A runny nose in a child is a fairly common occurrence. This symptom can manifest itself as an independent disease and may be one of the signs of a viral infection. Regardless of the cause of its occurrence, the treatment of a runny nose in a child should be carried out immediately after the appearance of snot. This problem can be especially difficult in newborns, as various complications can occur. A runny nose can occur for a variety of reasons, which is why it is important to choose the right treatment in each case.
What is a runny nose
Before treating a runny nose in a child, you must first understand its essence. Rhinitis is a rather complex set of symptoms that often occurs when inflammation occurs in the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and paranasal sinuses. The complex of symptoms includes the following signs:
- presence of discharge from the nose of a different nature;
- stuffiness;
- feeling itchy, dry or sore;
- sneeze.
In addition, rhinitis may be accompanied by redness of the nose or tearing. Sometimesdischarge from the nose flows down the back wall, and then a cough joins, especially when the child is lying down.
What are the types
Depending on the cause of a runny nose in a child, treatment is selected purely individually, based on the type of problem. The development of rhinitis is provoked by bacteria, viruses and various allergens, when they enter the body, a protective reaction is activated, aimed at removing the infection from the nose.
Rhinitis is subdivided into:
- spicy;
- chronic;
- vasomotor;
- allergic.
The acute form of the common cold is formed as a result of exposure to the nasal mucosa of bacteria and viruses. This can be with scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles, influenza and many other infectious diseases. Acute rhinitis is characterized by inflammation, swelling, mucous secretions, which become purulent after a few days.
Chronic runny nose occurs with prolonged course of acute rhinitis. Such a violation is characterized by frequent nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, purulent discharge, vascular and mucosal atrophy.
Vasomotor type of rhinitis is not associated with infectious diseases. It is characterized by a violation of the reactions of the nasal cavity, which occurs with improper blood circulation, a decrease in vascular tone. Polluted air, the presence of an irritating odor, and taking certain drugs can also provoke this type of rhinitis.
Allergic rhinitis is due to the high sensitivity of the nasal mucosa to external factors. He can wearseasonal and develops when substances containing allergens are inhaled.
Causes of occurrence
To choose the most effective treatment for a runny nose in a child, you need to know exactly why rhinitis can occur, since infectious and non-infectious factors can provoke it. Infectious causes include viral infections, the causative agents of which can be various pathogens. Fungal and bacterial lesions of the nasal mucosa are much less common and basically they cause the transition of inflammation to the chronic stage.
Among non-infectious causes are:
- dry indoor air;
- hypercooling of the body;
- allergens;
- exposure to irritants;
- presence of a foreign body in the nose;
- side effects of certain drugs.
Quite often, a runny nose is the main symptom of infectious diseases. Nasal discharge is always a symptom of sinusitis or sinusitis.
Treatment rules
It is strictly forbidden to independently treat a runny nose in a child, which is why you need to first consult with a doctor who can choose drugs and other methods of therapy. It is very important to give the baby as much to drink as possible, especially warm mineral water, fruit compote, tea or fruit drink. Drinking plenty of water is a very good way to deal not only with a runny nose, but also with other colds.
It is important to review the usual diet during the course of the disease. It is best to consume light and he althy food, as the child's body will spend a lot of energy on digesting heavy food.
It is possible to quickly and effectively treat the common cold in children with the help of medications. Medicines differ in their composition, since they contain similar biologically active substances that can affect a person's well-being. The most popular drugs are various: drops, aerosols, sprays. They help to quickly cope with nasal congestion and the main symptoms of malaise. However, not all drugs contribute to the elimination of the very problem of rhinitis, they simply make the patient feel better.
Using drugs
For the treatment of a runny nose in a child of 2 years, you can use special solutions for washing. This is a very simple and effective way to deal with rhinitis in the early stages, preventing the subsequent aggravation of the condition. Washing should be carried out immediately after the first signs of the disease. Usually, nasal drops such as Dolphin, Aqua Maris, Otrivin, Salin, and Aqualor are used for this.
To treat a runny nose in children quickly, you can use nasal drops, which can be:
- moisturizing;
- vasoconstrictor;
- antiviral;
- combined;
- homeopathic;
- antibacterial.
Among the vasoconstrictors you needhighlight such as Naphthyzin, Sanorin, Galazolin, Xilen. These medicines help to relieve nasal congestion very quickly and effectively, but only for a while.
Moisturizing drops are based on sea water, the healing properties of which have been known since ancient times. They are great to help fight a runny nose and related symptoms. It is worth noting that they have practically no side effects and contraindications. The most popular moisturizing drops are such as Physiomer, Aqualor, Salin.
Effective treatment of a runny nose in a child of 2 years old can be done with the help of homeopathic remedies. These drugs include Delufen, Edas-131, Pinosol. They differ from other products in their composition, as they contain mainly plant components. The effect of their use can be seen in just a few procedures. In addition, such drugs help increase immunity, have antiviral and antibacterial effects. However, it is worth remembering that if a child is allergic to certain components of the drug, then it is strictly forbidden to use it. In addition, you must first consult with your doctor.
Quality treatment can be carried out using drops that have an antibacterial effect. Among such drugs, one can single out Bioparox, Isofra, Fugentin, Polydex. Combined remedies help to treat the common cold in children quickly and efficiently. They contain in their compositionseveral biologically active substances designed to fight the common cold and related symptoms. The composition of such drops includes antihistamines, antibiotics and vasoconstrictor components. For example, Vibrocil drops are considered a good remedy.
Antiviral and immunomodulating agents contain interferon in their composition. This substance is similar to that produced by the human body when an infection enters. Among the most popular means are such drops as "Genferon", "Nazoferon", "Grippferon". In addition, you can purchase capsules with dry interferon, which is diluted with water and then instilled into the nose. These drugs have no side effects, which is why they are suitable for treating even infants.
When infectious diseases occur, fever, runny nose and cough are observed. Basically, this happens when viruses enter the body. With improper and untimely therapy, viruses and bacteria can enter the lower respiratory tract. To treat a runny nose and cough in children, you can use special compresses, consume plenty of fluids. If the cough is dry and prolonged, then the use of expectorants such as Bromhexine or Muk altin may be required. It is very important to apply moisturizing drops, ventilate the room and ensure that the required humidity is maintained in the room.
When choosing a drug, it is important not to make a mistake with the purpose of the drug according to the child's age, dosage and duration of therapy. Deviation from doctor's ordersprovoke various complications.
Folk remedies
You can treat a runny nose in children with folk remedies, the most popular of which are:
- phytotherapy;
- drink plenty;
- aromatherapy;
- reflexology;
- breathing exercises;
- outdoor walks.
For therapy, it is recommended to consume lingonberry or cranberry juice. Treatment of a runny nose in children with folk remedies involves the use of decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, such as St. John's wort, chamomile, raspberry leaves, linden flowers, and some others. You can brew these plants individually or mix several.
Essential oils help eliminate pathogens and viruses. You can use various aroma lamps for this, as well as put a saucer with chopped onions or garlic next to the bed.
Sufficiently effective treatment of the common cold in children can be with the help of reflexology. Hot foot baths with the addition of mustard powder help well. You can attach mustard plasters to the soles of your feet for a few minutes or put mustard powder in your socks and leave it on all night.
Treatment of a runny nose in children with folk remedies involves walking in the fresh air, especially in a coniferous forest. While walking, blood circulation is activated, active substances are released that increase the body's resistance.
For older children, nasal lavage can be done. To do this, you can use a solution of sea s alt, baking soda, honey water, diluted lemon juice.
To treat a runny nose in children with folk remedies quickly, you can use carrot or beet juice, freshly squeezed juice of coltsfoot leaves. In addition, you can lubricate the nasal mucosa with fresh juice of Kalanchoe leaves. Before using such therapies, consultation with the attending physician is required.
Possible Complications
With proper therapy, a runny nose disappears literally in 2-3 weeks, however, in the absence of the required treatment, the pathological process can become chronic. The constant exacerbation of rhinitis in the future can be expressed in the form of various complications that can develop with insufficient oxygen supply to the cells of the brain and other organs. In particular, this can provoke:
- development of adenoids;
- developmental delay;
- violation of metabolic processes;
- impaired functioning of the respiratory and cardiovascular system;
- development of allergic bronchitis.
Adenoids - an overgrowth of the lymphoid tissue of the tonsils, which leads to a constant difficulty in nasal breathing. Lack of oxygen leads to fatigue, memory loss, sleep disturbance.
Regardless of the cause, a runny nose is a very dangerous symptom. It prevents the child from sleeping normally, very often provokes a coughing fit, anxiety and headache. In addition, difficultbreathing provokes oxygen starvation of the brain. With improper treatment, an infectious rhinitis can develop into sinusitis, as well as otitis media or eustachitis. Inflammation can pass into the bone process located behind the auricle. It will be possible to carry out treatment only through surgical intervention.
Rhinitis in baby
Before treating a runny nose in a baby, you need to determine the cause of the occurrence of copious discharge from the nose. Be sure to consult with a pediatrician and only then apply medications. To alleviate the condition of the baby and eliminate nasal congestion, you can wash the nose. In addition, the nasal cavity should be cleaned of accumulated snot using special nasal aspirators. This device is available from pharmacies or baby stores.
Treatment of a runny nose in children according to Komarovsky implies the use of nasal lavage products, adherence to the daily routine, and air humidification. From 2 months, you can use special medicines to thin the mucus, which help to remove it from the sinuses. Among the most popular medications are Otrivin, Nazivin, Aquamaris, Salin.
Danger of runny nose in babies
In a newborn, even a slight runny nose can provoke a number of complications that often pose a threat to the life of the baby. Rhinitis is accompanied by swelling of the mucosa, which leads to difficultybreathing. As a result of this, the baby becomes restless, lethargic, nervous, and cries very often. However, there may be fever, convulsions, perspiration and sore throat. In addition, diarrhea and gag reflex may occur. This leads to dehydration and rapid weight loss. This condition is very dangerous for newborns, as it can lead to the death of a child in just a few hours.
In a baby, a runny nose can provoke suffocation from mucus accumulated in the nose. If it enters the respiratory tract, damage to the lungs, bronchi, the formation of pneumonia and bronchitis can occur. Nasal congestion can lead to disruption of the feeding process, during which the baby has to tear himself away from the breast or bottle and take in air through his mouth. As a result of this, oxygen enters the intestines, provoking increased gas formation, intestinal colic, which further aggravates the baby's condition. In addition, a runny nose in infants can lead to chronic pathologies.
Prophylaxis
It is very important to carry out timely prevention in order to prevent the occurrence of a runny nose. You need to lead a he althy lifestyle, carry out daily cleaning in the house, often walk in the fresh air, temper.
You should keep all required vaccinations up to date, including against the flu, as this will help prepare and strengthen the baby's immune system. It is important to constantly keep the nasal mucosa moist, and for this you can use a spray with sea water orsaline. A runny nose can be a very serious problem for a child, which is why it is important to treat and prevent it in a timely manner.
