Yellow snot from the baby’s nose can make any parent worry. Unfortunately, few people know what is causing this phenomenon. There are many opposing opinions on this issue. Some consider this discharge color to be a variant of the norm, while others consider it a sign of a serious illness. How to figure it out? How to help the baby defeat the disease?
Possible causes of unusual discharge
Yellow snot from the baby’s nose causes a lot of debate among pediatricians. The exact cause of such a phenomenon cannot be determined in absentia, since many factors can cause it, some of which are quite harmless, while others require special monitoring and treatment.
So, what is the basis for the appearance of yellow discharge ? In medicine, it is customary to distinguish the following options:
- The end of a cold. A few days after the baby has a runny nose, the snot transforms, becomes thicker, loses transparency and acquires a yellowish or murky-white color. It is likely that recovery will come very soon, and you should not worry about this.
- Active inflammatory processes in the body (including purulent in nature, can be hazardous to health).
- Chronic forms of serious illness (e.g., otitis media, rhinitis, sinusitis, etc.).
- Allergic reactions to external stimuli (can occur even due to dust and dry air).
Different color of nasal discharge
If yellow snot from the nose is not the norm, then let's talk about exactly how they should look. To begin with, it must be emphasized that snot themselves represent a protective reaction of the body, and often do not require any special treatment. However, launching such a phenomenon is also not worth it. So, in addition to yellow discharge, it is customary to distinguish:
- Green snot. This color indicates the presence of bacteria. The more intense the color, the more microorganisms. In this case, in addition to self-treatment, you should definitely consult a doctor.
- Transparent snot. They are found most often, differ in liquid consistency. Most often they pass on their own, but in some cases they can lead to negative consequences (for example, to bronchial asthma). The reason for their appearance can be not only a cold, but also an allergic reaction.
- Discharge with blood. May be a symptom of big health problems. If the child also has fever and severe headaches, be sure to consult a doctor. Most likely, such snot are a sign of sinusitis.
- White snot. Appear due to weak immunity, colds, hypothermia. Their occurrence can be prevented through regular wet cleaning, walks in the fresh air. So that the snot does not thicken, rinse should be done.
Methods for treating secretions on their own and with medicines
How to cure snot in a child at home? This question is often asked by parents, deciding not to go to the doctor with their beloved child. Of course, you can expect a natural solution to the problem, but still, additional help to the body will not be superfluous. Begin treatment with regular rinsing of the nose. To do this, you can use saline or saline, sea water.
A positive effect can be achieved with a variety of inhalations. Healing herbs such as calendula, sage, and eucalyptus leaves are often used for steam baths. Very often, essential oils of citrus fruits and conifers are added to decoctions. Such events can achieve a double effect - get rid of mucus, as well as destroy bacteria. One of the best remedies for treating a cold is a decoction of chamomile. Among folk healing products, grape and nettle juices are especially popular. Especially successful are such funds for secretions with blood, since they successfully strengthen the walls of blood vessels.
If the baby has a stuffy nose, yellow snot, try turning to pharmacy drugs. Currently, experts most often recommend the use of such drugs as Derinat, Isofra, Protargol, Vibrocil and others. Before using the medication yourself, be sure to read the instructions and strictly adhere to the rules indicated in it.
Thick snot without any additional cold symptoms can be treated with essential oils. But vasoconstrictor drops at this stage are better not to use, since the benefit from them will be minimal. In some cases, such drugs can even contribute to the development of chronic secretions.
When should I see a doctor?
Which specialist should I go to in case of non-standard discharge from the baby’s nose? Engaged in such issues ENT. The doctor will carefully examine the child, determine the severity of his condition, and if necessary, prescribe special treatment. Be sure to tell him that the color of the snot of the child causes you concern. This can be important.
The alarming symptoms include lingering thick snot yellow or green, frequent headaches, high body temperature, changes in the baby’s character and mood (for example, irritation or apathy).
Cold Prevention
All parents know that preventing ailment is much easier than curing it. Unfortunately, many neglect simple preventative rules. If your child has snot, treatment of this phenomenon is desirable, but not necessary. It is best to take measures to prevent their initial occurrence. For this, great attention should be paid to hardening of the young body, moderate physical activity, and walks in the fresh air. Of great importance to immunity is proper nutrition. Try to keep your baby’s diet as diverse as possible, including meat, fish, fresh vegetables and vegetable oils.
Carefully select the crumbs wardrobe before a walk, do not allow both overheating and hypothermia. Make sure that the child’s shoes are not wet, and the hands and feet are always warm. If after a walk on the street you find that the baby is cold, be sure to provide him with a warm drink and let him splash in the hot tub.
Snot in a baby. How to deal with a dangerous phenomenon
Yellow snot from the nose can be observed in a newborn baby. In this case, measures to treat the common cold and its symptoms must be taken immediately. Narrow ducts of the nose are instantly filled with secretions, which leads to the appearance of edema and difficulty breathing. In babies in the first year of life, any cold can lead to the development of serious health problems. To avoid serious consequences, be sure to invite a pediatrician for additional consultation. Be sure to tell the specialist what color snot is observed in the child at this time. If this is not possible, proceed with flushing. To do this, you will need an aspirator and a suitable therapeutic agent. As it is possible to use homemade saline or a pharmacy analogue (for example, the drug "Aquamaris"). The ducts should be washed quite often, at least five to eight times a day. According to the necessary number of procedures can be increased, however, pay attention to the dosage of the product you are using. Not observing this rule, you risk burning your baby’s delicate mucous membranes.
After thoroughly cleansing the nasal passages, you can proceed to the medical procedures. If you prefer a pharmacy drug, be sure to consult a pediatrician, do not use the drugs at your own discretion. As for folk remedies, the use of beet or carrot juice diluted with water in the proportions of 1 to 1 is allowed .
Attention! Allergy
In some cases, not only ENT should examine the child. An allergist is also often involved in this procedure. It is possible that the cause of yellow snot is an allergic reaction. As an external stimulus, pollen of flowers, food, animal hair, fluff and house dust often act. In addition, discharge may be accompanied by itching or burning. In this case, it is very important to establish a potential allergen and exclude the interaction of the child with him. A possible complication of such an allergy is bronchial asthma.
Be healthy!