In babies, a runny nose occurs more often than in adults and is usually more severe. Young children cannot blow their nose on their own, and mothers have to show miracles of ingenuity in order to rid the baby of mucus accumulated in the nose. In older children, treatment is often hampered by overgrown adenoids - this is how doctors call inflamed nasopharyngeal tonsils.

Banal at first glance, a runny nose can also cause more formidable ones, such as sinusitis or otitis media. At the same time, it happens that snot appears in healthy children, and here the main task of parents is to consider and try to eliminate the cause.

Nasal congestion in a child may occur due to too dry air in the apartment. In this case, it is enough to open the window more often. If this is not enough, but you don’t want to use purchased air humidifiers, you can hang a damp towel on the steam heating battery.

Sometimes the reaction makes the baby sniffle. Watch the child. Perhaps he begins to rub his nose when a cat appears nearby, or after he eats some particular food.

Or maybe you recently bought him a new toy or changed the washing powder? Be sure to tell your doctor about your guesses and try to get rid of the likely allergen as soon as possible.

The cause of difficulty breathing in children may be a foreign object that an inquisitive baby accidentally put into the nasal passage. If you suspect that this has happened, do not try to examine the child yourself or, even worse, get a foreign object. Seek immediate medical attention.

However, the most common cause of a runny nose in children is an acute viral infection. In this case, the snot helps the baby's body to overcome the infection. However, they "work" only if they do not linger in the nose. Turning into a thick mass that makes breathing difficult, the snot turns into an excellent breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.

How to get rid of snot in a child

Use an aspirator

If the snot is liquid, then a special aspirator, which is easy to buy at a pharmacy, will help remove them from the nasal passages.

Put saline in your nose

Saline solution will not thicken the mucus that has accumulated in the nasal passages. Saline can be used to combat the common cold even in newborns and infants. It is necessary to instill saline solution 2-3 drops into the nasal passages previously cleaned with an aspirator.

The technique is as follows: the baby is placed on a barrel, instilled into the spout from a pipette, and then picked up. This procedure can be carried out up to five times a day.

Older children can not only instill saline solution into the nose, but also inhale it through a nebulizer. You can rinse your nose with a syringe or a special Dolphin device, which is sold at a pharmacy. It is important not to overdo it here: the pressure should not be too strong, otherwise the infection can get into the sinuses or the middle ear cavity.

It is not necessary for a child from the age of one to lay on its side. Have your baby sit down and ask him to tilt his head slightly. Gradually pouring saline into the nasal passage, wait until it pours out along with the mucus, and repeat the same for the other nasal passage.

Ask your child to blow his nose

It is important that the baby blows his nose carefully and without tearing, first pinching one nostril with his finger, and then the second.

An important detail: before washing the nose of a preschool child, explain to him the essence of the procedure and try to turn this procedure into a game. If the baby is afraid to flush the nasal passages or resist it, you will not be able to rinse the nose well.

How to teach a child to blow his nose

Ideally, teaching a child to blow his nose should be when he is healthy, and do it in a playful way. Offer to play "locomotive" or "hedgehog", explain how the spout should puff and blow out air.

If the baby is sick, you can teach him to blow his nose when he does not have difficulty breathing. Pinch one nostril with your finger and ask the child to blow through his nose, but do not provoke him to blow too much air. Repeat the procedure for the other nostril.

What to do if thick snot prevents the child from breathing

When the snot becomes thick, and nasal breathing is very difficult, vasoconstrictor drops are indispensable. You can only use those that are recommended for young children.

Instillation into the spout of saline in this case will also be very appropriate. It will gradually make the snot more liquid.

What to do if a runny nose does not go away

Be sure to take your child to the doctor if:

• runny nose does not go away within a few days;
• snot acquired a yellow tint;
• child complains.

Otitis media often becomes a complication of a prolonged runny nose. You can suspect otitis in a baby if the baby cries out during feeding, or constantly rubs the ear.

Is it worth it to use "folk" remedies for the treatment of the common cold

There are a lot of recipes for the treatment of the common cold with "folk" remedies. But there are even more complications that can lead to a passion for alternative medicine. Let's look at some of the most popular methods.

ENT doctors are horrified when mothers tell how beetroot, onion or garlic juice was instilled into the child's nose. Some mothers use Kalanchoe juice to free the baby's nose from the accumulation of mucus. It is diluted with water 1/1 and instilled a couple of drops into each nostril. The kid sneezes heartily and thus blows his nose. Doctors do not really like this method: there is always a danger.

It is not uncommon to hear that nursing mothers treat a runny nose in children by instilling breast milk into their noses. There is no benefit from this, but the harm is obvious. Milk is an excellent environment for the development of microorganisms.

Another way to treat a runny nose without drugs is dry mustard. It can be poured into the socks of a child older than two or three years, but only if the baby does not have a temperature. Mustard has a warming effect, heat affects the reflexogenic zones, and the runny nose gradually recedes.

But it is not worth warming up the sinuses, especially with prolonged rhinitis, without consulting an ENT doctor. Thus, you can provoke sinusitis.

The nose is a zone in which cleansing, warming, moisturizing and delaying pathogens take place. Insufficient immunity in young children and the presence of tighter, winding nasal passages, which trap mucus to a greater extent, lead to the development of a runny nose.

In connection with the transition of a child's runny nose to sinusitis, otitis media, etc., it is necessary to know how to quickly cure snot in a child.

Weak immunity is the main cause of snot in children whose body cannot resist pathogenic bacteria on its own.

Other causes of a runny nose in children:

• strong temperature difference;
• the influence of allergic irritants (animal hair, dust, pollen, etc.);
• infections;
• colds reinforced by viruses;
• diseases with circulatory disorders (kidney disease, heart disease);
• climate change accompanied by temperature fluctuations;
• the use of drugs that lead to a decrease in the functionality of the nasal mucosa.

Types of runny nose

Medicine distinguishes 7 basic types of the common cold:

• vasomotor- refers to chronic diseases, manifests itself in response to infections, alcohol, strong odors, dust, etc.
• caused by allergens- subtype of vasomotor;
• infectious origin- isolated viral and bacterial. The most unreliable is bacterial, as it accompanies measles, influenza, etc.

• medicinal- the reaction of the mucous membrane to medicinal vasoconstrictor drugs;
• as a result of injury, unsuccessful surgical intervention;
• hypertrophic- as a result of exposure to dust and harmful gases, nasal conchas and mucous membranes increase;
• atrophic or fetid runny nose- crusts and purulent discharge with a pungent odor appear in the atrophied mucous membrane.

Runny nose stages

Otolaryngologists distinguish the following stages of the course of a runny nose with inherent signs:

1. Initial or reflex stage. It manifests itself when exposed to temperature fluctuations and external stimuli. Signs of the initial stage:

• dryness in the nose;
• itching and burning;
• headache;
• difficulty breathing through the nose;
• sneezing.

It is difficult to identify these signs in children, except for cases of an increase in body temperature to 37.5 degrees. Important! The duration of the initial stage in different people varies from several hours to several days.

1. The second stage or catarrhal. Duration 2-3 days. Signs:

• swelling of the nasal mucosa and turbinates;
• secretion of a clear liquid;
• impossibility of nasal breathing;
• lack of smell;
• the presence of lacrimation;
• change in voice tone.

1. Third stage. It occurs on the 5th day of the disease with the addition of a bacterial infection, which is accompanied by a viscosity of yellow or green discharge with a pungent odor. This is due to the presence of inactive bacteria and white blood cells. The third stage is the final one. By the end of it, relief comes and breathing becomes freer.

The duration of the condition directly depends on the immune system. With a high resistance of the body, a runny nose lasts 3 days and ends in the initial stages.

Otherwise, the disease lasts up to 4 weeks and is accompanied by fever. Incorrect treatment leads to a chronic form of the disease.

Runny nose diagnosis

Diagnostics is complex:

• laboratory diagnostics: blood test during hospitalization of children under 3 years old, in simple cases - detection of leukogram, immunofluorescence of prints from the nasal mucosa - detection of viral antigens and respiratory viruses, isolation of mycoses - PCR swabs from the throat or nose;
• instrumental methods: in complex cases, rhinoscopy to detect edema and hyperemia;

• differential diagnosis: with prolonged treatment to exclude the non-infectious nature of the disease, anamnesis, examination by a doctor, endoscopy of the oral cavity, fibroscopy, ultrasound scanning.

How to clean the nose of snot for a newborn

Due to the narrowness of the nasal passages in a newborn, any amount of mucus interferes with full breathing through the nose. Sneezing is the only available way to clear the nose for a small child.

Other ways can only be realized with the help of adults. If the nose is not cleared, the baby will not be able to sleep, suckle, etc. In addition, the mucus in the nose causes inflammation of the nasopharynx.

Before cleansing the nose, it is necessary to moisten it with saline or a special agent (Aquamaris, Aqualor). To moisturize, drip 2 drops of the product into the nostril, after a certain period of time, the crusts in the nose will become soft and easily cleaned without additional effort.

Sprays intended for adults are not suitable for small children. This is not due to the composition, but to the spray force, due to which the solution enters the ear from the nasopharynx.

At home, you can prepare a saline solution yourself: mix 5 g of salt in 1 liter of boiled water.

Remedies for cleaning the nose of a small child:

• cotton wool bundles- a simple cleaning method: a cotton tourniquet is soaked in saline and the nasal cavity is cleaned with gentle movements in a circle. It is performed 3-4 times a day according to the established schedule.
• small enema(syringe No. 1) or nasal aspirator: collection of mucus from a fully wrung out state. The air is squeezed out outside the nasal passage, otherwise the mucus will end up in the middle ear. After each procedure, thorough cleansing with warm water;

• nasal suction or nasal suction- a tube with a mouthpiece on one side and a cone-shaped nozzle on the other. The nozzle is placed in the nose of a child, the mouthpiece is inserted into the mouth of an adult. The valve prevents mucus from entering the sucker's mouth. Blow out the collected mucus from the device. The nozzle is disposable and is not intended for reuse;

• electronic means of special purpose- gentle suction of mucus by inserting the tip into the nasal passage of the child. Mucus is collected in a special container on the device.

Violation of the safety of the procedure for cleansing the nasal passages in young children leads to the following negative consequences:

• bleeding- the possibility of damage to the nasal passages is great with the careless introduction of cleansing agents into the nostril or inaccurate removal of mucus;
• ear disease- fluid in the ear and its inflammation.

Important! When cleaning a child's nose, it is forbidden to use oil solutions, cotton swabs, sprays and to minimize the use of vasoconstrictor drugs.

Washing

Washing is used both to quickly cure the snot in a child, and to maintain hygiene. During the procedure, dust particles are removed, the nasal mucosa is moistened to prevent cracks, the feeling of discomfort is reduced, especially during the heating season. In addition, washing is the prevention of colds.

The habit of children to pick their nose is defeated by timely washing of the nose.

How to quickly cure snot in a child? Flushing is a great way to get rid of snot quickly.

• deviated nasal septum;
• impassable channels;
• otitis;
• neoplasms on the mucosa;
• nosebleeds.

For a child's nose, drops and sprays are used, including a soft shower. The jet is not used for children under 3 years of age. Pharmaceutical preparations are preferable to home-made preparations, as they are safer and the dose of the medicine is clearly calculated in them.

Washing agents:

• boiled water- washes away mucus without therapeutic effect. Daily use is possible;
• medical saline solution- use every day with a pipette. It is preferable to use preparations containing natural sea salt;
• sea ​​salt solution- saturates the nasal mucosa with moisture, accelerates regeneration processes, relieves swelling and inflammation, antiseptic.

Important! Salt solutions made at home are harmful by introducing additional pathogens, including infection.

• isotonic drops and sprays- antiseptic agents based on sea salt, similar in composition to blood plasma. Such drugs are considered by experts as the most effective and comfortable in the rapid treatment of snot in a child.

Pediatricians warn against the use of herbal infusions, Miramistin solution, soda, iodine, etc. for washing the nose in children.

Inhalations

Inhalations are the safest and fastest way to cure snot in both a child and an adult, consisting in the inspiration of steam saturated with herbs or medicines. This method treats a runny nose, moisturizes, restores the nasal mucosa and destroys germs.

The use of a nebulizer simplifies the process of inhalation, due to the distribution of useful elements into the upper and lower respiratory tract. It is important to use non-allergenic drugs. With the help of a nebulizer, inhalation solutions penetrate the bronchi and lungs. When purchasing a model, make sure that it is used with decoctions and mineral water.

Saline-based inhalations are the safest. This composition facilitates the removal of pathogenic microorganisms from the respiratory tract and their treatment.

The rule for the inhalation procedure for newborns: it is done only if it is prescribed by a pediatrician. For older children, the nebulizer will not harm and facilitates the treatment procedure.

Tips for inhalation:

• the device is used only an hour after eating or physical activity;
• it is forbidden to carry out the procedure at elevated temperature;
• oil formulations during inhalation lead to complications of the course of the disease, as well as pneumonia;
• do not talk during the session;
• carefully read the instructions for the drug for age restrictions on the use;
• the course of treatment includes 6-8 sessions lasting 10 minutes.

warming up

Warming is used for viral or bacterial diseases.

Contraindications:

• heat;
• purulent discharge from the nose;
• duration of the disease.

Warming up achieves the greatest effect at the first manifestations of the disease (the appearance of mucus, dryness in the nose, etc.) without an increase in temperature. Otherwise, the procedure leads to negative consequences. With a long illness with suspected complications, this procedure cannot be used.

You can quickly cure snot in a child by heating, if done at least 5 times a day, combined with washing and inhalation of the nose. During warming, blood circulation in the nasal cavity improves, which leads to a decrease in swelling and improved breathing.

To cure snot, you can warm up the nose, combining with washing and inhalation

The optimal raw material for heating is heated salt placed in bags (or socks). During the procedure, take a horizontal position without a pillow and place salt on the sinuses for a quarter of an hour.

Another way is to reheat with hot, hard-boiled chicken eggs wrapped in cloth. The safest way, which contributes to better heat penetration, is heating with a blue lamp. Its effectiveness is due to its ease of use, including when the baby is sleeping. Warm up twice a day for 5-30 minutes, depending on the age of the child.

Pharmacy remedies for the common cold for children

Preparations for infants are aimed primarily at washing. Aqua Maris is an effective remedy for children under 1 year old.

Composed of:

• sea ​​water;
• iodine is a natural antiseptic;
• calcium and magnesium - reduce the amount of mucus;
• zinc and selenium - produces interferon.

The drug is produced in the form of a spray and drops. The spray is not recommended for small children. For them, 4-5 drops per day are enough.

Aqualor, Dolphin, Salin, etc. have an antiseptic effect.

You can quickly cure snot in a young child with a medicine such as protargol or an analogue of Collargol, 2 drops twice a day. Silver in the composition has an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and drying effect.

• Drops Nazivin- a vasoconstrictor drug that reduces swelling and makes breathing easier. Do not use for more than 5 days.
• Drops Nazol Baby- relieves swelling, spreading the vasoconstrictor effect on the child's body. Do not apply for more than 3 days.
• Drops Otrivin Baby- relieves swelling, improves breathing. Use no longer than a week.

For older children, it is advisable to use saline solutions in the form of a spray. These include: Aqualor Baby, Aqua Maris, Physiomer, etc.

Vasoconstrictor drugs include:

• Vibrocil- also has anti-allergic effect. It happens in the form of drops, spray, gel.
• Tizin- for children from 2 years, acts in a minute.
• Nazol Kids- for children from 6 years old, has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Polydex- for children from 2 years old, used for allergic rhinitis 1 time per day.

The antibacterial agent Isofra is prescribed in a course of 7 days, 3 injections per day. Bioparox is a herbal preparation of antibacterial action for children from 12 years old. Important! Cannot be used for allergies.

Often, adults have no choice but to quickly cure a child from snot with the help of pills. These drugs are antiviral in nature: Arbidol, Remantodin, Groprinosin. They are effective only at the beginning of the disease.

At the initial stage of the disease, Cetrin, Loratadin are taken. In the later stages - Claritin, Diazolin, Erius.

For children over 3 years old, homeopathic preparations are used:

• cinnabsin- has anti-inflammatory and immunostimulating properties. Used for sinusitis and runny nose.
• coryzalia- reduces inflammation and nasal congestion, has anti-allergic properties.
• Allium Cepa- anti-cold and anti-allergic drug in the early stages of the disease.
• Gelsemin- anti-infective drug on a plant basis. Can be used for fever, weakness and headache.

Treatment of the common cold with traditional medicine

Recipes:

Treatment of a runny nose in a child according to Komarovsky

Dr. Komarovsky is sure that it is necessary to avoid dryness in the nasal cavity, since pathogenic microflora multiplies there.

In this regard, it is important:

• cleansing, washing and moisturizing the child's nose;
• humidity control, ventilation and wet cleaning in the room.

Vasoconstrictor drugs, from his point of view, do not help in the treatment of the common cold, but only slightly alleviate the condition with subsequent deterioration. Instead of this group of drugs, oil-based drops Ekteritsid are used. For infants, the doctor advises to drip purified olive or vaseline oil 1 time in 3 hours.

A large amount of fluid intake is an important aspect of the treatment of the common cold. The doctor recommends maintaining the temperature in the patient's room at 18 degrees with 70% humidity, opening windows and mopping the floors. The absence of elevated body temperature is an indicator of the patient's walks.

To facilitate breathing, it is necessary to artificially clean the nose with an aspirator, after washing the sinuses with saline. Saline, purchased at a pharmacy or homemade, is indicated for any type of runny nose.

How to cure a chronic runny nose in a child

Chronic runny nose is characterized by thick purulent discharge caused by bacteria. This leads to sinusitis or otitis media.

Treatment:

1. Cleansing the nose from purulent secretions with the help of an aspirator.
2. Washing the nose with saline using a syringe without a needle: pouring the solution into the nostril of a child who has bent over the sink, and pouring it out through the same nostril, otherwise a complication in the form of otitis media is possible. After washing, blow your nose or suck the mucus with an aspirator. Rinse 3 times a day
3. The use of antiseptics: miramistin, isofra, chlorhexidine, etc.
4. If the previous treatment did not help for a week, then physiotherapy is prescribed. At home, it is carried out using the "Sun" device and analogues.

Complications in the absence of treatment

A runny nose that has not been treated or treated incorrectly leads to complications:

• sinusitis- disease of the paranasal sinuses;
• otitis- ear disease;
• bronchitis.

Another complication of a long runny nose is chronic rhinitis, which manifests itself in three degrees of complications. The highest degree is chronic atrophic rhinitis, which is characterized by dryness of the nasal cavity, nosebleeds and difficulty clearing the nose of mucus.

The described complications demonstrate the importance of how to quickly cure the snot in a child and not delay with timely medical care.

Video about the treatment of the common cold in children

Runny nose and treatment from Dr. Komarovsky:

Treatment of the common cold in children:

In the vast majority of cases, bacterial and viral respiratory infections in young children are complicated by a runny nose. Pediatricians diagnose nasal congestion, the discharge of clear liquid or thick greenish mucus. Toddlers cannot fully blow their nose, against the background of lack of air, their sleep worsens, their appetite decreases. How to quickly cure a runny nose in a child is well known to pediatricians and otolaryngologists. After the examination, the doctor will determine the cause of rhinitis and draw up a therapeutic regimen, taking into account the weight and age of the baby, as well as the general state of health and the presence of pathologies in the anamnesis.

The right approach to treatment

Treating snot in infants is especially problematic. In a small nose there is a small number of glands that produce mucus to remove pathogenic bacteria and viruses. In combination with the still not fully formed immunities, the likelihood of the spread of infectious pathogens into the lower respiratory tract increases. Therefore, the treatment of rhinitis in newborns and older children should be started immediately. First of all, parents should create a comfortable microclimate in the child's room. Recovery will be accelerated by the following activities:

• regular ventilation;
• high humidity;
• temperature 20-22°C.

Such conditions will facilitate the child's breathing, moisten the mucous membranes of the upper and lower respiratory tract. If a cold is not accompanied by fever, then pediatricians recommend that parents walk with the baby in the nearest park or square. Often, teething teeth become the cause of a prolonged runny nose in infants. In this case, to eliminate rhinitis and runny nose, doctors prefer to do without the use of pharmacological drugs, and use healing procedures:

• frequent washing of the sinuses;
• inhalation with a nebulizer.

To make breathing easier for older children, applying special warming ointments with essential oils to the heels and back will help - Suprima-Plus, Doctor Mom, Badger. In order to quickly cure the snot in a child, you need to give him a lot of liquid: fruit compotes, berry fruit drinks, jelly, clean non-carbonated water. Drinking plenty of water helps to moisturize the mucous membranes, flush out infectious agents and toxic waste products from them, and effectively eliminates a cold.

Runny nose - a protective reaction of the body to the invasion of infectious agents. In the vast majority of cases, it is not worth treating. Glands located on the nasal mucosa produce a secret that binds viruses and bacteria, and then removes them from the respiratory tract. Starting to treat a runny nose in a baby or a newborn, parents prevent the formation of immunity in the baby. Rhinitis is only a clinical manifestation of a respiratory infection that occurs in a child's body. The flow from the nose will stop without any additional therapy, as soon as its cause is eliminated - tonsillitis, bronchitis, tracheitis. It will not be possible to quickly cure the snot in a child, because any infection lasts at least a week.

In order for a runny nose to pass quickly, you need to give your child a lot of clean water, fruit juices and berry fruit drinks.

Nasal lavage

Vasoconstrictive drops and sprays are not used in the treatment of newborns and infants, therefore, frequent (5-7 times a day) nasal lavages will cure a severe runny nose in a child up to a year old. Before the procedure, parents need to clear the nasal sinuses from accumulated mucus. To do this, use an aspirator or a small syringe.

At home, it is best to wash the nose of children with a solution of rock or sea salt. You can prepare it as follows:

• Boil a liter of filtered water and dilute a teaspoon of salt in it.
• Cool and strain the dilution through several layers of a sterile bandage.

Pharmacies sell ready-made isotonic solution in glass bottles of 200, 400 and 500 ml. It is better to purchase several small packages, since after opening the bottle, the shelf life of the drug is significantly reduced. Sea salt is the active ingredient in many home remedies for the common cold:

• Aqua Maris,
• Otrivin,
• Rinosol,
• Aqualor,
• Physiomer.

Nasal sprays and drops are intended for children from the first month of life. The drugs allow you to treat thick snot in the nasopharynx of a child, which is formed during a respiratory infection. Pediatricians recommend that after washing the nasal sinuses, it is imperative to rinse the throat. The fact is that the sputum that has become more liquid flows down the back wall of the larynx. Most of it will be swallowed by the child, but the rest can provoke inflammation. You can gargle with the same saline solution or infusions of medicinal herbs - marigolds, sage, chamomile.

When washing the nose, the baby should not use a syringe or aspirator. An excessively strong stream of the drug will cause mucus with bacteria or viruses to enter the maxillary sinuses and develop sinusitis. Parents should gently pipette an isotonic solution with a hand holding the child's head.

Vasoconstrictor drops

Almost all sprays and drops for nasal congestion are intended for use in children older than two years. There are only two types of drugs for the treatment of snot in an infant:

• Nazol Baby from 2 months;
• Nazivin from 12 months.

All vasoconstrictor drops and sprays can be used no longer than 3-5 days. Exceeding the therapeutic course will cause the development of medical rhinitis in children, characterized by atrophy of the nasal mucosa. This pathology is difficult to treat and often requires surgical intervention.

For a baby, one drop of the drug is enough to normalize breathing, and a clear liquid stops flowing from the nose. The list of vasoconstrictors for children from two years of age is more extensive:

• Galazolin,
• xylene,
• Naphthyzin,
• Tizin,
• Rhinonorm.

For the treatment of snot in the throat and nose of a child, sprays and drops should be purchased at a reduced dosage, the content of the active ingredient should not exceed 0.05%. If the nose is constantly stuffy, and its mucous membrane is too dry, then it is best to use preparations with a natural composition. These include Pinosol with essential oils of eucalyptus and pine. Manufacturers produce a nasal remedy in the form of drops, spray and ointment for application to mucous membranes. The use of drugs must necessarily alternate with regular nasal lavages with saline solutions. What else can cure a runny nose in a child, you can learn from.

Low-dose vasoconstrictor sprays are used in the treatment of the common cold in young children.

Inhalations

Inhalation will help to cure a prolonged runny nose in a child. For procedures, compressor or ultrasonic nebulizers are used, equipped with special compartments for solutions. The principle of operation of the device is to convert a liquid dosage form into a fine vapor. It penetrates into the nasal passages of the child and is evenly distributed on the mucous membranes, stopping inflammation and eliminating puffiness. For inhalation, the following drugs are used:

• Sinupret in solution;
• Chlorophyllipt;
• 0.9% sodium chloride solution;
• Fluimucil;
• Dioxidine.

Means for inhalation must be properly diluted with an isotonic solution. Its amount is determined by the pediatrician, taking into account the origin of infectious agents, the weight and age of the child. Modern nebulizers are equipped with nasal masks of various sizes, which are designed for both newborns and older children. It is advisable to purchase such a device for parents whose children suffer from respiratory infections more often 5-6 times a year.

To cure a runny nose in infants will allow inhalation with alkaline mineral water. Borjomi, Nagutskaya, Essentuki, Slavyanovskaya, Smirnovskaya have the highest therapeutic efficacy. Mineral waters are not diluted with an isotonic solution, but are poured into the medicine compartment undiluted. This method of rhinitis therapy significantly accelerates recovery, due to moisturizing the nasal membranes, facilitating breathing and regulating the mucus secreted by the glands.

Inhalations with Chlorophyllipt will help ease the baby’s breathing and quickly cope with a runny nose.

Folk remedies

In order to quickly cure a runny nose in infants, traditional healers recommend instilling beetroot or carrot juice into the nasal passages. They should be prepared immediately before use at home. It is strictly forbidden to use store juices because of the content of sugars, dyes and preservatives in them. Doctors warn parents about the inappropriateness and danger of treating a runny nose in an infant with breast milk. It does not contain organic compounds that have any therapeutic effect. If nasal congestion is of bacterial origin, then harmful microbes will multiply very quickly in breast milk.

You can cure a runny nose in a child with folk remedies using infusions of medicinal plants:

• chamomile,
• sage,
• hypericum,
• eucalyptus,
• marigold,
• oregano,
• lemon balm.

To prepare the infusion, you need 2 tbsp. spoons of dry vegetable raw materials pour a liter of boiling water and leave for a couple of hours. After straining, you can proceed to medical procedures. Such infusions are used for washing the nose, gargling. It is great for inhalation in the treatment of snot in the throat. Pour a couple of liters of hot infusion into an enameled container (in this case it is better not to filter it), tilt the child over it, and throw a thick towel on top. The procedure is carried out for 5-10 minutes, and then you should take a half-hour break. With the help of inhalation, green purulent snot in children can be treated, but only in the absence of high temperature.

Quickly cures lingering residual rhinitis by heating the wings of the nose.

For the procedure, you can use boiled chicken eggs, linen bags filled with warm salt or buckwheat. It is strictly forbidden to treat a runny nose in a baby in this way if the pediatrician has diagnosed an acute inflammatory process. Warming up is also not carried out with sharp temperature jumps against the background of any infectious pathology.

To treat a runny nose in a child at home, infusions of medicinal plants are actively used.

allergic rhinitis

Treatment of allergic rhinitis in a child is to identify and eliminate the allergen from the usual way of life. And to get rid of the symptoms of pathology, antihistamines are used in solutions, tablets and nasal sprays. The doctor will help to establish the species of the allergic agent. Diagnosis often takes several days, and sometimes weeks. At this time, parents should alleviate the condition of the baby with daily wet cleaning and frequent airing of the room. Allergy symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes) occur when a pet appears in the family, the use of new household chemicals, and also during the flowering of trees. To reduce their severity, babies are prescribed a course of such drugs:

• Loratadine,
• claritin,
• Suprastin,
• diazolin,
• Tavegil.

For the treatment of allergic rhinitis, antihistamine nasal sprays are used - Flixonase, Allergodil, Nasonex. They contain glucocorticosteroids, so their use is possible only on the recommendation of a doctor. A daily injection of Cromohexal or Cromoglin will help prevent the development of an allergic reaction.

Viral and bacterial rhinitis

It is possible to cure a runny nose in an infant only with the help of frequent washings of the nasal cavity and the creation of a comfortable microclimate in the apartment. In the treatment of rhinitis, antibiotics and antiviral drugs are rarely used. The pediatrician prescribes them only to eliminate the cause of a prolonged runny nose - flu, sinusitis, tonsillitis. If the symptoms of a bacterial infection have disappeared, and the flow from the nose continues, then the use of topical antibiotics is recommended:

• Vibrocil,
• Bioparox,
• Isofra,
• Polydex.

Antiviral agents (Viferon rectal suppositories, Grippferon drops and spray) often exhibit the properties of immunomodulators and can be prescribed to a one-year-old baby or newborn to increase the body's resistance to infectious pathogens.

If parents began to treat thick snot in the nasopharynx with vasoconstrictors, and nasal congestion does not disappear anywhere, then you should immediately contact an otolaryngologist. Also, moms and dads should be alerted that yellow mucus with an unpleasant odor flows out of the nose or severe rhinitis has affected one nasal passage. These signs serve as a signal that a foreign object has entered the nose, which can only be removed by an experienced doctor.

Respiratory infections do not spare children and adults. Signs of the disease, without exaggeration, are familiar to everyone. Parents are most interested in how to treat a runny nose in children with folk remedies quickly and safely. The desire to avoid medication is understandable: many medications have unwanted effects. However, folk remedies also have contraindications, they are not without side effects, only warnings about this are usually not attached to age-old recipes.

Children are not suitable dosages of drugs designed for an adult body. The same remark applies to the treatment of rhinitis in children with folk remedies. Unfortunately, it is impossible to accurately calculate the amount of active substances in a serving of herbal decoction or propolis tincture.

The way out in a difficult situation is to prepare funds in accordance with recipes in reference books on traditional medicine and medicinal plants. Children at an early age are given a fourth, preschoolers - a third, preschoolers and younger students - half of the adult dose of a folk remedy.

A runny nose is one of the first symptoms of a cold, SARS, flu. Small children are more difficult to tolerate these diseases due to the narrowness of the nasal passages, underdevelopment of the sinuses. The infection quickly causes irritation and swelling of the mucosa. Inflammation leads to a narrowing of the lumen of the nasal passages and difficulty in external breathing. Children are prone to allergic diseases, which can also be accompanied by increased formation of mucus in the nose.

Many plants, folk remedies can cause irritation of the nasal and oral mucosa. At the first and each subsequent use, parents need to observe the reaction of the child's body so that it does not work out as in the saying "we treat one thing, we cripple the other."

Increased runny nose and cough, redness of the eyes and watery eyes, a rash on the body are symptoms of an allergic reaction to the agent used.

You can not use the following folk methods for a runny nose in an infant:

• mustard plasters on the legs;
• instillation into the nose of breast milk;
• inhalations with essential oils;
• drops in the nose with oily substances.

A relatively safe way to treat babies is to add a few drops of essential oil to shampoo, liquid soap, shower gel or bath foam. Taking water procedures, a sick child will inhale eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil, which are considered excellent antiseptics and antimicrobials.

It is not recommended to use fresh plant juice for instillation into the nose of a newborn and infant. There may be severe attacks of sneezing, coughing, up to bronchospasm in children of the first year of life. For a child older than a year, nasal drops are prepared from the juice of Kalanchoe leaves, aloe vera of the agave and the crassula (crassula).

Saline solution for washing the nose and treating the common cold

Modern mothers usually learn how to cure a runny nose in a child with folk remedies from older people. One of the most important "grandmother's tips": clean the baby's nose before dripping the prepared remedy. To dissolve thick mucus, you can inject a solution of baking soda into the nasal passages (1 tsp per 0.25–0.5 l of water). Or clean the nasal cavity with cotton flagella soaked in soda or saline. Such products moisturize, disinfect, reduce swelling and inflammation.

Saline is prepared from 9-10 g of table salt and 1 liter of boiled water. The liquid can be used for washing and instillation into the nose of infants. According to the concentration of sodium chloride, saline is close to human plasma. The finished product is sold in a pharmacy (large volume vials and ampoules).

Benefits of using salt water 0.9% to treat a common cold in a child:

1. thinning a viscous secret and facilitating its removal from the nasal passages;
2. flushing out pathogenic microbes and other irritants;
3. softening and moisturizing of the mucous membrane;
4. easier breathing.

It is advisable to use saline solution for washing the nose in a child prone to allergies. The liquid washes away allergens from the mucosa: pollen, microbes, dust.

You can cure a runny nose for a child at home with the help of ready-made pharmaceutical preparations for instillation into the nose. The composition of many types of nasal drops includes a sterile isotonic solution of sea water. Its composition is rich and diverse: compounds of chlorine, sodium, magnesium, bromine, sulfur, iodine. They produce products based on saline, sea water in the form of sprays and dropper bottles that are convenient to use.

Iodine is mentioned in recipes for home treatment of colds. For example, add a few drops of tincture to a saline solution for gargling. When a child has a runny nose, the so-called mesh is used: longitudinal and transverse lines are applied to the feet with a cotton swab moistened with iodine. Socks are put on after the procedure.

Plants - faithful helpers in the fight against the common cold

Infusions and decoctions of herbs contain antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal components. Phytoncides, the volatile substances of plants, help fight the infection that has affected the nasal mucosa. Therefore, plants play an important role in the treatment of infectious diseases.

A popular folk remedy for a cold for infants and young children is a weak infusion of chamomile. Measure out 1 tsp. flowers, brew a cup of boiling water, cool to 36–37 ° C. Enter an infant in each nostril 3-5 drops of chamomile infusion 3 times a day. The herb has a moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effect, the antiseptic effect is less pronounced.

Before each instillation, you need to clean the nasal passages. With abundant mucus, congestion, crusts, medicinal substances will not work.

Rinse the nose not only with saline and chamomile infusion. Oak bark is often used for a cold for children and adults. A child over 3 years old is dripped with a decoction of the bark - an antimicrobial, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory agent. Oak preparations do not possess vasoconstrictive properties.

A strong antimicrobial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect is exerted by calendula flowers, thyme herb, yarrow. Prepared from these and other plants with similar properties infusion for oral administration. Be sure to take into account the age of the child when choosing herbs. The safest, subject to dosages, are chamomile, lime blossom, mint, blackcurrant, raspberries, strawberries (leaves and fruits).

Piggy bank of folk recipes for nose drops for children

Sea buckthorn oil for a cold is a popular alternative medicine. It has an anti-inflammatory, disinfectant and regenerating effect. Moisturizes the nasal mucosa, does not allow it to dry out even at night.

Before using the agent, the nasal passages are washed with saline, for example, using a syringe without a needle. Then, 2-3 drops of sea buckthorn oil are injected into the nose of a child over 1 year old. It should be borne in mind that the oily liquid has a bright orange color and leaves stains on mucous membranes, skin, underwear and clothing.

Recipe for topical treatment of rhinitis in children over 7 years old:

• Thoroughly mix 6 drops of sea buckthorn oil and 4 drops of marigold flower juice.
• Add 2 drops of honey and a piece of propolis the size of a buckwheat seed (can be replaced with propolis tincture).
• Grind all ingredients well.
• Moisten cotton buds with the product.
• Enter into each nasal passage and leave for 10 minutes.

Fir oil is instilled in children over 7 years old - 1 drop in each nasal passage. Other ways to use: rubbing into the collar zone of the back, foot massage with this oil. After the procedure with fir oil, the patient should put on warm socks, put to bed and drink herbal tea.

Peach oil, less often sea buckthorn and fir, is used in its pure form for instillation into the nose. Usually drops are prepared from equal parts of mummy, glycerin, distilled water. The mixture is then diluted with peach kernel oil.

Traditional medicine suggests using a living tree from a cold for a child and an adult. The name "living tree" is collective, it can be attributed to succulents that can accumulate juice in thickened leaves for a period of drought. In folk medicine, several such plants are known: crassula or fat woman, aloe and kalanchoe.

The use of living tree juice in nasal drops:

1. Wash the fresh leaves, chop and squeeze the juice.
2. Drop liquid with a pipette 5 drops into each nasal passage.
3. A one-year-old child needs 1 or 2 drops.
4. Perform the procedure 3 times a day.
5. The agent must be prepared immediately before instillation.

Aloe juice works more effectively if the leaves are kept in the refrigerator beforehand (from 3 days to 2 weeks).

There are a wide variety of ways to use camphor oil from the common cold in children. Mix equal parts of propolis tincture, camphor and sunflower oils. After thorough mixing, the product is instilled into the nose (2-3 drops three times a day).

Ingestion of folk remedies for the common cold

Porridge from juicy scales or onion juice is mixed with honey in a ratio of 1: 1. Half or ¾ teaspoon of this mixture is given to the child before meals 3 times a day. The tool turns out to be more pleasant to the taste if you use onion juice. You can take finely chopped garlic with honey (1: 1). It is recommended to take the remedy before going to bed, 1 dessert spoon.

Lemon syrup helps well (2 tablespoons of sugar are added to the juice of 1 lemon). A pleasant tasting remedy is raspberry jam. It is added to tea or infusion of medicinal herbs. With a runny nose, a decoction is prepared from dried fruits of raspberries, strawberries, currants. Berries retain more nutrients if, after harvesting, they are washed, dried and quickly frozen.

Herbal remedies for nasal congestion for the preparation of tea drinks:

• peeled ginger root + lemon;
• linden blossom + wild rose;
• chamomile + mint;
• sage.

Drinking plenty of fluids to better thin and remove mucus from the nose is a simple and effective way to treat a runny nose. They give the remedy to the baby at the first signs of a cold: nasal congestion, sore throat.

Application of Asterisk for a cold

Well-known for many generations, the Asterisk or Golden Star balm came to us from the East, from the folk medicine of Vietnam. It is used at the first symptoms of a cold as an antiseptic and distraction. The composition contains menthol, camphor, mint, clove and cinnamon oils. The basis of the pencil and liquid balm is petroleum jelly, the ointment also contains lanolin and beeswax. Asterisk is also a nasal spray, lozenges, soluble powder for oral administration.

The components of the product can cause irritation of the mucous membranes, less often - burning on the skin and allergic reactions.

Nasal spray is used for rhinitis of various etiologies in patients older than 6 years. The balm can be used to relieve the first symptoms of a cold in children over 2 years of age. With a cold, a small amount of the drug is rubbed with fingertips into the wings of the nose and gently lubricated under the nostrils.

How to treat a runny nose in a child who appeared suddenly? Precisely suddenly: in the morning he was active and lively, and closer to dinner he sniffed..

Now, in the evening, when more than one handkerchief turned out to be filled with known contents, both young, "beginners" and experienced parents need to resolve several issues that will determine how serious the situation is and how to proceed.

Often, the disease can last a month, or even more, until the parents finally pay attention to this and take urgent measures.

If you do not think, but immediately begin treatment according to a well-known scheme - vasoconstrictor drugs, then instead of a quick cure you can get, for example, “naphthyzinic” dependence, which can deprive the baby of the joy of free breathing for whole years.
So, preferably already in the first hour after the first signs of snot appear, parents should give themselves an answer (or try) to many questions, and we hope that this article will help you make the right decision and cope with the disease in a timely manner.

Terminology. What is a "runny nose" anyway?

A condition in which there is excessive secretion of nasal mucus is called "rhinitis". And the usual "snot" is scientifically called "rhinorrhea", that is, literally "nasal flow".

In medical clinical terminology, the suffix "-itis" means inflammation.

Of course, there is a big difference between appendicitis and rhinitis: no one will remove the nose. This word simply refers to inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal conchas and the nasal passages existing between them.

Inflammation can be expressed to varying degrees: with a real inflammatory process, with the addition of a bacterial infection, the mucous membrane may look tense, edematous, even cyanotic, for example, with meningococcal nasopharyngitis.

In the case of allergic rhinitis, the mucous membrane may be of a normal color, only slightly hyperemic, but at the same time there will be a discharge of a significant amount of mucus that has a transparent appearance.

It is known that the nasal mucosa is able to respond to any irritation, infection in one - the only protective way - mucus production.

In the event that, along with the expiration from the nose, there is a sore throat, for example, when swallowing, then they speak of nasopharyngitis, that is, damage to both the nasal mucosa and the pharyngeal wall.

What can not be done with a cold in children?

Immediately you need to decide what is forbidden for parents of especially young children to do:

Apply from the very beginning without a doctor's prescription nose drops containing antibiotics. This is strictly prohibited for a number of reasons:

• the antibiotic acts on bacteria, but does not act on viruses, which are the cause in the vast majority of cases;
• it is recommended to prescribe antibiotics only after receiving the results of bacterial cultures of nasal discharge on nutrient media;
• when they are instilled into the nasal passages, swallowing them is inevitable, and intestinal dysbacteriosis may develop due to the death of normal microflora, followed by the development of diarrhea, bloating and abdominal pain. with adult focus.

Immediately begin the treatment of a cold with vasoconstrictor drugs. Especially rude ones like Naphthyzin», « Galazolin". First of all, they dry the mucous membrane, cause vascular spasm.

And if the symptoms disappear for a few hours, then this does not mean anything: rehabilitation treatment after the abuse of such drugs can be quite long.

It must be remembered that the discharge of mucus in case of a cold is a defense, and should not be hindered.

It is possible to use vasopressor intranasal agents as the main ones only in case of allergic aseptic edema of the mucous membrane , as an element of pathogenetic therapy that affects the development of the process. Use a rubber douche to flush out the nasal passages. Especially in toddlers. The force of pressure may well cause injury to the tympanic membrane, and the ingress of fluid into the structures of the middle ear can cause reactive otitis media.

The main causes of a runny nose in children

Do not think that the only reason and source is a banal cold. The reasons may be different, but infections still lead in frequency of occurrence in all age groups.

Viral rhinitis. The most common not only in children, but also in adults. Oddly enough, viruses that have an affinity for mucous membranes cause it. It is there that they attach to cells and primary reproduction.

In the event that the protective barrier is strong, then antiviral immunity quickly copes with pathogens, and such an ailment quickly passes on its own.

It is about him that it is said that "an untreated runny nose passes in a week, and a treated one - in seven days."

By this it is understood that the laws of the development of a viral infection and methods of dealing with it in the body go through certain stages, which can be helped, but cannot be accelerated.

Most often, such an event as nasal congestion and runny nose is preceded by hypothermia: general or local (wet feet, an extra serving of ice cream).

bacterial rhinitis. In most cases, it is the result of a viral process with a weakened immune system. It occurs in weakened, often ill children, but it can also appear as a complication against the background of normal immunity, in case of a particular contagiousness of the pathogen.

As a result, bacterial inflammation develops on the weakened mucosa, which is manifested by mucopurulent discharge from the nasal passages. Common signs of intoxication often develop: fever, malaise;

allergic rhinitis. with recurring episodes, when it is clear which allergen caused it. And when such a reaction occurs for the first time, its reliable "markers" are the abundance of clear, watery discharge and other signs of an allergic reaction: conjunctivitis, Quincke's edema, urticaria, pruritus.

In more severe cases, bronchospasm can develop, in which it is difficult to exhale rather than inhale.

Finally, in some cases, laryngeal edema may progress, which may require urgent surgical intervention to avoid death from suffocation.

Finally, the most severe allergic manifestation is fulminant anaphylactic shock.

As a rule, this type of rhinitis has a pronounced relationship with both respiratory (plant pollen, fish food, house dust) and food allergens (strawberries, chocolate, shrimp, eggs, citrus fruits). Sometimes it develops when caring for animals.

Medicinal, "ricochet" runny nose. It is the result of too aggressive treatment, in which vasoconstrictor drugs were used without proper control.

It must be understood that the speed of action and effectiveness of adrenomimetics does not mean at all that these drugs should form the basis of the therapeutic arsenal of parents.

This is similar to how large-caliber heavy artillery should become the basis of an offensive operation.

A quick effect will be achieved, but at the cost of a scorched desert. This form of the disease is often transient to chronic.

Congenital defects of the facial skull and ENT organs. They appear with serious violations in the first days after birth, with moderate ones, they can manifest themselves with ordinary rhinitis. It is based on difficulty in nasal breathing.

Most often, congenital is to blame for this, and parents often take difficulty in breathing due to inexperience for a runny nose, despite the fact that there are practically no “snot”.

Vasomotor rhinitis. A type of rhinitis associated with a violation of vascular tone in the area of ​​​​the turbinates and passages. The spasm of the efferent veins results in mucosal edema and rhinorrhea.

An important factor is the recurrence of attacks without regard to both hypothermia and the action of allergens.

It's important to know

Most often, a provocation is any action or phenomenon: excitement, pressure increase, weather change. May accompany symptoms of vegetovascular dystonia.

In addition, other causes may be the culprits of the disease: adenoid proliferation, foreign objects entering the upper respiratory tract.

Sometimes the disease state may be due to the presence of a chronic congenital disease, such as cystic fibrosis or sarcoidosis. Therefore, in any case, for an accurate diagnosis, you need to consult a doctor. Source: website

What are the possible complications?

Despite the fact that it is difficult to come up with, as it seems, a more "trifle" disease, it is fraught with serious complications and dangers. We list the most common ones:

• the gradual spread of infection into the bronchi and lungs due to the flow of infected mucus down;
• blockage of the Eustachian (auditory) tube with thick mucus with the development of inflammation in the joint (reactive otitis media);
• the development of sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmotiditis) - with the involvement of the sinuses of the skull (respectively, the maxillary, frontal and ethmoidal labyrinth);
• in infants who must feed by sucking, nasal congestion makes it impossible to breathe fully while eating. Therefore, they may be malnourished, lose weight, choke on milk or formula. and it can even go as far as aspiration pneumonia.

Rhinitis in children: the main symptoms

We will not consider here the manifestations of intoxication of the whole organism (temperature, malaise, lethargy), since they are well known to everyone and will focus only on local ones:

• nasal congestion. It is checked very easily: one nostril is clamped and one breathes “at half strength”. It turns out without tension - there is no symptom;
• rhinorrhea, or nasal discharge. They are serous, serous - purulent. Purely purulent discharge from the nasal passages does not happen, but when puncturing the maxillary sinus, you can sometimes get pus;
• sneezing. It is known to everyone that its purpose is to release the airway with the help of a reflex evoked push of air. The air speed during coughing and sneezing can reach 100 km / h or more. Sneezing is usually preceded by rich and varied sensations: burning, scratching, pleasant tickling.
• with atrophy of the mucous membrane (atrophic rhinitis), instead of rhinorrhea, scanty dry crusts form;
• since the secretion of mucus and tears have much in common, with a coryza it can sometimes sometimes occur on one side, with sensations preceding sneezing;
• hyposmia or anosmia - the inability to distinguish odors. This feeling is also familiar to everyone firsthand.

There are other discharges from the nasal passages: for example, with a fracture of the base of the skull and ruptures of the dura mater, in rare cases, cerebrospinal cerebrospinal fluid may leak from the nose and ears.

Sometimes there may be a runny nose in a child with blood.

Sometimes blood can drip from the nose, that is nosebleed occurs. There is even a special area from which almost all nosebleeds originate - Kisselbach zone.

You should not be afraid of this symptom, you need to put the child, throw back your head and put cold in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe nose, but not more than five minutes, so as not to catch a cold in the maxillary sinuses.

You can twist turunda from soft paper (napkins, toilet paper) and insert it into the nostril so as not to stain clothes with blood.

Sometimes nosebleeds can occur simply because a child who doesn't cut their nails just "picks" their nose.

The child starts a runny nose: what to do?

The stages of the disease, like any developing process, are clearly defined in time. They are most pronounced in a typical case, when the beginning runny nose develops due to hypothermia:

reflex stage, which is the shortest and lasts a few hours. It is at this stage that due to hypothermia, primary edema is formed, without the influence of pathogens. Light unpleasant impressions are possible: soreness (dryness and perspiration) in the nose, worsening of breathing;

Stage of viral rhinorrhea. It lasts for several days, is associated with the direct influence of viruses. It is at this time that the child can be contagious to others. Of course, it is desirable that he be in a mask;

The third stage most often marks the beginning of recovery - symptoms decrease in the reverse order of appearance. But sometimes the depleted mucosa cannot protect itself, and then microbes “land” on it, after viral inflammation first occurred.

Source: website Therefore, the answer to the question "how long does a runny nose last in a child" implies two options. The first - about a week with strong immunity and the second - for an arbitrarily long time - with a weak level of immune protection, since it passes into the chronic stage.

The frequency of the disease also affects the rate of recovery. If frequent snot in a child is concerned, then this may simply be the course of chronic rhinitis with long periods of relatively pronounced remission.

How to properly treat a runny nose in a child?

To do this, you need to follow a soft, physiological approach, and in no case do harm with your activities.

The dangers of prescribing coarse vasoconstrictor drugs at the very beginning of treatment and antibiotics have already been mentioned.

Therefore, it is possible to provide a general scheme, according to which it is necessary to act from the onset of the disease until the “critical point” is reached, which occurs approximately on the 4th or 5th day from the onset of the disease.

It is during this period that it will be clear whether your treatment has reached the goal, or whether you need to call a doctor and connect stronger drugs to the treatment.

Principles of correct and reasonable treatment

If you look at the instructions for children's drugs for intranasal administration (numerous sprays, metered drops), you will notice that the approach to treating an infant at the age of 8-9 months will differ in approach and dosage of drugs from the principles of treating children, say , preschool age - at 5 or 6 years.

to toilet the nasal passages at the first the appearance of rhinorrhea and shortness of breath, especially in infants before feeding. This is very important for good nutrition. For the toilet, you need to use turundas made of soft fabric or gauze, which are moistened with a solution of baking soda at the rate of 1 tsp. in a glass of warm water;

then to babies to create immune protection drip into each nostril a drop of mother's milk containing secretory immunoglobulins that protect the baby from microbes and viruses;

if there is no breast milk, you can drip drugs that enhance immunity, or just warm olive or linseed oil;

it is necessary to ensure the constant discharge of mucus, which contains many viral particles. To do this, it must be sufficiently liquid and must not dry out.

Therefore, the child should receive a sufficient amount of liquid inside: the mucous membranes should not dry out. If, however, nasal breathing is impossible due to crusts and stuffy nose, then breathing through the mouth causes a significant loss of moisture through the lungs;

instillation of saline or drops of sea water is next means of combating dryness of the nasal mucosa. You can use oil solutions of fat-soluble vitamins: A and E, even in children 1 year old and earlier.

Their harmlessness allows you to drip as often as you like, especially if there is no ionizer and air humidifier at home: this compensates for dryness, which is very high especially in city apartments in winter, when water heating radiators are very hot.

Medical treatment

The article does not aim to give a comparative overview of all available drugs, so we will limit ourselves to highlighting one or two of the most effective and popular drugs in each group that can be used:

Vasoconstrictor drops

Shown as the main remedy for allergic rhinitis, together with antihistamines:

• "Nazol Baby" and "Nazol Kids Spray" for children from birth and from the age of 6 years;
• "Nazivin" is a remedy that acts for about 12 hours (long-acting).

Antihistamines

• "Fenistil", "Allergodil". These drops are indicated for admission even in babies aged 1 to 2 months;
• "Tizin Allergy". It is used in children older than 5 - 6 years, can also be successfully used by adults;
• "Zirtek" in the form of an intranasal spray relieves swelling and allergic rhinorrhea well, without causing side effects;

Miramistin with a cold in children

On the Internet you can find information that Miramistin can be used as a remedy for a child's cold. The thing is that this is not entirely true: if this drug can be used after unprotected intercourse, then this does not mean at all that it can be poured anywhere.

The following are arguments that refute the effectiveness of this remedy in almost all cases in children's (and adult rhinitis):

• in a market era, the manufacturer would definitely release Miramistin spray for intranasal use, however, the manufacturing company does not do this;
• the drug is intended to protect the mucosa and destroy bacteria on its entire surface, therefore, with ordinary viral rhinitis, the drug useless. It is effective against hepatitis viruses, HIV, but not adenoviruses;
• with a bacterial complication and serous-purulent discharge, Miramistin will also be ineffective, since it is first desirable to determine the pathogen.

And, although the instructions have indications for the treatment of the oral cavity, and in otolaryngology it is indicated for irrigation of the pharynx and ear, but the drug is not indicated for instillation into the nose according to the instructions.

In addition, Miramistin contributes to the formation of a dry scab in the wound, and for the nasal mucosa, this is extremely harmful, since the pathogen remains in these dried crusts.

Antibiotics for a cold in a child

The use of antibacterial drugs and the precautions associated with them have already been discussed above. Here are some of the best representatives:

Good cold remedy for kids

What to drip into the nose of a child with a cold without regard for safety? What remedy can mom give, hoping for help, but without harm and side effects?

What to do if a child does not have a runny nose for a long time?

In the event that, against the background of a decrease in immunity, a frequently ill child develops a persistent, protracted, long runny nose, then in this case, he is shown immune preparations containing antiviral protection - interferon and other active components:

In order to quickly cure rhinitis in a child at the initial stage, it is not necessary to use drugs that may have various side effects.

Numerous traditional medicines can be used, which may either prevent the disease from dragging on and becoming chronic , or even prevent the disease even before its first manifestations.

So, for example, going to the bath, warming up the whole body, and drinking tea with raspberries, honey and lime blossom can simply prevent a cold from becoming active in the body due to hypothermia.

Mustard in socks

This method belongs to reflexotherapy techniques. Its meaning is to pour dry mustard powder into a child's socks to improve blood circulation in the feet.

Since the vascular networks in the body are connected by reflexes, this causes an increase in immunity in response to the irritating effect of mustard.

This method can not be used in children under one year old, as well as with an increase in temperature. This is a preventive it can be resorted to only in case of hypothermia, which happened a few hours ago, and, according to the fear and experience of the parents, can turn into a cold.

Mustard is poured 1-2 teaspoons into children's socks at night, and woolen socks are put on top.

saline solution

Salt solution prepared at home is the same saline, provided that it has a concentration of 0.9% salt, which is equivalent to the state of blood plasma. It is very useful with the help of devices to rinse the nose with salt water, heated to 38 - 40 degrees.

In addition to mechanical and atraumatic cleaning of the mucous membrane, water has the ability to draw water out, and after the water, the swelling of the nasal mucosa also goes away.

In the case of multiple drug allergies, the use of saline along with cleansing, moisturizing, warming, can make the disease recede.

Beet juice for a speedy recovery

How to cure a runny nose in a child quickly at home with the help of vegetables? Many believe that for this you need to use raw beetroot juice, which is first settled in the refrigerator, and then instilled into each nostril.

The whole effect of this event will come down to moisturizing the nasal mucosa, and beetroot juice has no advantage over ordinary salted water. In any case, the studies carried out have not shown any acceleration of the period of rhinorrhea with the use of this remedy.

Radish and honey

Juice from black radish with honey has a great immunogenic effect: the top is cut off in the radish, a hole is made in the center. Honey is placed in the hole, again closed with a radish lid.

The whole structure is placed for several hours in a warm place. At this time, juice will stand out in the radish, which must be taken in 1 tbsp. spoon.

It can be used in children from 3-4 years of age, as it strengthens the immune system well and alleviates the course of not only the common cold, but also bronchitis, tonsillitis and other colds.

Essential oils

Preparations such as essential oils can only be used if the child does not have a pronounced allergic history.

After all, essential oils can develop severe bronchospasm. So, it is almost impossible to force a child to breathe essential oils of garlic and onions.

Therefore, a good alternative would be tea tree oil, mint, eucalyptus, lemon. Thuja oil has a good healing effect. This oil is obtained from thuja needles, and it has a pronounced immunomodulatory effect.

In addition, vapors of essential oils are able to moisturize and soften not only the mucous membrane of the nose, but also the bronchi, having a beneficial effect on the ciliary epithelium.

For more information on the use of a nebulizer in the treatment of ENT diseases, you can read the article below:

In addition to treatment:

The main purpose of this article was to make it clear to parents, that in most cases a runny nose (rhinitis) is a natural process