  • viral infections – adenoviruses, rhinoviruses, coronaviruses;
  • Infectious mononucleosis;
  • bacteria;
  • fungi.

As a rule, a runny nose in children is caused by viruses that provoke acute respiratory viral infection ( ARVI ). Transmission of the virus is known to occur through airborne droplets. Particles of saliva containing viruses enter the external environment when the patient sneezes or coughs. After this, the viruses enter the nasal mucosa of an already healthy person. While in the nasal cavity, they very quickly penetrate epithelial cells ( mucosal cells ) and begin to actively multiply there. Viruses remain in the nasal mucosa for 1 to 3 days. During this time, they violate the integrity of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. It becomes thinner and more permeable to pathogenic microorganisms. The ciliated epithelium ceases to perform its functions. Thus, conditions are created for the addition of a bacterial infection. This is one of the reasons why a viral infection very quickly becomes complicated by a bacterial one.

Non-infectious causes of runny nose in children

  • environmental factors - dust, smoke, strong smelling substances;
  • allergenic factors - fluff, wool;
  • injuries;
  • foreign bodies.

Allergic rhinitis in children

The clinical picture of an allergic rhinitis is the same as that of an infectious rhinitis, but at the same time symptoms such as sneezing and itching are added.

  • nasal congestion;
  • rhinorrhea ( discharge of liquid contents from the nasal cavity );
  • sneezing;
  • itching in the nasal cavity.

Allergic rhinitis in rare cases is limited only to the nasal mucosa. Often the inflammatory process extends to the paranasal sinuses. Therefore, doctors often use the term “rhinosinusitis”, since it more fully reflects the pathogenetic process. Despite the fact that allergic rhinitis seems to be a completely harmless disease, it significantly affects the child’s quality of life. Children who suffer from a runny nose for a long time have poor school performance and sleep disturbances.

  • April - May - due to pollination of trees such as birch, alder, hazel;
  • June - July - associated with pollination of cereal grasses such as timothy and fescue;
  • August - September - due to the pollination of weeds such as wormwood, quinoa and plantain.

Other causes of allergic rhinitis can be food and mold allergens. In this case, the exacerbation of the disease is associated with eating certain foods. House dust mites, animal epidermis, and wool can act as non-food allergens.

Stages of development of a runny nose

  • reflex stage;
  • catarrhal stage;
  • stage of recovery or infection.

Reflex stage of development of a runny nose

This is the first stage of the development of a runny nose and lasts only a few hours. Due to reflex vasoconstriction, the mucous membrane becomes pale. The epithelium stops producing mucus, which provokes symptoms such as dryness, burning in the nasal cavity, and repeated sneezing. There is also a headache, lethargy and a sore throat. It should be noted that when a runny nose occurs, both nasal passages are affected at once, so the above symptoms are felt in both nasal passages.

The second stage of the development of a runny nose lasts from 2 to 3 days. During this stage, vasodilation occurs, which provokes swelling of the nasal turbinates. Children complain of a feeling of nasal congestion and difficulty breathing through the nose. If the cause of a runny nose is a viral infection, then profuse, clear, watery discharge from the nose ( rhinorrhea ) is noted. Symptoms such as decreased sense of smell, watery eyes, stuffy ears, and a nasal tone of voice also appear. This stage is also accompanied by an increase in body temperature to subfebrile levels ( 37.2 – 37.5 degrees ). At this stage, the nasal mucosa becomes bright red and swells greatly, making breathing difficult. This, in turn, leads to the disappearance of the sense of smell and a deterioration in the perception of taste ( this is explained by the fact that olfactory receptors are embedded in the nasal mucosa ). Sometimes lacrimation, congestion and tinnitus also occur.

The third stage of the development of a runny nose can follow two paths - recovery or the addition of bacterial inflammation. In the first case, the general condition improves, the function of the epithelium is restored. Nasal breathing begins to become freer, mucus secretion normalizes, and the sense of smell is restored. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs, the child’s general condition also initially improves. However, nasal discharge becomes greenish in color and becomes thicker. Further development of the disease depends on how far the infection has progressed. If pathogenic microorganisms have reached the bronchi, then there is a high probability of developing bronchitis.

On average, a runny nose of an infectious nature lasts from 7 to 10 days. With good immunity and quickly started treatment, recovery can occur as early as 2–3 days. With weakened body defenses and inadequate treatment, a runny nose lasts up to 3 to 4 weeks. In this case, it can also become chronic or lead to the development of complications.

Symptoms of a runny nose in a child

  • feeling of nasal congestion;
  • rhinorrhea;
  • sneezing;
  • lacrimation.

The feeling of nasal congestion is the result of swelling of the mucous membrane, which, in turn, develops due to increased vascular permeability. Fluid from the vessels is transuded ( out ) into the mucous membrane, leading to its swelling. Swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity also leads to impaired drainage of the paranasal sinuses and middle ear, which creates favorable conditions for the activation of conditionally pathogenic flora. As soon as the nature of the mucus from the nasal cavity changes, namely it becomes cloudy and greenish, this means that a bacterial infection has attached.

  • acute rhinitis;
  • chronic rhinitis;
  • atrophic rhinitis;
  • vasomotor rhinitis.

Acute rhinitis

Acute rhinitis in children usually occurs in the form of nasopharyngitis, that is, with the involvement of the laryngeal mucosa in the inflammatory process. Inflammation can also spread to the nasopharynx ( with the development of adenoiditis ), middle ear or larynx. Due to rapidly increasing edema in infants, the act of sucking is disrupted, which leads to weight loss, sleep disturbances, and increased excitability. Acute rhinitis is especially severe in premature, weakened children with chronic foci of infection.

This type of runny nose is characterized by impaired nasal breathing with alternating congestion in one or the other half of the nose. In chronic rhinitis, the nature of nasal discharge can be serous, mucous or purulent. Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis differs in its duration. Nasal congestion is characterized by a more permanent nature, and the most important thing is that this symptom does not go away after using vasoconstrictor drops. In addition to difficulty breathing through the nose, sick children are bothered by headaches and poor sleep. The nasal mucosa is usually pale pink, reddish or bluish.

In chronic atrophic rhinitis, the main symptom is a feeling of dryness in the nose. Patients also complain of the formation of crusts, a feeling of pressure in the nasal cavity and headaches. The contents of the nose are always thick in consistency and have a yellow-greenish tint. As a rule, the volume of pathological mucus in atrophic rhinitis is small. However, if pus is present in large quantities, this can lead to the spread of the chronic process to the mucous membrane of the pharynx and larynx.

This form of rhinitis is characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and copious discharge. The development of vasomotor rhinitis is based on neurovegetative disorders that cause a sharp spasm of the nasal vessels.

Cough and runny nose in a child

Fever and runny nose in a child

Runny nose due to rhinovirus infection

Profuse runny nose, accompanied by sneezing and congestion. The mucous discharge from the nose is always copious.

The temperature varies within normal limits, sometimes reaching 37.5 degrees.

Runny nose due to adenovirus infection

Runny nose with moderate mucous discharge and nasal congestion.

The temperature varies from 38 to 39 degrees.

Runny nose due to rotavirus infection

A runny nose and other respiratory symptoms are combined with manifestations of gastroenteritis - vomiting, diarrhea.

The temperature rose sharply to 39 degrees.

Runny nose due to respiratory syncytial infection

Runny nose, quickly complicated by the development of bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

There is a moderate low-grade fever ( 37 – 37.2 degrees ), rarely the temperature rises to 38 degrees.

Runny nose without fever in a child

Runny nose in infants

Complications of a runny nose in children

  • rapid fatigue;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • memory loss;
  • development of chronic rhinitis and sinusitis;
  • stop in the physical development of the child;
  • deformation of the facial skeleton and chest bones;
  • disruption of metabolic processes;
  • disruption of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems;
  • development of allergic reactions.

Treatment of runny nose in children

  • The room in which the child is located must be well ventilated.
  • The humidity in the room should not be less than 50 - 60 percent.
  • If a runny nose is accompanied by a fever, then the child must be provided with an adequate water regime - often, but little by little, give boiled water at room temperature.
  • During a cold, it is not recommended to force-feed your child.
  • It is necessary to regularly remove accumulated mucus from the nasal passages.
  • To relieve symptoms ( but not to eliminate the causes of the runny nose ), you can use vasoconstrictor drugs, which, in turn, are selected based on age.
  • It is important to know that the maximum time for using any vasoconstrictor should not exceed 5 - 7 days.

If a runny nose is complicated by a bacterial infection, the doctor will also prescribe antibacterial agents. It is recommended to bury the nose with slightly warmed drops. To do this, lower the bottle of medicine into a container of warm water for several minutes. To instill, you need to tilt your head back, then inject 2 - 3 drops into each nasal passage. After the first nasal passage has been dripped, it is necessary to tilt your head down, but at the same time press the nostril to the nasal septum. Then do the same with the other nasal passage. This manipulation will prevent the drops from being swallowed, as often happens.

Drops and sprays for runny nose in children

It has a vasoconstrictor effect, thereby eliminating swelling.

2 – 3 drops in each nasal passage three times a day, for 5 days.

Has anti-edematous and anti-allergic effects.

Has a vasoconstrictor effect. Also, thanks to the menthol included in the composition, the drops have a cooling effect and give a feeling of freshness.

Effectively cleanses the nasal cavity of accumulated mucus by liquefying it. In addition, it moisturizes the nasal mucosa, facilitating nasal breathing.

Flushes the nasal passages from accumulated mucus, as well as from bacteria and viruses settled on the mucous membrane.

It has a pronounced decongestant effect, eliminating the feeling of nasal congestion.

In the treatment of chronic runny nose in children, the main principle is to increase the body's defenses, that is, immunocorrection. For this purpose, various immunomodulators are prescribed, for example, Imunofan or Immunal. Breathing exercises, massage of bioactive points, and sanatorium treatment are also recommended.

Inhalations for a runny nose in children

A nebulizer is a device in which the medicine is broken into small drops and turned into a mist, which is inhaled by the child through a special tube. The temperature of the drug does not increase, since its transformation occurs under the influence of ultrasound, a membrane or a compressor. Inhalation using such equipment can be carried out at all stages of a runny nose and at any age of the child.

  • inhalation procedures with a nebulizer are carried out 2–4 times a day;
  • the session must be continued for 5–8 minutes;
  • before inhalation, the child should rinse the nasal and oral cavity;
  • After the procedure, you must abstain from eating and drinking for 1 – 2 hours;
  • the medicine is poured into a special chamber using a pipette or syringe ( most often included with the device );
  • solutions used for inhalation must be at room temperature;
  • Before and after the session, parts that come into contact with the medicine or the child’s nasal cavity should be disinfected.

Solutions for inhalation with a nebulizer

Due to the design features of such a device, not all types of remedies traditionally used for a runny nose can be used. Thus, herbal infusions, essential oils and any suspensions, even with the smallest particles, cannot be used in a nebulizer. Nebulizers, which use ultrasound to turn the medicine into a mist, do not use antibiotics. Inhalation of antibiotics can only be carried out using compressor or membrane nebulizers.

A steam inhaler is a device that heats medicine and turns it into steam through a tube. Since such inhalations involve exposure of the mucous membrane to high temperatures, these procedures have a sufficient number of contraindications.

Steam inhalations are excluded at temperatures above 37 degrees, because hot steam will worsen the child’s condition. Steam inhalation is not performed for heart disease, bronchial asthma and a tendency to spasms in the bronchi. The age of a child from which a steam inhaler is permitted is 6 years.

  • one hour before and after the procedure, all physical activity should be avoided;
  • after completing the session, you should not go out into the open air for 2–3 hours;
  • You can eat and drink after 1 – 2 hours;
  • session duration varies from 10 to 15 minutes;
  • number of procedures per day – from 3 to 6;
  • steam temperature ( set on the device ) – from 50 to 60 degrees.

Steam inhalation products

Steam inhalers do not use pharmacological drugs, since when heated they significantly lose their healing properties. The best option for such procedures are various herbal infusions.

Inhalations using household utensils are the simplest method, as they do not require special devices or equipment. In order to carry out this procedure, a hot herbal decoction is poured into any convenient container ( deep bowl, pan ). The child needs to tilt his head over the dish and inhale the hot steam. The inability to regulate the temperature increases the likelihood that the steam will burn the mucous membrane. Also, during such procedures there is a high risk that the container with hot liquid will tip over. Therefore, inhalations using household devices are not recommended for children under 14–16 years of age.

Treatment of runny nose in children with folk remedies

Rinsing the nose for a runny nose in children

There are 2 ways to rinse your nose. The first method is relevant in the initial stages of a runny nose, when there are no symptoms of the disease from other organs. To rinse, the child needs to take the solution into his right palm and close one nostril with the fingers of his left hand. Then you should tilt your head down and draw in the liquid with your free nostrils. After this, you need to spit out the solution and repeat the manipulation with the other nostril.

  • To rinse the nose, the child should lower his head down, and one of the parents should inject the solution into the nasal cavity using a special device. In order to administer the solution, you can use a medical syringe, a small syringe or a rinsing kit ( sold in pharmacies ).
  • The solution is injected without strong pressure into the right nostril. The child's mouth should be open and his tongue should stick out forward. An adult should definitely supervise this moment, as otherwise the child may choke on liquid.
  • Manipulation should be continued until the liquid poured into the nose reaches the oral cavity. After this, the child should spit out the solution and blow his nose.
  • Then you should repeat the manipulation for the left nostril.

Recommendations for nasal rinsing

The main rule of washing, which provides a therapeutic effect, is the regularity of the procedure. You should start rinsing your nose immediately after the first symptoms of a runny nose appear. After signs of improvement occur, rinsing should not be stopped. They need to be carried out until the child recovers completely. To increase the effectiveness of procedures, they should be done in accordance with certain recommendations.

  • You should rinse your nose as mucus accumulates. Be sure to carry out the procedure before bedtime so that the child falls asleep better.
  • The child should be fed before rinsing, as this will eliminate food particles deposited on the mucous membrane of the throat, which can aggravate the inflammatory process. After the session, you should abstain from eating for 1 – 2 hours.
  • The best effect is obtained by alternating different solutions, since each product has a special effect. If it’s time to rinse your nose, but there is no ready-made solution, you can rinse the mucous membrane with clean water.
  • water for washing ( both for use in pure form and for preparing solutions ). If this is not available, it can be replaced with filtered or boiled water.
  • The temperature of the solution should be approximately 37 degrees. Hotter liquids can cause burns, and colder liquids can cause a decrease in local immunity.
  • You should not prepare rinsing compositions for future use. Each time it is necessary to use a fresh, just prepared solution.
  • The total duration of one procedure should be at least 5 minutes, during which 50 - 100 milliliters of solution should be used.
  • When rinsing, you should not strain your muscles too much, make sudden movements with your head, or sniff the solution too vigorously through your nose. The fluid pressure should be moderate, otherwise it may penetrate into the middle ear or paranasal sinuses.

Wash solutions

For washing, herbal remedies ( herbal decoctions ) are used, as well as solutions based on salt, soda, honey and other natural products.

  • Calendula. The solution from calendula has a bactericidal effect and also reduces inflammation in the tissues of the nose.
  • Sage. Disinfects the mucous membrane and makes the mucous contents more loose, as a result of which it is eliminated faster.
  • Coltsfoot. Stimulates local immunity, which promotes faster tissue recovery.
  • St. John's wort. Suppresses the activity of harmful microorganisms and increases the barrier function of the nasal mucosa.
  • Chamomile. It stops the inflammatory process and also reduces pain, as it has an analgesic effect.
  • Oak bark. Due to its enveloping and astringent action, it produces an anesthetic ( pain-relieving ) effect.

To prepare a single serving of decoction, pour a tablespoon of plant material ( dry or fresh ) into a glass of hot water. After 20 minutes of infusion, the product must be filtered and used for rinsing.

  • Salt ( table or sea salt ). Use 2 teaspoons of salt per 250 milliliters of water. The saline solution removes fluid from the tissues, resulting in reduced swelling.
  • Baking soda ). A teaspoon per glass of water. Soda solution promotes the formation of an alkaline environment, which is unfavorable for pathogenic microorganisms.
  • Honey ( natural ). The solution is prepared from a teaspoon of honey and a glass of water. Softens mucous membranes and acts as an antimicrobial agent. When using honey, you should be careful, as this product often provokes allergies.
  • Lemon juice ( freshly squeezed juice ). Due to the large amount of vitamin C, it increases the resistance of tissues to the action of microbes. Prepare a solution of 2 parts juice and 3 parts water.

Nasal instillation for a runny nose in children

Older children can put garlic or onion juice in their nose, but in diluted rather than pure form. When preparing such products, 1 part of onion or garlic juice is combined with 1 part of oil and kept in a steam bath for 15 - 20 minutes. The product should be cooled before use.

  • sea ​​buckthorn oil;
  • rosehip oil;
  • Peach oil;
  • black cumin oil;
  • olive oil and carrot juice;
  • beet juice with any oil;
  • garlic or onion juice and sunflower oil.

Drinking plenty of fluids when children have a runny nose

In order for drinking to bring maximum benefits, you should follow some rules when preparing and drinking tea.

  • the daily fluid intake for a child is determined at the rate of 100 milliliters per 1 kilogram of weight;
  • in order not to put a strain on the kidneys, the entire volume of liquid should be distributed evenly throughout the day;
  • the drink should not have a pronounced sour or sweet taste;
  • The temperature of the drink should be 40 - 45 degrees.

Drink recipes for runny noses in children

Drinks prepared according to traditional medicine recipes can have different effects on the body. Thus, there are teas with antipyretic, expectorant and bactericidal effects. In addition to their main properties, the drinks produce a general strengthening effect, helping the child recover faster. The rules for preparing the drink depend on the starting components.

  • To prepare a product from medicinal herbs, add a teaspoon of the raw material to water, the temperature of which is not higher than 80 degrees. The tea should be consumed 15 to 20 minutes after it has steeped and cooled.
  • If the drink is prepared from fresh fruits or berries, they must be mashed to a pulp and filled with water no hotter than 50 degrees. Take a tablespoon of fruit or berry mixture per glass of water.
  • If the recipe specifies juice as the main component, it should be mixed with water in a 1:1 ratio.

Recipes for preparing drinks to treat runny nose in children

Reduces inflammation, replenishes vitamin deficiency.

Increases sweating, which helps remove toxins.

Thanks to vitamin C, it strengthens the barrier function of the child's body.

Inhibits the activity of many pathogenic microorganisms.

Strengthens the body due to large amounts of ascorbic acid.

Fights inflammation and strengthens the body, reduces intoxication.

It has a diuretic effect, resulting in faster removal of toxins.

Produces a slight calming effect and has an antiseptic effect.

Normalizes appetite and has an analgesic effect.

Reduces muscle pain and overall discomfort.

Relieves inflammation and has an anesthetic effect.

Heat compresses for runny noses in children

The compress should be made in accordance with a number of rules, failure to comply with which can significantly worsen the child’s condition.

  • The procedure cannot be performed if the body temperature exceeds 36.6 degrees. Also, you should not apply a compress if a runny nose is a symptom of a purulent sore throat.
  • The application should be applied to the area of ​​the bridge of the nose and maxillary sinuses. Also, when you have a runny nose, use heat compresses to warm your feet.
  • Compresses are not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

Compress recipes

There are many recipes for compresses to combat nasal congestion, which use alcohol, kerosene and other aggressive substances. Such procedures are not recommended for children, as they can cause skin burns.

  • Potato. Several potatoes need to be boiled, then mashed them, to which you should add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and 2 - 3 drops of iodine.
  • Curd. Fresh granular cottage cheese should be placed under a press to drain all the liquid. After this, the cottage cheese needs to be heated, placed in gauze, formed into a cake and used for a compress.
  • Rye. Prepare a homogeneous mass from rye flour and honey and heat it in a water bath. From the resulting dough you need to form cakes and use them to warm your feet and nose.
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Source: http://www.tiensmed.ru/news/nasmorc-11.html

A child has a severe runny nose

Children, especially preschool age, quite often suffer from a runny nose. After the baby begins to attend kindergarten, the incidence of this disease increases. A severe runny nose in a child causes him a lot of inconvenience, so this condition must be treated. It is best to consult a doctor for this. He will be able to understand the causes of a runny nose in a child and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.

Causes of the phenomenon

The nasal passages become the first defense against airborne microorganisms, harmful substances and dust. The nasal mucosa has special villi that are capable of trapping and collecting unnecessary particles that enter the nasal passages. This is where the air entering the respiratory system is warmed. A runny nose is an increased production of mucus, the purpose of which is to remove harmful substances and pathogenic microorganisms from the nasal passages. Thus, one of the causes of a severe runny nose in a child is an infection that has entered the body. In addition to a runny nose, in this case there may be an increase in temperature, symptoms of general intoxication and signs of damage to other respiratory organs. ARVI, influenza, scarlet fever and other pathologies can cause an infectious runny nose.

But not only an infection can cause a severe runny nose in a child; this symptom is characteristic of an allergic reaction. Allergens can be dust, household chemicals, animal hair, plant pollen, etc. Allergies, in addition to a severe runny nose, are manifested by severe lacrimation, frequent sneezing, discharge of a large amount of mucus from the nose, which has a watery consistency, and difficulty breathing. When contact with the allergen is eliminated, the reaction quickly subsides and disappears completely.

Another form of runny nose is vasomotor rhinitis. The mechanism of its development is associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane, which occurs when its vessels dilate. The causes of vasomotor rhinitis in a child are irritating substances such as cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, etc., eating very hot or spicy foods, nervous disorders and stress. A symptom of this condition is a severe runny nose; pain and heaviness in the head, watery eyes, sneezing, poor health and other signs of illness may also appear.

Severe runny nose in a one-month-old baby

In very young children, the nasal passages are still too narrow, so a runny nose, like other breathing problems, can cause a lack of oxygen supply to the body, which adversely affects the development of the baby. A severe runny nose in a one-month-old baby can be caused by the following reasons:

  1. Excessive dryness of indoor air. This can cause more mucus to be produced, drying out on the walls of the nose and causing crusts to form.
  2. Allergy. It is accompanied by copious transparent discharge, lacrimation, redness and swelling of the nasal mucosa.
  3. Bacterial infection of the nasal cavity. A severe runny nose in a one-month-old baby can be associated with congenital or acquired infections, such as syphilis, diphtheria, measles and others.
  4. Viral diseases.

A runny nose in young children is usually accompanied by refusal to eat, frequent regurgitation, poor sleep, constant restlessness, and mouth breathing. If such symptoms appear, it is better to immediately contact a pediatrician.

A one-year-old child has a severe runny nose

The causes of a severe runny nose in a one-year-old child may be the same as in small children. Most often, a runny nose is caused by an infection or an allergic reaction. Among other things, rhinitis can appear when visiting children's institutions or places with large crowds of people. Since the baby's immune system is not yet fully developed, he becomes infected faster and more easily than adults.

Also, a runny nose in a one-year-old child may appear after long walks in cold or damp weather, with the wrong choice of clothes, getting wet feet, hypothermia, whims, screaming and crying on the street in windy, chilly weather. To eliminate these factors, you need to always dress your baby according to the weather. At the same time, you shouldn’t wrap him up too much, as this also increases the child’s chance of getting sick.

Treatment of acute rhinitis in a child

Treatment of a severe runny nose in a child, in addition to folk remedies or medications, includes the following measures:

  • regular cleaning of the premises;
  • mandatory ventilation (however, the child should not be allowed to stay in a draft);
  • blowing your nose and rinsing your nose;
  • sleep with your upper body elevated;
  • peace and sufficient rest.

To alleviate the condition and reduce discharge, massage and physiotherapy are used. The doctor may prescribe UV irradiation of the nasal and oral cavities. Homeopathic remedies such as Corysalia, Euphorbium Compositum and others are used to treat a severe runny nose in a child.

How to cure nasal congestion at home

A runny nose in a child is most often treated at home. In order to heal your baby faster, you should regularly remove mucous secretions from the nasal passages. For this purpose, special devices, rubber bulbs and other similar devices can be used. To combat a severe runny nose in a child, you can rinse the nose with a weak salt solution, but before doing this you need to consult a doctor.

It is not necessary to buy pharmaceutical drugs as remedies; many folk recipes are also suitable for this purpose. When treating a severe runny nose in young children, you should call a doctor, consult with him about the remedies used and strictly follow his recommendations. In addition to getting rid of the symptoms of the disease, restorative therapy is carried out, aimed at strengthening the immune system and preventing recurrent cases of the disease.

How to treat a severe runny nose in a child

Folk remedies

The action of most drugs for rhinitis is aimed at relieving swelling and inflammation of the mucous membrane. To treat a severe runny nose in a child, you can use folk remedies, because they have much fewer side effects and are not addictive. There are the following recipes for folk remedies for the common cold:

  1. Beetroot or carrot juice is diluted with water and 2 drops are placed in the nose. This remedy can also be used to treat children under 1 year of age.
  2. Fresh Kalanchoe juice is instilled 4 drops in the morning and evening, you can also lubricate the mucous membrane of the nasal passages with this juice using a cotton swab.
  3. The onion needs to be finely chopped and lightly sautéed in a dry frying pan until the onion releases juice. Then a small amount of vegetable oil is added to it and left to infuse for hours. For a runny nose, drop a couple of drops of this remedy into each nasal passage.
  4. In half a glass of water at room temperature, you need to dissolve half a small spoon of salt, then moisten a cotton swab in this solution, which is inserted first into one nostril, then into the other.
  5. Pour a few small spoons of soda into a kettle of boiling water. Alkaline inhalations are performed with the steam released from the nose, which quickly helps get rid of a runny nose. Instead of a soda solution, you can use decoctions of bay leaf, sage, eucalyptus, mint, and chamomile. Be sure to monitor the temperature of the steam so that the child does not get burned.
  6. Sea buckthorn oil is effective for a runny nose; drop 5-7 drops three times a day.
  7. It is useful to instill aloe juice into the nasal passages, previously diluted with clean water 1 to 10. The resulting solution is dripped 3 drops up to 5 times a day into each nostril.
  8. Honey and Kalanchoe juice are mixed in equal parts and added to the St. John's wort infusion. This remedy is drunk three times a day
  9. To lubricate the nasal mucosa, use a mixture of honey and peppermint oil in a 2:1 ratio.
  10. Pour a large spoonful of peppermint into half a liter of boiling water and leave for an hour. Drink 100 ml of the product, adding a little honey to it.
  11. Pine buds (50 g) are poured with cold water, covered with a lid and boiled over low heat for 10 minutes. Then the broth is filtered and drunk every 2-3 hours, sweetened with jam or honey. Inhalation over a hot decoction also helps get rid of runny nose, cough and other respiratory pathologies.
  12. Warming the nose with heated salt poured into a small fabric bag. Instead of salt, you can use a couple of hard-boiled eggs while they are still hot.

Drugs

Treatment of a severe runny nose in children with medications is aimed primarily at eliminating all symptoms of a runny nose and reducing the volume of discharge. For this, drugs with a vasoconstrictor effect are usually used. These include: Nazivin, Vibrocil, Otrivin, Brizolin and others. Products available in the form of sprays have the most pronounced effect. When using these drugs, it is important to carefully monitor the dosage and the body's response to the administration of the drug.

For a runny nose of an infectious nature, the doctor may also prescribe Bactroban ointment or Sulfacyl sodium drops. Both of these agents have a bactericidal effect. To increase the immune properties of the nasal mucosa, Derinat is instilled into them. This remedy helps reduce the severity of symptoms of the disease and reduce its duration.

To get rid of allergic rhinitis, antihistamines such as Claritin, Zyrtec and others are usually prescribed.

Source: http://nasmork-rinit.com/nasmork-u-mladentsev/394-silnyj-nasmork-u-rebenka