A prolonged runny nose in a child: how to cure this scourge? How to get rid of a persistent runny nose in a child

The popular observation that no matter how much you fill a person with medicine for a cold, he will still sniffle for the prescribed week does not always work with toddlers. Children may not be able to cope with the cause of rhinitis in the time period that is usually enough for recovery strong body. Persistent runny nose in a child for more than a couple of weeks can seriously concern his parents. The root of the evil lies partly in the tender age and condition of the body, which is still gaining strength and forming. Until the age of four, children have a nasal cavity and air sinuses that are only partially functional. They are not yet able to fully warm and humidify the inhaled air. Narrow short passages quickly give way under the onslaught of mucus, swelling and making breathing difficult. Snot does not fulfill its protective function.

Parents often believe that their child’s runny nose will go away on its own. But doctors have a different opinion. Violation respiratory function inevitably leads to excess load on the heart muscle and pulmonary apparatus. This can be the beginning of many protracted pathologies, respiratory infections of the upper and lower respiratory organs, undermine the immune system. Only a qualified otolaryngologist can identify the objective cause of the ailment and prescribe adequate treatment.

Provocateurs

A constantly snotty nose is typical for children with immature immune system. Their protective functions are still weak against attacking pathogenic microbes and other factors. Rhinitis often worsens after being in a group environment kindergarten or school.

Allergies can be a significant cause of rhinitis. The reaction can be triggered by periodically recurring seasonal allergens (flowering plants) or by factors that are constantly present in the environment (household dust, pet hair).

Incorrect therapy or untreated acute lesions upper ENT organs can lead to chronic diseases of the maxillary sinuses and other nasal inflammations. A companion to these ailments is a lingering runny nose in a child, which does not allow him to breathe peacefully. Prolonged exposure to a cold, damp environment can aggravate the condition.

There may be other provocateurs of a prolonged runny nose:

For dysfunction vascular tone in the nose, the mucous membrane inappropriately violently secretes secretions in response to any irritants. This condition is considered to be vasomotor rhinitis.
Abuse of local vasoconstrictors creates immunity. Instead of narrowing the capillaries, we get hypersecretion of mucous secretions.
Constant drying out and irritation of the nasal mucosa are caused by the dry air in the baby’s habitat.
Hyperplasia of the adenoid vegetations narrows and blocks the nasal passage, causing problems with the ears and respiratory diseases.
Morphological abnormalities of the nasal passages, formed as a result of a bruise or inherent in the child from birth, can also serve as a source of prolonged runny nose in children.

Reasons for babies

Before you understand how to treat a long runny nose in a child, it would be good to understand the factors that cause it.

Vulnerability of the growing respiratory organs and low adaptation of the baby to environment in the first months causes regular physiological rhinitis. There are no other painful symptoms. The baby is active, eats well, snores in his sleep with his mouth slightly open. Mucus is released from the nasal passages, but it is not dry and comes out easily. This feature of a newborn disappears after the third month of life.

Very low humidity environment of the baby leads to drying of the mucous membrane and protective secretion, turning it into dry flaky crusts. Breathing through the nose is difficult. But there are no separations as such.

Various allergens cause excess snot, sneezing, and watery eyes due to an allergic response of the body. IN in rare cases a rash on the epidermis is added to them.

Infectious rhinitis develops due to improper therapy when the respiratory tract is damaged by bacteria or viruses. The condition is accompanied by weakness, hyperthermia, and reluctance to eat. Green purulent exudate can indicate the bacterial nature of the pathology.

Warning signs

Certain symptoms should attract attention and raise doubts about their harmlessness. If snot has been coming out of the baby’s nose for more than a week, preventing sleep with wheezing and worsening cough, the baby is weakened, lethargic, gets tired faster than usual, take the situation seriously. Difficulty breathing through the nose, irritability, and uncontrollability should also indicate possible problems. Infants cannot fully suck breast milk or formula from a bottle. The acuity of perception of smells and taste buds may decrease. Nasal secretion comes in different shades and thickness, from transparent to cloudy yellow. The latter circumstance should awaken vigilance, since this is a direct indication of the bacterial nature of rhinitis. The eyelids may become inflamed, red, and swollen. lymph nodes, sore throat.

Symptoms in an infant

At first, the baby often sneezes due to capillary spasms. The nose is hot, the irritated nasal membranes dry out and turn pale. Soon they turn red. Your nose begins to run and it becomes difficult to breathe. Without treatment, the discharge becomes thick and greenish due to bacterial infection, to which a virus can attach over time.

Diagnostics

For detection objective reason and the very possibility of effective treatment, you must definitely visit an ENT specialist. After interviewing and collecting complaints, the doctor examines the nasal cavity using special mirrors. An examination will reveal lesions in the lining of the nose and the presence of polyps. To clarify the inflammatory processes, you will have to do x-ray paranasal sinuses.

If an allergy is suspected, tests and samples are taken to determine the irritant. Blood is examined for different indicators, is executed bacterial culture nasal secretion.

Elimination of causes and therapy

How to treat a child’s persistent runny nose depends on its source and the child’s general well-being. Medication may be needed, or changes in environmental conditions may be sufficient. Very young children are helped to recover by creating favorable conditions, strengthening their immunity with the help of natural immunomodulators.

Inhaling boiling water infused through an inhaler will help dilute thick mucus and relieve dry cough herbal collection within a quarter of an hour. St. John's wort, marigold flowers, and mint will be effective. It is useful to let a little pine essential oil inhale in an aroma lamp or drop it on cotton wool. Oils of aniseed femur and creeping thyme are used successfully. For three-year-olds and older children, you can acupressure the areas of the nasal wings, applying the same oil.

Physiological runny nose

To improve the condition of the baby’s nasal mucosa, it is enough to increase the air humidity in the house above 50%, ventilate the rooms, keep the temperature at an acceptable comfortable minimum, regularly visit the child in the fresh air, and give enough water. Systematically pump out nasal secretions, drip moisturizing salt solutions with sea water: five to six procedures during the day.

Allergic factor

When the body responds to exposure to an allergen with swelling of the nasal lining, clear discharge, constant sneezing without fever and other ailments, it is extremely important to remove the influence of the irritating factor. Wash and dust floors regularly, and avoid carpeting. Tobacco smoke is a harmful irritant. Therapy consists of taking antihistamines and steroid hormones.

False rhinitis

With this disease, the lining of the nose changes structurally, impairing blood circulation. Those suffering from it are tormented by constantly flowing colorless snot, nasal congestion, inability to breathe, decreased recognition of odors, and resistance to treatment. For mild forms of the disease, histamine blockers and hormonal therapy are prescribed. IN advanced cases surgical treatment may be required.

Drug runny nose

With prolonged instillation of vasoconstrictors into the nose, reverse effect. The use of vasoconstrictor drugs should be discontinued.

Do not torment children by putting honey or milk in their nose, much less onion or garlic juice. There may be a burn to the mucous membrane, an outbreak of microorganism growth, or thickening of mucus.

Bacterial runny nose

Antimicrobial therapy is used, initially local. It acts locally in the nasal area, bypassing the stomach. The active substances enter the blood in a minimal volume, without burdening the liver with unnecessary stress and excretory system. And if the condition worsens, - in the form of injections, solutions or capsules. Medicines that cause capillary narrowing can be used for no longer than a week. Homeopathy acts against microbes and reduces inflammation. Doctors use a nasal lavage procedure, popularly called “cuckoo”. The nasal cavities are irrigated with disinfecting compounds, and purulent exudate is sucked out.

Viral nature of the disease

If the body is attacked by a rhinovirus or adenovirus, ARVI develops. The secretion from the nasal passages comes out colorless, the nose is clogged, there is aching, powerlessness throughout the body, the temperature fluctuates, the eyes are red and watery. Within a week, the body usually copes with the illness. It is useful to strengthen its resistance with immunomodulators, vitamins, and hardening. For complex cases, antiviral drugs are prescribed.

Therapy should be carried out by the treating otolaryngologist. Untimely or incorrectly selected treatment leads to severe consequences for health in the form of inflammatory processes in the lungs, maxillary sinuses, bronchi, ears.

As a rule, the transition of a runny nose to a chronic form is caused by improper use of antibiotics and vasoconstrictors. A runny nose cannot be treated with antibiotics. But they can cause harm to health by making the body immune to this class of drugs when they are really needed. And vasoconstrictors deceptively easily eliminate symptoms, but do not address the cause, cause cardiac complications, and delay healing. After all, they eliminate local protective mucus, disrupting blood circulation in the capillaries. Their use is allowed in rare cases of necessity, strictly under medical supervision.

Acceptable non-traditional recipes

You can add auxiliary support with some recipes to the arsenal of primary therapy traditional medicine. Be sure to share your concerns with your doctor and get their approval before using these tips.

Symptomatic relief from a runny nose can be provided by beetroot drops, carrot juice, from leaves of Kalanchoe, agave, chamomile decoction. Consuming onion juice mixed with sugar strengthens stamina.
If you are overcome by a cough, applying mustard plasters moistened with warmed water with the back side to the chest area and back of the baby will help. The baby is wrapped in warm clothes and warms up for up to twenty minutes. After removing them, smear the skin with baby cream and send the baby to sleep in a warm place.
You can warm your feet for a couple of hours with mustard plasters, placing them in dry, warm socks. The first time you need to wait up to five minutes, making sure that there is no allergic reaction. Otherwise, you need to stop the procedure immediately. This method cannot be used with babies under one year old. It is also prohibited during hyperthermia. The epidermis should be healthy, without wounds.

Treat all your child’s respiratory ailments, strengthen and harden his growing body.

N runny nose is defensive reaction organism, which every child encounters, starting from a very early age. After all, the nasal mucosa is the first to encounter microbes and foreign particles on its way. It is covered with villi and produces a secretion (liquid) that washes away harmful agents. When the immune system is weakened protective properties decrease and inflammation occurs. Children's body with strong immunity, is able to cope with the disease in 7 - 10 days. A prolonged runny nose is characterized as an inflammatory process of the nasopharynx lasting more than 10 days.

How to treat a persistent runny nose in a child will depend on the type of pathogen that provoked it. But there are a number of procedures that are effective in all cases.

The first thing required for recovery is mandatory humidification of the air in the room, and organization drinking regime. For the nasal mucosa, a favorable microclimate is considered to be a humidity of at least 50% and a temperature of 18 - 20 degrees.

An electric humidifier that evaporates at least half a liter of water per hour will help increase the humidity in a hot room.

It is better to cover hot batteries with a wet terry towel for a while. It is advisable to soak it in water every 20 - 30 minutes. The child needs to be given warm liquids (compote, fruit juice, tea) more often.

To prevent mucus from lingering snot from getting into the sinuses and auditory tube, the child must blow his nose correctly: close one nostril (in no case both), and blow his nose with the other. Young children often cannot or do not know how to do this. In this case, parents should purchase a special mucus suction device from the baby’s nose at the pharmacy.

You should use a nozzle ejector when necessary, but not too often, as children quickly get used to it and do not want to blow their nose on their own. Before cleaning the nose, it is recommended to drip vasoconstrictor drops to relieve swelling and expand the nasal canals, then a little saline solution, as a result the thick mucus will thin out and it will be easier to remove it with a suction device. This will not hurt the child, and the nasal mucosa will not be injured. It is better to gently tilt the baby's head forward when washing.

Prolonged viral runny nose

Most common cause runny nose is an acute respiratory viral infection(ARVI), which, as a rule, has a sudden onset: increased body temperature to 37.5-38.5 degrees, decreased appetite, lethargy, malaise, sore throat. Discharge from the nose at the same time.

Antiviral antibodies begin to be produced on days 4–5 and reach their highest values on days 6–7.

Basic treatment

If the immune system is weak, then the concentration of antibodies is not enough, the child’s runny nose becomes protracted and constantly recurs. It can last two weeks or more. In this case, it is necessary to take immunomodulating agents based on interferon and bacterial lysates.

Their mechanism of action is to stimulate protective forces the body to produce those same antibodies, only in a larger volume.

The drugs of choice are:

Interferon (for children under 1 year of age - in the form of nasal drops, for older children - in the form of drops or spray);
Aflubin (for children over 1 year old - drops, from 3 years of age - tablets);
Laferobion (allowed for use from the first month of life);
IRS-19 (for babies from 3 months);
Kipferon (for children from birth).

All medications in this group require prior consultation with a doctor. With long-term use, they can cause inhibition of their own interferon production.

For acute inflammatory reaction the above drugs will not be effective, since they are intended for the treatment of sluggish, protracted forms of rhinitis (without high temperature, severe headaches, wet cough). If the inflammation is acute, Derinat is prescribed in the form of injections.

Symptomatic therapy

Vasoconstrictor drops are used to treat the symptoms of a persistent runny nose. Their effect is based on the ability to constrict the vessels that bring blood to the nasal mucosa. The indication for use is severe swelling of the nasal cavity: the nose is completely blocked, the contents do not flow out, the child is forced to breathe through the mouth.

The situation is dangerous because thick mucus from the nose can clog the auditory tube that ventilates the ear and lead to otitis media. Children's vasoconstrictor drops are divided into 3 groups according to duration of action.

Drugs short acting(on average 3 - 6 hours):

based on naphazoline (Naphthyzin, Sanorin);
based on phenylephrine (drug of choice for children, especially in the first year of life) - Vibrocil, Nazol kids;
based on tetrizoline (Tizin).

Medium duration (6 - 8 hours) based on xylometazoline:

Xylene;
Xymelin;
Snoop;
Rhinonorm;
Otrivin.

Long-acting (10 - 12 hours) based on oxymetazoline - Nazivin.

The drug concentration in drops for children under 6 years of age is 0.05%, for older patients - 0.1%. They can be used for no more than 3 - 5 days. You should remember side effects in the form of increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. It is possible to develop headaches, since narrowed blood vessels provoke oxygen starvation cells of the nasal cavity.

With prolonged use (more than 10 days), the drops can be addictive. The body stops regulating the nasal blood supply on its own, and as soon as you stop using the medicine, the mucous membrane swells again, and you have to breathe through your mouth.

This condition is called - drug-induced rhinitis. A runny nose becomes a constant companion of a person, dragging on for months. It is much simpler and more correct to prevent such complications than to treat them. If drug-induced rhinitis does develop, you should consult a doctor. He will select the right anti-inflammatory drug and physiotherapeutic procedures.

Bacterial runny nose

Viruses reduce the body’s ability to resist infections; with prolonged exposure to mucous membranes, pneumococci, streptococci and other bacteria that live in the human body and do not manifest themselves in any way in the nasopharynx begin to multiply intensively in the nasopharynx. So, a bacterial infection joins the viral one.

Main indicator bacterial rhinitis - mucus discharged from the nose has acquired and In the case of improper treatment or its absence, this form of the disease can cause complications in the form of inflammation paranasal sinuses, lingering snot and cause sinusitis (inflammation of the maxillary sinuses), frontal sinusitis (inflammation frontal sinuses). In this case, the consistency of the snot is thick and yellow-green.

Antibacterial drugs designed to suppress pathogenic flora and symptomatic remedies to ease breathing, in the form vasoconstrictor drops described above. Effective procedures After clearing the nose of thickened snot, rinsing with saline solution remains.

Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory

Self-selection of antibiotics for children is prohibited, since it is not known what type of bacteria caused a long runny nose. Some drugs act only on streptococci, others only on pneumococci, and others on staphylococci. To find out what type of bacteria caused a long runny nose in a child, you need to take a general analysis blood.

Based on its results, Isofra or Polydexa will be prescribed.
For purulent inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, systemic antibiotics are prescribed in tablet form - Amoxicillin or Clarithromycin.

Before conducting bacteriological studies, pediatricians advise mothers to put an antibiotic in the child’s nose. wide range actions - Albucid drops (sulfacyl sodium). Additionally, the following can be prescribed as anti-inflammatory drugs: Hydrocortisone Tantum Verde, Sinupret and Pinosol.

Symptomatic remedies

To moisturize the mucous membrane I use drops and sprays based on sea water:

Aquamaris;
Marimer;
Humer;
Aqualor.

Oil-based drops are used to thin thick nasal mucus:

Pinosol;
Mucodin;
Sinuforte.

Medicines with essential oils contain herbal ingredients, therefore possible allergic reactions in the form of a rash, lacrimation and itching. In this case, you need to stop using them.

Allergic runny nose

For a long time allergic rhinitis As a rule, there are no symptoms of a cold, that is, body temperature and appetite are normal, the child is cheerful and active.

Reason allergic rhinitis is inflammation, reaction hypersensitivity to foreign agents (antigens).

The development scheme is as follows: the antigen penetrates the human body, in response to this, specific proteins begin to appear in the blood - protective antibodies, which are fixed on the surface of the so-called mast cells.

Upon subsequent entry into the body, the antigen combines with the antibody, at which time the mast cells begin to release biologically active substances(especially histamine) causing manifestations allergies. Your eyes and nose itch, clear water flows from it, you want to sneeze.

The role of antigens that provoke the development of allergies can be:

pet hair;
airborne dust particles;
detergents, dyes;
certain foods;
pollen of flowering plants (birch, ragweed, field grasses).

The main thing in treatment is to identify the allergen and minimize contact with it, as well as ventilate the apartment more often and do wet cleaning in the nursery.

Antihistamines

The main group of drugs for the treatment of allergies and their manifestations are antihistamines. All of them have side effects, so the drug itself and its dosage should be prescribed by a pediatrician after conducting a skin test for the allergen.

A prolonged runny nose, or chronic rhinitis, is characterized by severe inflammation of the nasal mucosa. The disease causes a lot of discomfort to the child and causes difficulty sleeping and breathing. In most cases, rhinitis is a complication of infectious respiratory pathologies, the treatment of which was carried out incorrectly. Before treating a persistent runny nose in a small child or teenager, the pediatrician will conduct a series of laboratory tests. This is necessary to determine the cause of rhinitis and evaluate general condition health. The therapeutic regimen for nasal pathology may include immunomodulators, antibiotics, and antihistamines.

Basic principles of treatment

A persistent runny nose is diagnosed in children much more often than in adults. The nasal passages in babies are narrow and are at the stage of formation, and the area of the mucous membrane is small. There are still too few glands in it to cope with infectious or allergic agents. Therefore, without proper treatment, a persistent runny nose in children may not go away within a month. This does not mean that it will disappear after all - rhinitis will take on a chronic stage of its course, dangerous for its complications.

For the treatment of long-term nasal congestion in young children, it is practiced integrated approach consisting of the following activities:

frequent nasal rinsing;
inhalation;
use of vasoconstrictor drops;
course intake of multivitamins with microelements;
treatment of concomitant pathologies.

Prolonged snot in a small child also appears for natural reasons, for example, during teething. In this case, pediatricians recommend rinsing children’s noses 5–6 times a day with isotonic sodium solution or using pharmaceutical drugs in the form of nasal sprays or drops. Chronic rhinitis develops in a child living in a room with an unsuitable microclimate. Dry, stale air seriously worsens the condition of the nasal mucosa.

Treatment of a prolonged runny nose of any etiology (viral, allergic, bacterial) should begin by creating a comfortable environment for children, which significantly speeds up recovery:

Humidity. To increase the concentration of water vapor in the room, you can purchase a household humidifier, carry out frequent cleaning, or hang a wet cloth on the heating radiator.
Temperature. In the room where the sick baby is located, the air temperature should vary between 21–23 °C. Higher values have negative impact on the nasal mucosa and contribute rapid spread infectious and allergic agents.
Fresh air. It is necessary to ventilate the child's room several times a day. A constant flow of fresh air has a positive effect on microcirculation in the sinuses.

If the baby does not have a high temperature, then walking in the nearest public garden or park will help cope with a lingering runny nose. Chronic rhinitis does not go away for a long time due to decreased immunity. Walking or playing on the playground will increase the body's resistance to bacterial and viral pathogens and strengthen the defenses.

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops will help cope with a persistent runny nose of bacterial or viral origin.

Nasal rinsing

Before carrying out the treatment procedure, mucus that has accumulated there should be removed from the nasal passages. An older child should blow his nose thoroughly, and newborns and toddlers will need parental help. There is a wide range of aspirators on pharmacy shelves. The simpler devices are similar in appearance and functionality to a small-volume syringe. More expensive models (Otrivin) are equipped with replaceable nozzles and a hollow tube for suctioning mucus. After clearing the sinuses, you should thoroughly rinse your child's nose. Why is this necessary:

relieve severe swelling;
stop the inflammatory process;
remove infectious and allergic agents from the mucous membrane;
remove toxic compounds that viruses and bacteria release during their life processes;
prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms into the lower respiratory tract.

Nasal rinsing for a prolonged runny nose is the most important part of treatment, often helping to avoid the use of antibiotics and sulfonamides in children. The procedures are carried out at home using a warm saline solution. To prepare it, dilute a teaspoon of rock or sea salt in a liter boiled water and strain. Pharmacies sell a 0.9% sodium chloride solution, packaged in bottles of 100, 200, 400 ml, at a very affordable price. Under the beautiful name "water" Adriatic Sea» hiding ordinary saline solution. It is included in the following drugs:

Morenazole;
Aqua Maris;
Physiometer;
Aqualor Baby;
Rinosol.

Infusions are great for rinsing the nose medicinal plants: chamomile, calendula, sage, St. John's wort. Herbs contain essential oils, phytoncides, flavonoids and organic acids, which exhibit pronounced anti-inflammatory and disinfectant activity. To cook useful infusion, you should pour a tablespoon of dry plant material with a glass of boiling water, leave for two hours and strain.

Inhalations

Experienced parents know well how to cure a child’s persistent runny nose quickly and effectively. To do this you need to use ultrasonic or compressor nebulizer and isotonic sodium chloride solution, which is poured into a special compartment of the device. In progress medicine is converted into fine vapor, evenly distributed on the nasal mucosa. This form of the drug allows you to achieve the maximum therapeutic effect:

Nasal congestion disappears and the child’s breathing becomes easier;
the mucous membranes of the nasal passages are moisturized;
the severity of edema decreases.

If there is an abundant accumulation of thick mucus in the nose, tightly attached to the inner wall, the pediatrician recommends using mucolytic solutions with acetylcysteine for inhalation. After the drug enters the nasal mucosa, the viscosity of the sputum decreases, and it is easily evacuated by blowing the nose.

For inhalation, you can use a regular enamel cup or small saucepan. This method of conducting a treatment procedure has advantages. The fact is that most nebulizers are not designed to use infusions medicinal herbs and essential oils. But with the help of an ordinary container you can easily carry out physiotherapeutic manipulation. To stop the inflammatory process and ease the baby's breathing, essential oils of the following plants are used:

thyme;
lemon or peppermint;
eucalyptus;
fir, spruce, pine;
marigold.

If a runny nose does not go away for a long time, then you need to add 4-5 drops of any essential oil per liter hot water and stir thoroughly. Then tilt the child over the container and cover his head with a terry towel. One inhalation session lasts about 10 minutes, and 2-3 procedures are allowed during the day. Instead of essential oils, you can use infusions of medicinal herbs.

Combined decoctions of thyme, mint and eucalyptus leaves are good for eliminating nasal congestion. The procedures are contraindicated for children with individual sensitivity to essential oils due to the likelihood of developing an allergic reaction. Also, inhalations are not carried out when elevated temperature body or acute inflammatory process occurring in the body.

When treating a persistent runny nose in children, mucus can be removed from the nasal passages using an aspirator.

Treatment of nasal congestion

To ease the breathing of young children and adolescents, pediatricians prescribe vasoconstrictor nasal sprays and drops. The active ingredient in most of them is xylometazoline. This chemical compound narrows blood vessels and eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane. Thanks to easier breathing and the return of the sense of smell, children's appetite improves and their sleep patterns are stabilized. Which local remedies A pediatrician may prescribe for the treatment of a persistent runny nose:

Tizin Xylo;
Xymelin;
Galazolin;
Xylene;
Rhinostop.

Despite high efficiency vasoconstrictor drops and sprays, the duration of their use should not exceed five days. This group of drugs has a significant drawback - they are addictive. That is, the child has difficulty breathing; it seems to him that without spray and drops he might suffocate, although his nasal mucous membranes are in perfect order. It is very difficult to get rid of this form of addiction, so you should not neglect medical recommendations about the duration of the course of treatment.

Many pediatricians prefer to prescribe herbal nasal remedies to children for nasal congestion.

Such preparations include Pinosol spray and drops with essential oils of eucalyptus and pine. There is also an ointment of the same name, intended for application to the mucous membranes of the nasal passages. Pinosol can be used in the treatment of children over three years of age and is not suitable for those children who have individual sensitivity to essential oils.

Treatment of infectious chronic rhinitis

Quite often, the cause of the development of chronic rhinitis is self-medication. Parents use drops and sprays to relieve nasal congestion. Indeed, the child’s breathing improves for a while, but the factor that provokes a prolonged runny nose has not disappeared. Its role is usually played by viruses and pathogenic bacteria - the causative agents of sore throat, bronchitis, influenza, tracheitis, and sinusitis. If they are not removed from the upper respiratory tract in a timely manner, then there is a high probability of developing serious complications, for example, atrophic rhinitis.

A solution of colloidal silver quickly and effectively copes even with a prolonged runny nose in children

Bacterial

The results of laboratory tests of a biological sample will help determine the species of the infectious agent. If pneumococci, staphylococci, streptococci are detected, the pediatrician includes antibacterial or antimicrobial drops and sprays:

Isofra;
Vibrocil;
Rinofluimucil;
Polydex;
Bioparox.

Course use of these allows you to quickly and effectively treat protracted thick snot. When a runny nose occurs due to a bacterial infection respiratory infection, then the doctor will prescribe suspensions or syrups with antibiotics for the baby. Drugs are selected individually, taking into account the results of laboratory diagnostics. As a rule, protected semisynthetic penicillins (Panklav, Augmentin, Amoxiclav, Flemoclav) or macrolides (Azithromycin, Clarithromycin) become the first choice drugs.

Protargol solution has proven itself well in the treatment of chronic rhinitis. This organic colloidal silver compound can be used to treat children from two years of age. 1% or 2% solution of Protargol destroys pathogenic microorganisms, relieves inflammation, sanitizes the nasal passages. The medicine can be purchased at large pharmacies, where they produce ointments, suspensions, emulsions according to doctor’s prescriptions. Colloidal silver is also included in the drug Sialor, available in the form of nasal drops and spray.

Viral

A runny nose may not go away for a long time in a child after a viral illness. Such a serious residual phenomenon indicates incorrectly selected medications used in the treatment of influenza, sore throat, bronchiolitis or non-compliance with pediatrician recommendations. Modern antiviral drugs are not used to eliminate chronic rhinitis. Firstly, doctors are extremely skeptical about the action of most of them (Arbidol, Anaferon, Kagocel) due to the lack of evidence base for their effectiveness. Secondly, drugs whose antiviral activity has been confirmed by clinical trials (Tamiflu, Relenza) are used only at the initial stage of a respiratory disease.

To treat a prolonged runny nose of viral origin, the following are used:

frequent rinsing with saline solutions;
inhalation;
course intake of balanced vitamin complexes with microelements - Supradin, Pikovit, Vitamishki, Multitabs, Centrum.

If the baby’s immunity is weakened, then pediatricians prescribe immunostimulants and (or) immunomodulators to strengthen the child’s body’s defenses. Tsitovir, Immunal, lemongrass tinctures have proven themselves well, Rhodiola rosea, ginseng and eleutherococcus. Used as immunomodulators rectal suppositories Viferon, nasal drops and spray Grippferon, Interferon in solution. They don't show side effects and are used in the treatment of persistent runny nose in babies from the first day of life.

Antihistamine sprays and drops are used in the treatment of a child with an allergic lingering runny nose.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

Prolonged runny nose of allergic origin in lately is diagnosed very often. Doctors attribute this to poor ecology, various food additives and an abundance of household chemicals on store shelves. When various gland compounds get into the nasal passages, I produce mucus, which becomes the cause of a constant runny nose. Resistance child's body resistance to allergic agents is low, so this form of rhinitis develops quickly. In addition to nasal congestion, your child may experience sneezing, watery eyes, and in some cases itchy skin.

Allergic rhinitis responds well to treatment with antihistamine nasal drops and sprays:

Cromoghlin;
Allergodil;
Nasonex;
Cromohexal;
Flixonase.

Of no small importance in the treatment of a prolonged runny nose is the conduct of special tests to identify the allergic agent. If nasal congestion occurs during the spring flowering of trees and shrubs, then the first suspicion falls on pollen. Bird feathers, animal hair, and new household chemicals (washing powder, furniture polish) often act as allergic agents.

Only a pediatrician should treat any runny nose in children. If necessary, doctors are involved in therapy narrow specialization- otolaryngologist, allergist, immunologist. If a child has nasal congestion lasting more than three days, parents should contact medical institution for qualified help.

A prolonged runny nose in children (also known as chronic rhinitis) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that lasts for more than 7 days. If you do not immediately begin to eliminate it, complications may arise that can even lead to disability.

Most often, a prolonged runny nose appears in children in winter, when the weather is damp and the thaw begins. To prevent the disease from becoming chronic, it is necessary to treat it in a timely manner.

Any baby runny nose subject to treatment, otherwise it may become chronic!

Types of rhinitis

Your child may develop a persistent runny nose. different types, each of which has its own characteristics. Let's look at the features of each of them:

Vasomotor - appears due to increased sensitivity of the nasal mucosa to various irritants ( cigarette smoke, strong odors, chemicals, etc.). This type the disease can also develop as a result of foreign objects entering the nose, due to stress or a certain pathology (for example, adenoids, deviated nasal septum) (see also:).
Allergic - occurs due to the contact of an irritant (dust, pollen, animal hair, etc.) on the nasal mucosa. This type of runny nose can cause a child to sneeze, transparent discharge from the nasal passages, difficulty breathing, severe lacrimation, rashes on skin, cough, etc.
Infectious rhinitis develops as a result of pathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria) entering the nasal mucosa. Microbes provoke its inflammation.

Causes of persistent runny nose in children

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You should not begin treatment for a runny nose in a child without finding out the cause of its occurrence. It can signal the development of a dozen various diseases, many of which are quite serious. Let's consider the main causes of rhinitis in children 2-4 years old. It is provoked by:

allergic reaction;
sinusitis;
injury or damage to the nasal mucosa;
hyperplasia of adenoid tissue (we recommend reading:);
dryness in the room;
abuse of nasal drops.

Allergic reactions

Allergens may enter the baby's nasal mucosa, causing a runny nose. The following are the irritants: pollen, cigarette smoke, dust, food (strawberries, milk, chocolate, honey, eggs), animal hair, etc.

Signs of allergic rhinitis include frequent sneezing, white clear mucus from the sinuses, itchy skin, hives, and conjunctivitis. There are also more severe cases when a runny nose provokes the development of spasms in the bronchi, and it is very difficult for the baby to exhale.

A runny nose can be of an allergic nature and occur when an allergen gets into the nasal mucosa

Sinusitis

If a child’s runny nose does not go away for a long time, this may indicate complications, one of which is sinusitis. This pathology consists of the accumulation of pus in the sinuses, resulting in an inflammatory process. Sinusitis in children requires complex treatment, during which antibiotics are necessarily used. If the disease is very advanced, the baby may need a puncture or rinsing of the nasal sinuses.

Sinusitis manifests itself as severe headache and ear pain. If a child of 2-4 years old presents such complaints, then he should be quickly shown to a doctor in order to avoid complications such as meningitis, deafness, and mental retardation.

Injury or damage to the mucous membrane

Rhinitis can occur as a result of mechanical, chemical or thermal damage, that is, as a result of injury to the nasal mucosa. Injury can occur, for example, due to some children’s “favorite” activity - picking their nose with a finger, pen, or pencil.

Depending on the degree of damage, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment. If the mucous membrane is not severely injured, then everything can be corrected with wound healing agents. In other cases, surgery is required.

Hyperplasia of adenoid tissue

Another reason why children 2-4 years old develop a prolonged runny nose is hyperplasia ( pathological growth) adenoid tissues near the base of the nasal cavity from the pharynx.

An enlarged tonsil blocks the nasal passages, preventing the child from breathing normally. The accumulation of snot is accompanied by a constant feeling of a lump in the throat and impaired nasal breathing. The pathology is quite common in children.

Dry indoors

Due to its structure, a child’s nose, unlike an adult’s, reacts negatively to poor quality air. If the air in the room is too dry, the body may react to it with a long runny nose.

In order to rid a child of this type of rhinitis, you simply need to humidify the air. If parents do not have such an opportunity, then there is only one thing left to do - stock up on clean scarves and wait for the heating season to end.

Abuse of nasal drops

There are two reasons for the development of a runny nose from medications:

as a side effect from the drug taken;
rebound effect (when medications are taken in excessive doses).

The second type of rhinitis, which is also called drug-induced, can manifest itself 4-6 days after the start of treatment for a common runny nose with vasoconstrictors. If the drops are used longer than the period recommended by the doctor, the mucous membrane gets used to them, and the treatment becomes ineffective. The drug will have to be discontinued, and this threatens to increase the swelling of the nasal mucosa, that is, its congestion. That is why you should not use vasoconstrictor drops for longer than the time specified in the instructions.

One of the reasons for a prolonged runny nose may be the abuse of vasoconstrictors.

How to help your child recover faster?

Every parent wonders what to do if a child’s runny nose does not go away for a long time. How to cure it quickly? To get started:

carry out wet cleaning in the room where the baby is;
ventilate the room;
install a humidifier;
Clean the baby's nose with a damp gauze pad.

No need to give to baby strong drugs, if a runny nose does not affect his well-being. A gentle regime will be the most acceptable for him in this situation. It lies in simple rules care:

The baby should be left at home instead of the usual trip to kindergarten or school;
take a walk with your child - the walk should not last more than an hour.

Children who develop snot should drink a lot (for example, compote, homemade jelly, lemon tea). To cure a baby, you can give him milk with honey, but provided that he is not allergic to the product.

Large quantity Drinking fluids for rhinitis will help your baby recover faster

Don't forget about clearing your nose. To do this you need to use a saline solution. Such drugs as Otrivin, Marimer, Aquamaris are suitable. Regular rinsing is the key to a quick recovery.

Therapy depending on the cause of the disease

As a rule, not all parents seek help from a doctor at the first symptoms of rhinitis in a child. They try to eliminate the disease on their own without finding out the causes of its occurrence, and this is their main mistake. All mothers and fathers should know that the effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the nature of rhinitis. Let's get acquainted with the principles of treatment of different types of runny nose in more detail.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

If as a result diagnostic measures It was found that the baby’s rhinitis is allergic in nature, then the first measure to combat it is to identify the allergen and protect the child from contact with the irritant. Next, the allergist will prescribe antihistamines or nasal drops with vasodilating effect. Do not forget that the latter should be used no more than 3 times a day and no longer than a week.

Most safe option For children, vasodilator drops are considered. They fight nasal congestion in the baby and make breathing easier.

Therapy for vasomotor rhinitis

Many methods are used to treat this type of runny nose. The simplest of them is treatment with medications. The little patient is prescribed:

vasoconstrictor drops (decongestants);
rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution (we recommend reading:);
local antihistamines (to block sensitivity to irritants);
anticholinergics (to control and block symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis);
corticosteroids (to eliminate signs of illness).

If conservative methods The treatment did not produce results, the baby is undergoing surgical therapy:

laser photodestruction;
radioelectrocoagulation;
ultrasonic disintegration;
vasotomy

Laser therapy for persistent runny nose

Elimination of diseases of infectious origin

For the treatment of long-term infectious rhinitis The following therapeutic measures are used in children:

local treatment (the nose is instilled with a saline solution and cleaned using an aspirator or bulb, warmed with warm salt);
taking general strengthening and immunomodulating drugs;
physiotherapeutic procedures.

If infectious rhinitis does not go away for more than two weeks, and yellow-green pus is discharged from the sinuses, the child is prescribed antibacterial drugs. They can be in the form of ointments, sprays and liquid medicines.

General treatments

Regardless of the reason why the baby started snot, everything must be done so that it can easily flow out of the nasal cavity. At the same time, you need to ensure that the mucous membrane does not dry out. There are several methods for treating long-term rhinitis in children, each of which has its own pros and cons:

medicinal;
folk remedies;
with the help of physiotherapy.

Quartz heating of the nose

Use of medications

vasoconstrictors (Naphthyzin, Nazivin, Galazolin, etc. to eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa) - taking this group of drugs has strict time restrictions;
antihistamines (Claritin, Suprastin, Telfast, Levocabastine, etc.) - for the treatment of the allergic form of the disease;
antiviral (Interferon, Gerferon, Oxolin, etc.) - for the treatment of infectious rhinitis;
antibiotics (Bioparox, Polydexa, etc. (we recommend reading: ).) - for the treatment of bacterial rhinitis;
moisturizing drops (Aqua Maris, Aqualor, etc.) - to maintain normal operation nasal mucosa.

Treatment at home

If your baby starts having snot, and there is no way to see a doctor, then you can start treatment at home, following this scheme:

rinse the spout using water sea salt;
use an aspirator to remove mucus from the nasal passages;
drip your nose with special drops;
using an inhaler, inhale;
lubricate the nose with warming ointment.

Do not forget that self-medication is very dangerous, so take your child to the doctor as soon as possible. Only he can prescribe effective treatment.

Physical procedures

In some cases, physiotherapy is more effective than any medications. There are many different devices for home use to treat a child. One of these is a nebulizer, which breaks down the medicine into micro particles. When inhaled, the medicine does not enter the bloodstream and digestive system. It only affects the nasal mucosa.

A device for UV irradiation of the nasal cavity will help cure a runny nose in 5-6 procedures. In addition, it is used for quartz coating of premises.

A runny nose in a child can also be eliminated using a blue lamp. It is worth considering that this method is not used for all types of disease.

Features of treatment for children aged 2-3 years

When a child is only 2-3 years old, it is very difficult to treat his runny nose. The range of drugs for this age is limited, and many traditional methods- undesirable, as they can harm him. In addition, a 2-3 year old baby hardly knows how to blow his nose correctly, which also complicates the recovery process. What to do in this case? How to treat rhinitis in a child? The answer is simple - follow the doctor's recommendations.

Treatment should be carried out as follows:

clean the nose of mucus accumulations using a saline solution or products with sea salt (Physiomer);
use vasoconstrictor drops to restore breathing through the nose;
use antibacterial or antiviral drugs to treat the disease;
ensure that the conditions in which the child lives are conducive to a rapid recovery.

In order for recovery to proceed faster, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for this: the optimal air temperature should be 20 degrees, humidity - 50-60%

In general, treatment of a runny nose in a 2-3 year old child does not differ from the treatment of other children age categories. The main thing is to ensure that medicines corresponded to the age of the small patient.

The mucus secreted in the nose protects the respiratory tract from the penetration of pathogenic particles. During illness, its production increases, and upon recovery, it returns to normal. However, in some situations, mucus is secreted longer than necessary: a prolonged runny nose appears in an infant or a child older than one year. Before treating your baby, find out the cause of this condition.

Remember that lingering rhinitis should not be left to take its course. A runny nose will cause other diseases respiratory system, for example, chronic otitis media.

A prolonged runny nose is a condition characterized by:

lasting more than 10 days;
constant secretion of mucus from the nasal passages in large quantities;
difficulty breathing;
decreased sense of smell. The baby cannot distinguish smells or does it with difficulty, although this has not been observed before;
lethargy, moodiness, fatigue;
sleep disorders.

Reasons

Infections cause a persistent runny nose

The causes and treatment of a prolonged runny nose depend, among other things, on the age of the baby.

From birth to one year. In this case, there are two sources of rhinitis:

natural;
painful.

From one year and older. Most often, a prolonged runny nose in children of this age is provoked by infections, allergens or vascular disorders.

Up to a year

Baby being fed breast milk, receives immunity to diseases from her mother. Therefore, the causes of prolonged rhinitis are often of natural origin:

the beginning of the work of the salivary glands. Do not worry if your 1-2 month old child develops thin, clear, non-discomfortable nasal discharge. This is most likely due to activation of the salivary glands;
regurgitation. In children at 2 - 3 months, food enters the posterior nasal sinuses. The baby sniffles. In this case, continue feeding and the symptom will go away;
teething. The gums located close to the nasal passages become inflamed, irritating the nasal mucous membranes, which increases mucus production.

If the cause of a prolonged runny nose in children is illness, then the corresponding symptoms appear:

moodiness;
difficulty breathing and swallowing food;
increased body temperature;
cough, shortness of breath and wheezing.

Contact your doctor if you notice persistent rhinitis in your baby. Especially if there are other symptoms.

Over a year old

In children older than one year, a prolonged runny nose may occur due to exposure to:

Prolonged runny nose may occur due to exposure to allergens

infections (bacteria or viruses). Appear associated symptoms: increased body temperature, sore throat, cough, lethargy, moodiness, inflammation of the tonsils and more;
allergens. Causes an allergic reaction various substances: dust, food, pollen, household chemicals, medicines and more. The attack is accompanied by frequent sneezing, itching, tearing, redness of the eyes, and the appearance of a rash;
impaired reflex mechanisms regulating the tone of nasal vessels. With vasomotor rhinitis, an increased, excessive reaction to irritants (cold, pungent odor): increased mucus production, sneezing, difficulty breathing. This condition is rare in young children, but can lead to the development bronchial asthma. Therefore, be sure to consult a doctor if you have any warning signs.

Treatment

Treatment is prescribed by the doctor depending on the causes of prolonged rhinitis. As additional independent measures, you can do the following:

remove mucus. Regularly, at least 3-5 times a day, use a special nasal aspirator (nozzle suction) for children under one year of age. Avoid stagnation of secretions, which are a breeding ground for various harmful microorganisms. Children older than one year can blow their nose on their own. Remind them of the procedure;
moisturize the nasal mucosa. Moistening of the mucous membrane is carried out using a weak saline solution. Make the liquid yourself or purchase drops and sprays based on sea water at the pharmacy;
monitor the health of children. It is necessary to promptly treat emerging diseases of the respiratory system and avoid substances that can cause allergic reactions in the baby. Regularly wet clean your home and take walks in nature.

Antibiotics and antihistamines are prescribed by a doctor. Don't risk your child's health!

Traditional medicine

You can make your baby feel better using folk remedies:

by instillation;
washing;
inhalation with herbs.

The last two procedures are suitable for children over three years when a child understands and follows adult instructions.

Drops

Use drops with caution. Irritation of the mucous membrane can provoke an increase in mucus secretion. To prepare the drops, take a medium onion, chop and squeeze out the juice. Pour 1 part juice to 5 parts water. It is permissible to replace onions with honey or aloe.

Washing

Rinse the nose with salted water or saline. Fill the teapot with liquid, tilt the child’s head slightly to the side, body forward. Pour water into the upper nostril. Soon water will flow from the bottom. Then ask your baby to close his upper nostril and blow his nose. Repeat with the second side. It is recommended to show the procedure to the child by example.

Give drops to an infant with caution

Inhalations

Inhalation is the inhalation of steam from water with medicinal substances dissolved in it. The method will help relieve inflammation with a dry cough and improve sputum discharge with a wet one. The steam will moisturize the nasal mucosa.

As medicinal liquid use saline solution or herbal infusion. Brew a tablespoon each of St. John's wort, calendula and mint. You can use chamomile. Remember:

During the procedure, the water should not boil. Check the temperature of the steam so that the baby does not get burned;
breathe through the nose;
duration is 1 - 3 minutes three times a day;
the method is contraindicated in purulent inflammations(sinusitis, sore throat) and elevated body temperature.

Prolonged rhinitis occurs due to natural causes or is a consequence of disease. Subject to availability alarming symptoms consult a doctor who will determine the source and tell you how to treat a runny nose. You can alleviate the baby’s condition with folk remedies. However, you should be careful and coordinate the use of certain methods with your doctor.