A runny nose in a child is a fairly common occurrence. This symptom can manifest itself as an independent disease and can be one of the signs of a viral infection. Regardless of the cause of its occurrence, treatment of a common cold in a child should be carried out immediately after the appearance of snot. This problem can be especially difficult in newborns, as various complications can occur. A runny nose can occur for a variety of reasons, which is why it is important to choose the right treatment in each case.
What is a runny nose?
Before treating a cold in a child, you first need to understand its essence. Rhinitis is a rather complex set of symptoms that often occurs when inflammation in the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and sinuses occurs. The complex of symptoms includes such signs:
- the presence of discharge from the nose of a different nature;
- congestion;
- feeling itchy, dry, or sore;
- sneezing.
In addition, rhinitis may be accompanied by redness of the nose or lacrimation. Sometimes the discharge from the nose flows down the back wall, and then the cough joins, especially in the supine position of the child.
What are the types
Depending on the cause of the common cold in a child, treatment is selected strictly individually, based on the type of problem. The development of rhinitis is provoked by bacteria, viruses and various allergens, upon penetration into the body of which a protective reaction aimed at removing the infection from the nose is included.
Runny nose is divided into:
- acute;
- chronic;
- vasomotor;
- allergic.
The acute form of the common cold is formed as a result of exposure to the nasal mucosa of bacteria and viruses. This can be with scarlet fever, diphtheria, measles, flu and many other infectious diseases. Acute rhinitis is characterized by inflammation, swelling, mucous secretions, which after a few days become purulent.
Chronic runny nose occurs with prolonged course of acute rhinitis. Such a violation is characterized by frequent nasal congestion, a decrease in smell, purulent discharge, vascular and mucous atrophy.
The vasomotor rhinitis is not associated with infectious diseases. It is characterized by a violation of the reactions of the nasal cavity that occurs with improper blood circulation, a decrease in vascular tone. Contaminated air, the presence of an irritating smell, and the use of certain drugs can also provoke this type of rhinitis.
An allergic rhinitis is caused by a high sensitivity of the nasal mucosa to external factors. It can be seasonal in nature and develops when inhaled substances containing allergens.
Causes of occurrence
To choose the most effective treatment for a common cold in a child, you need to know exactly what causes rhinitis can occur, since infectious and non-infectious factors can provoke it. Infectious causes include viral infections, the causative agents of which can be various pathogens. Fungal and bacterial lesions of the nasal mucosa are much less common and it is mainly they that cause the inflammation to go to the chronic stage.
Among non-infectious causes, the following can be distinguished:
- dry air in the room;
- hypothermia of the body;
- allergens
- exposure to irritating substances;
- the presence of a foreign body in the nose;
- side effects of certain drugs.
Quite often, a runny nose is the main sign of the course of infectious diseases. Discharge from the nose is always a symptom of sinusitis or sinusitis.
Treatment rules
It is strictly forbidden to independently treat the common cold in a child, which is why you must first consult with a doctor who can choose drugs and other methods of therapy. It is very important to give the baby as much as possible to drink, especially mineral warm water, fruit compote, tea or fruit drink. Drinking plenty of water is a very good way to deal not only with a runny nose, but also with other colds.
It is important to review the usual diet during the course of the disease. It is best to consume light and wholesome food, as the child’s body will spend a lot of energy on digesting heavy foods.
You can quickly and effectively treat the common cold in children with medications. Medicines differ in their composition, since they include biologically active substances that are similar to each other, which can affect the well-being of a person. Various are considered the most popular drugs: drops, aerosols, sprays. They help to quickly deal with nasal congestion and the main symptoms of malaise. However, not all drugs contribute to eliminating the very problem of rhinitis, they simply facilitate the well-being of the patient.
Use of drugs
For the treatment of the common cold in a child of 2 years, you can use special solutions for washing. This is a very simple and effective way to combat rhinitis in the early stages, preventing subsequent aggravation of the condition. Washing should be carried out immediately after the onset of the first signs of the disease. Typically, nasal drops such as Dolphin, Aqua Maris, Otrivin, Salin, and Aqualor are used for this.
To treat the common cold in children quickly, you can use nasal drops, which can be:
- moisturizing;
- vasoconstrictor;
- antiviral;
- combined;
- homeopathic;
- antibacterial.
Among the vasoconstrictor drugs, it is necessary to distinguish such as "Naphthyzin", "Sanorin", "Galazolin", "Xylen". These drugs help very quickly and effectively eliminate nasal congestion, but only for a while.
Moisturizing drops contain seawater, the healing properties of which are known since ancient times. They perfectly help fight the common cold and related symptoms. It is worth noting that they have virtually no side effects and contraindications. The most popular moisturizing drops are such as Physiomer, Aqualor, Salin.
An effective treatment for the common cold in a 2-year-old child can be done with homeopathic remedies. Such drugs include Delufen, Edas-131, and Pinosol. They differ from other agents in their composition, since they contain mainly plant components. The effect of their use can be seen literally through several procedures. In addition, such drugs help to increase immunity, have antiviral and antibacterial effects. However, it is worth remembering that if a child is allergic to certain components of the drug, then it is strictly forbidden to use it. In addition, you must first consult with your doctor.
Qualitative treatment can be carried out using drops that have an antibacterial effect. Among these drugs can be identified "Bioparox", "Isofra", "Fugentin", "Polydex." Combined remedies help treat the common cold in children quickly and efficiently. They contain several biologically active substances that are designed to combat the common cold and related symptoms. The composition of such drops includes antihistamines, antibiotics and vasoconstrictor components. For example, drops of "Vibrocil" are considered a good remedy.
Antiviral and immunomodulating agents contain interferon in their composition. This substance is similar to that which the human body produces when an infection enters. Among the most popular products, one can distinguish drops such as Genferon, Nazoferon, and Grippferon. In addition, you can buy capsules with dry interferon, which is diluted with water, and then buried in the nose. These drugs do not have side effects, which is why they are suitable for the treatment of even infants.
With the occurrence of infectious diseases, fever, runny nose and cough are observed. Basically, this occurs when viruses enter the body. With incorrect and untimely therapy, viruses and bacteria can penetrate the lower respiratory tract. For the treatment of rhinitis and cough in children, special compresses can be used, consume a lot of fluids. If the cough is dry and long, it may require the use of expectorants, such as Bromhexine or Mukaltin. It is very important to apply moisturizing drops, ventilate the room and maintain the required humidity in the room.
When choosing a drug, it is important not to make a mistake with the purpose of the drug according to the age of the child, dosage and duration of therapy. Deviation from the doctor’s prescription can cause various complications.
Folk remedies
You can treat the common cold in children with folk remedies, the most popular of which are:
- phytotherapy;
- heavy drinking;
- aromatherapy;
- reflexology;
- breathing exercises;
- walks in the open air.
For therapy, it is recommended to consume lingonberry or cranberry juice. Treatment of a common cold in children with folk remedies involves the use of decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs, such as St. John's wort, chamomile, raspberry leaves, linden flowers, and some others. You can brew these plants individually or mix several.
Essential oils help eliminate pathogens and viruses. You can use various aroma lamps for this, as well as put a saucer with chopped onions or garlic next to the bed.
A fairly effective treatment for the common cold in children can be with the help of reflexology. Hot foot baths with mustard powder help well. You can attach mustard plasters to the soles of the feet for several minutes or pour mustard powder in socks and leave it overnight.
Treatment of the common cold in children with folk remedies involves walking in the fresh air, especially in the coniferous forest. During walking, blood circulation is activated, active substances are released that increase the body's resistance.
For older children, nose washing can be done. To do this, you can use a solution of sea salt, baking soda, honey water, diluted lemon juice.
To conduct treatment of the common cold in children with folk remedies quickly, you can use carrot or beetroot juice, freshly squeezed juice of leaves of coltsfoot. In addition, you can lubricate the nasal mucosa with fresh juice of Kalanchoe leaves. Before using such methods of therapy, a consultation with the attending doctor is required.
Possible complications
With proper therapy, a runny nose passes literally after 2-3 weeks, but in the absence of the required treatment, the pathological process can go into a chronic form. A constant exacerbation of rhinitis in the future can be expressed in the form of various complications that can develop with insufficient oxygen supply to brain cells and other organs. In particular, this can provoke:
- development of adenoids;
- developmental delay;
- metabolic disorders;
- impaired functioning of the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system;
- the development of allergic bronchitis.
Adenoids - the growth of lymphoid tissue of the tonsils, which leads to constant difficulty in nasal breathing. Lack of oxygen leads to overwork, memory loss, sleep disturbance.
Regardless of the cause, a runny nose is a very dangerous symptom. It prevents the child from sleeping normally, very often provokes an attack of coughing, anxiety and headache. In addition, shortness of breath provokes oxygen starvation of the brain. With improper treatment, an infectious runny nose can develop into sinusitis, as well as otitis media or eustacheitis. Inflammation can pass into the bone process located behind the auricle. It will be possible to conduct treatment only through surgical intervention.
Runny nose in infants
Before treating a runny nose in an infant, it is necessary to determine the cause of the abundant discharge from the nose. Be sure to consult with a pediatrician and only after that use medications. To alleviate the condition of the baby and eliminate nasal congestion, you can conduct a nose wash. In addition, the nasal cavity should be cleaned of accumulated snot using special nasal aspirators. This device can be purchased at a pharmacy or in baby stores.
Treatment of the common cold in children according to Komarovsky implies the use of means for washing the nose, observing the regimen of the day, and also moisturizing the air. From 2 months, you can use special medicines to thin the mucus, which help to remove it from the sinuses. Among the most popular medications are Otrivin, Nazivin, Aquamaris, Salin.
Danger of runny nose in infants
In a newborn, even a small runny nose can provoke a number of complications, which often pose a threat to the baby's life. Rhinitis is accompanied by swelling of the mucosa, which leads to difficulty breathing. As a result of this, the baby becomes restless, lethargic, nervous, and cries very often. However, fever, cramps, soreness, and sore throat may be noted. In addition, diarrhea and vomiting reflex may occur. It threatens dehydration and rapid weight loss. This condition is very dangerous for newborn children, as it can literally lead to the death of a child in just a few hours.
In a baby, a runny nose can provoke suffocation from mucus accumulated in the nose. If it enters the respiratory tract, damage to the lungs, bronchi, and the formation of pneumonia and bronchitis can occur. Nasal congestion can lead to disruption of the feeding process, during which the baby has to break away from the chest or bottle and trap air through the mouth. As a result of this, oxygen enters the intestines, causing increased gas formation, intestinal colic, which further aggravates the baby's condition. In addition, a runny nose in an infant can lead to chronic pathologies.
Prophylaxis
It is very important to carry out timely prevention in order to prevent the occurrence of a runny nose. You need to lead a healthy lifestyle, conduct daily cleaning in the house, often walk in the fresh air, temper.
All required vaccinations should be done in a timely manner, including against influenza, as this will help prepare and strengthen the baby's immune system. It is important to constantly maintain a wet state of the nasal mucosa and for this you can use a spray with sea water or saline. A runny nose can be a very serious problem for a child, which is why it is important to timely treat and prevent it.