When do snot appear in a child?

The phenomena of inflammation in the nasal cavity lead to the appearance of discharge from the nose. This condition in medicine is called rhinitis or common cold. Snot in a child is quite common, especially in early childhood. In its course, rhinitis in children is more often acute, less often chronic.

Rhinitis (snot) in a child may appear as an independent disease or is a consequence of other inflammatory processes in the nasopharynx and the airways, a viral or bacterial cause. The predisposing factor may be hypothermia, exposure to allergens or chemical irritants. In young children with acute rhinitis, both nasal passages are always involved in the pathological process.

Usually the onset of the disease is manifested by the appearance of a minor malaise. The child sneezes, complains of a sore throat. Transparent snot in a child appears in the initial period of the disease, usually with infections of the viral etiology. In children, the inflammatory process, as a rule, spreads lower into the nasopharynx, the paranasal sinuses, and quite often the infection penetrates into the middle ear, causing otitis. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the snot appearing in the child, without letting the matter go by itself. Uncomplicated runny nose passes about a week later.

Combating the common cold is, first of all, the fight against infection. In the initial period, a generous drink is recommended, carrying out warming procedures, such as mustard, on the chest, foot baths with warm water. With nasal congestion resorted to the use of vasoconstrictive drugs from the common cold. Pharmacies offer a variety of such drugs, for example, "Nazivin", "Naphtizin" in a child's dosage, "Nazol" and many others. But overdo it with these drugs is not necessary, so that there is no addiction and possible atrophy of the mucosa. Vasoconstrictive drops from the cold run no more than five to seven days. It is better if their use is combined with oil-based drops ("Pinosol"). Such drugs soften the nasal mucosa and do not allow it to dry out. Included in the essential oils of fir and other herbs have antibacterial effect. The exception are allergic children. From the use of drugs based on herbs in children prone to allergic reactions, it is better to abandon.

For any rhinitis, it is advisable to wash the nasal passages with a weak saline solution. It can be sea water in the form of an aerosol or drops, as well as saline solution prepared artificially. The procedure for irrigation of the mucous membrane should be performed several times a day, first releasing the nose from the mucus. Salt has a harmful effect on pathogenic microorganisms.

Bacterial infection causes greenish and thick snot in the child. Treatment of such rhinitis should be carried out with antibacterial drugs. Antibiotics of a wide spectrum of action are prescribed. Very good alkaline inhalation.

Particular attention should be paid to infants, whose rhinitis almost always proceeds with the spread of the process to the trachea, larynx and bronchi. Very often the general state of health suffers and the temperature rises. The child becomes restless, because of breathing problems due to nasal congestion, he breathes his mouth. This leads to the drying out of the oral mucosa, the appearance of snoring. The principle of treating the common cold in babies is the same, except that they can not be prescribed drops of menthol and herbs.

Rhinitis of the chronic course is a consequence of poor treatment of an acute cold. It can also be on contact with allergens or other irritants. Allergic snot in a child does not cause a serious deterioration of the condition, the body temperature remains normal. In this case, take antihistamines and drops in the nose, and also try to protect the child from contact with the allergen.

In most cases, a favorable prognosis and ongoing treatment gives a positive result.