How to quickly cure a runny nose in a child at home. Folk remedies, pharmaceutical preparations

A runny nose in a child who has not yet turned 1 year old is a common occurrence. Thin nasal discharge, which is very similar to the symptoms of infectious rhinitis, does not always need to be treated. During the first year of a child's life, the glands and mucous membranes in the nose become accustomed to the environment, learn to act as a breathing filter, and wet discharge is a normal part of the process.

Treatment is required if a runny nose greatly bothers the child and interferes with eating and getting enough sleep. Many modern medications are approved for use by infants, so dealing with a runny nose will not be difficult.

Runny nose in a one-year-old child

A runny nose in one-year-old babies and infants occurs for the same reasons. We all breathe air saturated with various impurities: aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, fungal spores, pollen, and chemical particles. When a child's nose encounters foreign particles that are perceived as suspicious or potentially dangerous, histamine is released in the mucous membranes.

The release of histamine leads to increased blood circulation in the nose. The vascular walls swell, increasing in size. The mucous membranes react to the irritant by secreting large amounts of mucus, which should wash away the potential threat. If this cannot be done the first time, or if the reaction to the stimulus is disproportionately strong, the child develops rhinitis.

In most cases, rhinitis in infants and one-year-olds goes away without treatment. But if after 3-4 days the condition has not improved, or the baby cannot sleep due to a stuffy nose, it is better to use medications.

Treatment of runny nose in children under 1 year of age

Most potent drugs should not be used by a baby under one year of age. For a small child, simple treatment methods are sufficient:

  • Rinse with warm water or saline to soften and remove dried crusts. Liquid is drawn into a syringe, then carefully injected into each nostril. The soft rubber tip of the syringe is safe for children's sensitive noses.
  • Vasoconstrictor drugs. Children under one year of age can take vasoconstrictors only as prescribed by a pediatrician. In children, such drugs become addictive faster than in adults, so strictly adhere to the dosage and do not exceed the maximum course duration for children - three days for any drops. Children are usually prescribed soft vasoconstrictor drops: Nazivin, Vibrocil, etc.
  • Antibacterial agents. If your children have a severe infection, the pediatrician will prescribe a drug that will block the activity of pathogenic organisms. Children under one year of age are usually prescribed Albucid or Protargol: they have a minimum of contraindications and side effects, do not irritate the mucous membranes and give a noticeable effect after the first use.
  • Immunomodulators and antiviral drugs. They are also used against infectious runny nose to prevent further spread of infection and alleviate the general condition. Children are usually prescribed Grippferon. This remedy is effective not only against the flu: it helps against most viral diseases. For quick results, use rectal suppositories (Viferon and others). They deliver the active components to the circulatory system, while the drug does not flow through the nasopharynx into the stomach and does not irritate sensitive mucous membranes.
Photo: stevepb/pixabay.com

Don’t forget about preventing complications: while your baby’s nose is running, hold off on long walks and evening bathing. If the symptoms of a runny nose are complicated by a high temperature, completely avoid swimming and walking until complete recovery.

Caring for the health of children is one of the most important tasks of parents, especially if the child, due to his age, is not able to independently resist the effects of adverse factors. Young children, whose immunity is not yet as active as adults, are susceptible to numerous infections, so a runny nose at the age of twelve months is not uncommon. Rhinitis during this age period can be quite severe, accompanied by pronounced intoxication - weakness, lethargy, fever, and lack of appetite. How to cure a runny nose in a one-year-old child? To achieve this, several basic measures and medications are used that every parent needs to know about.

Important Rules

To treat a runny nose effectively, you must first understand what led to its occurrence. Rhinitis in a child in the first years of life is usually caused by infectious factors and is an infectious-inflammatory process of viral or bacterial etiology. However, although one-year-old children often suffer from a runny nose, this is not only due to the developing and therefore imperfect immunity, but also to the uncomfortable conditions in the children's room - excessive dryness, overheating of the air, a large amount of dust; the combination of these factors is usually called the microclimate of the room.

An unfavorable microclimate affects both susceptibility to infection and the severity and duration of a runny nose of any nature. Normally, the nasal mucosa is moistened, and the mucus secreted by its glands takes an active part in delaying and neutralizing pathogenic agents penetrating from the outside. If the nasal cavity is dry, the risk of infection and inflammation is higher, and the symptoms of a runny nose are extremely difficult to get rid of; difficulty in nasal breathing persists even after the fever disappears.

Thus, in order to cure a runny nose in a 1-year-old child, you should first of all pay attention to the characteristics of the microclimate.

The appearance of a runny nose in children necessitates maintaining the room temperature at 18-20 °C and humidity at 50-70%. Why is this necessary? If a child breathes moistened, cool air, the mucus in the respiratory tract also remains moistened and retains all the properties beneficial to the body - which means the risk of complications is reduced and the preconditions are created for a quick recovery.

Treatment of a runny nose in a one-year-old child also requires compliance with the following rules:

  1. Drink enough fluids (especially if rhinitis is accompanied by an increase in body temperature).
  2. Clearing the nose of mucus, including before feeding (especially if breastfeeding continues).
  3. Using moisturizers for the nasal cavity.
  4. Dosed symptomatic use of medications.

You can give your child water (including still mineral water), warm baby tea, compote of fresh fruits and dried fruits - preference is given to apples, pears, and plums. It is better not to add sugar to drinks. It is necessary to free the nose from secretions, since if nasal breathing is impaired, the child has to breathe through the mouth, which leads to swallowing air during feeding or completely refusing food.

Toilet nose

A runny nose is accompanied by difficulty breathing due to swelling and mucus. Small children do not yet know how to blow their nose properly; moreover, thick and viscous discharge cannot be removed by simply blowing their nose. Clearing the nasal cavity of accumulated mucus and crusts is a method that allows you to say “no” to lingering colds. How to do it correctly? Treatment of a runny nose in a 1-year-old child necessitates the following in the home first aid kit:

  • saline solutions (0.9% sodium chloride solution, Otrivin Baby, etc.);
  • nasal aspirator;
  • sterile oil (olive, peach, almond).

Some salt preparations are already offered complete with aspirators. For a one-year-old child, it is better to choose drops rather than a spray - drip administration is safer than pushing liquid into the nose under pressure. Why use saline solution for a runny nose? This tool can:

  • make mucus liquid;
  • mechanically wash off secretions from the mucous membrane;
  • moisturize the mucous membrane without irritating it.

How to cure a runny nose in a one-year-old child? The discharge, which has changed from thick to watery, begins to flow out of the nose on its own and is swallowed. A nasal aspirator makes the task of clearing your nose easier and allows you to remove snot much faster. For viral and colds, inhalation of cool, moist air in combination with drip injection of saline preparations into the nose is the basis of treatment.

The advantage of saline solutions is, first of all, the possibility of frequent use. They can be dripped 2-3 drops even every hour - it is not necessary to always use an aspirator. If there is little discharge, you can do without it, limiting yourself to nasal drops.

Before use, drops for treating a runny nose in a one-year-old child should be warmed to body temperature by holding in the palm of your hand or dipping into a cup of warm water for a few minutes.

The saline solution should not be cold. In addition to the adverse effect on the inflamed mucous membrane, the introduction of cold drops is unpleasant for the child - he begins to worry, and prevents subsequent nasal instillation. Choose products with a salt concentration of 0.65 to 0.9%, avoid using hypertonic solutions - they irritate the already sensitive mucous membrane.

How to cure a runny nose in a child using oil products? Oil for small children is used to soften crusts in the nose and prevent dryness of the mucous membrane; cotton wool is soaked in it. If the microclimate is satisfactory and the saline solution is used correctly, there is usually no need for oil.

Vasoconstrictor nasal drops

How to quickly cure a runny nose in a child? Unfortunately, it is not always possible to get by with a saline solution alone; if the swelling is significant, additional medications will be required. We are talking about vasoconstrictor drops, an “ambulance” for rhinitis. When you pick up the bottle, pay attention:

  • for expiration date;
  • on the composition and concentration of the active substance;
  • on the duration of the therapeutic effect.

An expired drug loses its activity and can be hazardous to health. The composition must contain active ingredients approved for children (Oxymetazoline, Phenylephrine) in a reduced concentration (for example, 0.01%, not 0.1%). There is a huge assortment of vasoconstrictor drops with similar names, so you need to take into account not the trade name (Nazivin, Vibrocil), but the active base, which determines the pharmacological effect.

The duration of action (for example, about 6 hours) is the period during which the effect of the vasoconstrictor drops persists. Short-acting drugs are much easier to overdose on. When thinking about how to treat a runny nose in a 1-year-old child, you need to remember that the frequency of administration of drops is from 2 to 4 times a day - this is what you should focus on when choosing. However, the drug is not used prophylactically, but only in the presence of symptoms of a runny nose - if you can get by with a one-time administration, it is better to do so.

To eliminate a runny nose in a one-year-old child, inject no more than 1-2 drops of the drug into each nostril, after clearing the nose with a saline solution.

Important note: Vasoconstrictor drops do not treat a runny nose, they are intended to temporarily relieve swelling that prevents the nose from breathing. They are also used if the nose is stuffy due to fever, the child develops shortness of breath, and the doctor has confirmed the presence of otitis media or sinusitis. It is better to continue using the product for no more than 3 days, although if necessary, treatment can be extended up to 5 days.

There are two main ways to apply nasal drops:

  1. Place the child on his back with his head thrown back - this position is maintained for several minutes after administering the drops.
  2. Invite the child to throw back his head, introduce drops and tilt his head down, while gently pressing the nostril to the nasal septum. Repeat from the second nostril.

It is believed that in the second case, the ingestion of drops is prevented, and they act only locally, exclusively on the nasal mucosa. However, such an introduction requires a certain dexterity from parents. Before use, the drops must be warmed in the same way as warming a saline solution.

Treatment of a child who is one year old is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor - a specialist will explain what parents can do on their own and what medications will be needed to improve the condition. A responsible attitude to the treatment of a runny nose will help to avoid dangerous complications and speed up recovery.


What and how to quickly cure a runny nose in a child? 6 effective ways
A runny nose, or rhinitis, is not a disease, but a sign of irritation or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, often caused by infection. Most often, albeit for various reasons, a runny nose occurs in children. Therefore, for most parents, the question of how to quickly cure a runny nose in a child is one of the most pressing. To answer it, you need to be able to identify the causes of a runny nose and know which remedies will be more effective in combating it.

General information about baby runny nose

Experts identify several variants of a runny nose that are possible in both adults and children. They arise for various reasons:
  • Due to infections usually affecting the upper respiratory tract, including the ARVI group and influenza.
  • Due to allergic diseases, in which a runny nose is one of the symptoms of hay fever (pollen allergy) or a reaction to wool, mold, food, medications.
  • As a result of abnormal reactions of blood vessels in the nasal mucosa when exposed to irritants - strong odors, cold or dry air (such a runny nose is called vasomotor rhinitis).
Knowing the cause is especially important for treating runny nose in children. The choice of means that can eliminate nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, and reduce the secretion of thin or thick mucus depends on it. If some drugs are used for almost all types of runny nose, then others - antibiotics, hormonal sprays - will be indicated only for some of its variants and only a doctor can prescribe them, especially to a child.

ARVI is the most common cause of children's runny noses, along with cough, fever and general malaise. During the cold season, viruses actively spread in crowded places - in children's clinics, at school or in a kindergarten group. One sick child is enough for his coughing, screaming or sneezing to spread hundreds and even thousands of viruses into the air, which enter the body of healthy children with droplets of mucus. Viruses settle on surfaces, toys, get on your hands, and from there into your nose and mouth.

Adults can also infect a baby; they are more likely to be in crowded places, from where they can bring viruses. Therefore, even a child who does not regularly visit shopping centers, cafes and cinemas can get sick.
So, alas, infection could not be avoided. How to treat a runny nose in a child?

Method 1. Treatment of a runny nose with vasoconstrictors

Having noticed the first signs of a cold with rhinitis in a child, as a rule, parents rush to the pharmacy to purchase drugs that will provide quick and effective treatment for a runny nose. In children, the use of such products should primarily perform two functions - relieve nasal congestion and reduce mucus discharge from it. For these purposes, vasoconstrictor drugs are used in various forms. These can be drops or sprays for runny noses for children. Such drugs narrow the small vessels in the nose, which reduces swelling of the mucous membranes and makes breathing easier. However, they only reduce the severity of unpleasant symptoms. And the effect of their use can last from 4 to 12 hours, then repeated instillation is necessary.

Although some of these drugs are approved for use even in babies under one year old, they should be used in childhood with extreme caution. Doctors who know how to properly treat a runny nose in children recommend using such remedies for no more than 3-4 days. Otherwise, addiction is possible, in which the child’s nose simply cannot breathe without drops. In addition, thoughtless use of vasoconstrictor drugs can lead to irritation and drying of the nasal mucosa. Therefore, they are usually combined with delayed-action drugs, the effect of which occurs after a few days, when the use of vasoconstrictor sprays or drops becomes undesirable and requires discontinuation.

Method 2. To start using hormonal medications, it is important to know the causes of a runny nose!

The next group of drugs that we will consider are hormonal drugs for the treatment of runny nose in children. They are used when an allergy is diagnosed or drug-induced rhinitis (dependence on vasoconstrictors) has developed. In addition, these drugs are indicated for chronic runny nose, treatment of severe rhinitis with complications in the form of sinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses).

A doctor may recommend hormonal drops for a runny nose; sprays or ointments are also suitable for children. The effect occurs gradually, lasting relief is usually achieved after 2-3 weeks of use. Treatment of allergic rhinitis in a child with the help of hormonal drugs is indicated only for severe, pronounced forms.

These drugs do not damage the mucous membrane and are not addictive, but they have a fairly extensive list of contraindications and side effects. Therefore, they are used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Method 3. Antibiotics in the form of drops and sprays. When is it justified to treat a runny nose in children with antibiotics?

The use of antibiotics is indicated to combat bacteria only; if the infection is viral in nature (for example, influenza), these drugs are useless. Therefore, sprays or drops for a runny nose with an antibiotic will be prescribed only in cases where the doctor is sure that the cause is the activity of microbes. Unauthorized use of antibiotics without the recommendation of a specialist (even if these are not tablets, but drops or nasal sprays) is undesirable and even dangerous, because can lead to the development of resistance (resistance) in bacteria to them.

Method 4. Rinsing the nose with sea water: we treat congestion and runny nose comprehensively

One of the most harmless ways to combat a runny nose is to rinse your nose. When a child has a runny nose, sea water or saline solution is injected into the nasal sinuses. They thin out thick mucus and remove it, wash away viruses and germs from the surface of the mucous membranes, and gradually reduce swelling and inflammation.

Both using sea water and rinsing the nose with saline solution for a runny nose helps children breathe easier, but the effect of the procedure is unstable and does not last long. In addition, washing will be truly safe only if carried out according to all the rules. Otherwise, the solution from the nasopharynx may enter the mouth of the auditory tube, which connects the nose to the middle ear, and there is a risk of developing otitis media.
The procedure also has practical disadvantages - children do not really like it, and it is simply impossible to carry out rinsing in a kindergarten or school.

Rinsing with saline solutions or sea water should not be used as a separate means of treating a runny nose, but as part of a set of measures that should help the child breathe freely.

Method 5. Products with essential oils - a way to effectively and safely treat runny nose in children and adults

Among the effective and at the same time safe remedies, we also note essential oils.

For colds and runny nose, they help ease breathing and eliminate swelling of the mucous membranes. There are two types of products with essential oils - drops and inhalation patches. They are inferior in the speed of achieving effect to vasoconstrictor drugs, but they are not addictive and have antimicrobial and antiviral effects. Thus, products with essential oils fight both the causes of rhinitis and its manifestations.

Let's take a closer look at inhaler patches. In addition to its effectiveness and safety, its great advantage is its ease of use: just stick the patch on your clothes or at the head of your bed - the vapors of essential oils will immediately begin to have a beneficial effect. Use the patch wherever it is convenient for you and your child - at home, while walking, traveling or at school, kindergarten.

Inhaler patches from different manufacturers are similar in their mechanism of action and may differ in composition. For example, it contains levomenthol and five essential oils. For children with a runny nose, this combination of components is most effective. At the same time, there is no camphor in the composition, which means the risk of developing allergies is minimal. The patch can be used by children from 2 years old; one package can be used not only for the baby, but also for all family members. The duration and frequency of its use is not limited.

The patches are suitable for children from 2 years old and adults, which is convenient. All family members can use one package if they are faced with the question of how to effectively and safely cure a runny nose.
The only contraindication to the use of products based on essential oils is intolerance to the components included in the composition.

Method 6: Herbal medicine - how medicinal plants are used in medicine

Another group of drugs that can be prescribed to cure a runny nose in a child are herbal remedies, that is, products based on medicinal plants. Such products are available in tablet form. They are especially effective when you need to relieve swelling and reduce sinus discharge. Typically, a phytotherapeutic remedy for a runny nose is prescribed for thick and viscous mucus that “clogs” the nose.

But you shouldn’t expect instant results from herbal medicines. Their components begin to act a few days after the start of administration. But they reduce the risk of complications and can be used in combination with fast-acting medications for rhinitis. The disadvantage of herbal medicines is the possibility of allergies to plant components, as well as undesirable reactions from the gastrointestinal tract. That is why herbal medicine in the complex treatment of the common cold is usually prescribed to children 6 years of age and older.

Treatment of a runny nose with folk remedies

Unfortunately, some parents prefer folk remedies for the runny nose to doctors' recommendations. For children, in their opinion, they will be healthier and safer. Is it so? Many so-called “folk recipes for the common cold” were used at a time when official medicine was simply inaccessible to the general public - spells, chicken eggs, plant juices. Today it has been proven that “grandmother’s recipes” can not only be useless, but also cause serious harm to the child’s health. Possible irritation or damage to the mucous membrane, increased inflammation, its transition to the sinuses, and increased temperature. Therefore, parents who prefer natural treatment for colds and runny nose should choose nasal rinsing in combination with the use of essential oils and herbal medicine. THIS IS NOT AN ADVERTISING. THE MATERIAL WAS PREPARED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF .

A runny nose can affect a small child from the first weeks of life. For the little one and his parents, this condition is very unpleasant: the child becomes very capricious, sleeps poorly, and cannot eat. Against this background, children often lose weight. A runny nose in itself is not terrible, but it is very difficult for a child to tolerate, so parents always strive to alleviate the baby’s condition.

The website “I am your baby” warns: self-medication is dangerous to health! Before taking medications, consult a specialist!

How does a runny nose develop?

A runny nose, or rhinitis, is not a separate disease; it is usually associated with other diseases: influenza, acute respiratory infections, ARVI, measles. A runny nose lasts from a week to 10 days; there are several stages in its development.

  1. Initial stage (reflex). The vessels of the nasal mucosa narrow, dryness and burning appear in the nose, and there is a constant urge to sneeze. By this “itching” in the nose, everyone can easily understand that a runny nose is starting. This stage lasts only a few hours.
  2. Catarrhal stage. During this stage, the vessels of the mucous membrane, on the contrary, dilate, the mucous membrane turns red, and the nose swells slightly. The main symptom of this stage is the appearance of watery discharge from the nose. Sometimes it is accompanied by lacrimation and stuffy ears. Swelling of the nasal mucosa due to vasodilation causes nasal congestion. This stage lasts for several days.
  3. Recovery stage. At this stage, the discharge becomes thick, and if a bacterial infection occurs (which happens in most cases), it has a greenish or yellowish tint. Nasal congestion disappears, general condition improves.

TOP 5 children's medicines for the common cold

There are now quite a lot of medications for the treatment of runny nose. There are some restrictions for children under one year old: due to the imperfect structure of the nasal passages, such babies cannot use sprays. This can lead to the spread of infection, so it is better to instill drops in children under one year old. Let's try to highlight the best drugs that can be used by children under 5 years old.

Aqua Maris

This drug is purified sea water containing natural trace elements (sodium, magnesium, calcium). In children, Aqua Maris can be used in the following cases:

  • Acute or chronic runny nose.
  • Adenotite.
  • Allergy.
  • Prevention during epidemics.
  • Carrying out hygiene procedures, moisturizing the nasal mucosa.

Aqua Maris is available in 2 forms: nasal drops and spray.

  • Drops are sold in 10 ml bottles. They can be prescribed to children from the 1st day of life. Aqua Maris drops are instilled 2-3 times a day, 1-2 drops in each nostril. Approximate price 125 rubles.
  • The spray is available in 50 ml cans. with a special convenient nozzle. The spray can only be used for children over 1 year of age. It can also be used for treatment and for carrying out hygienic procedures according to the scheme: 1-2 injections 2-3 times a day. Approximate price 251 rubles.

Aqua Maris is completely safe for children. The only possible side effect is the risk of an allergic reaction, but this is extremely rare.

Aqualor Baby

This is another product based on natural sea water from the Adriatic Sea. Aqualor Baby contains only natural ingredients and has no preservatives. Isotonic sterile sea water is enriched with microelements: potassium, magnesium, sodium, selenium, zinc and others. This drug not only has a cleansing and anti-inflammatory effect, but also helps improve immunity.

Indications for use of Aqualor Baby:

  • Treatment and prevention of infections (influenza, ARVI) and inflammatory diseases (sinusitis, adenitis).
  • Nasal hygiene.
  • Preparing the mucous membrane for the application of other medications.

Aqualor Baby is available in two forms: drops and spray.

A vasoconstrictor drug with the active ingredient phenylephrine. Nazol Baby makes breathing easier by reducing swelling of the nasal mucosa. The drug is available in the form of drops in 15 ml bottles.

Indications for use:

  • Colds, flu, ARVI.
  • Allergies.

The drug is approved for children from birth. The dosage of drops is selected according to age:

  • For children under 1 year of age, 1 drop is instilled no more than 4 times a day.
  • Children from 1 to 6 years old are instilled with 1-2 drops once every 6 hours.

Despite the fact that Nazol Baby is produced specifically for children, this drug has contraindications and limitations:

  • Drops can be used for no longer than 3 days.
  • Nazol Baby is contraindicated for diseases of the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, and hypersensitivity to its components.
  • When using, you must strictly adhere to the dosage. In case of an overdose, a state of nervous excitement occurs and the heart rhythm is disturbed.
  • When using drops, headaches, dizziness, sleep disturbances, and tingling in the nose may occur.

The younger the child, the more carefully this drug should be used. Approximate cost 158 ​​rubles.

Otrivin Baby

The drug Otrivin Baby is a sterile isotonic saline solution, in other words, a well-known saline solution. Otrivin Baby cleanses and moisturizes the nasal mucosa well, improving the condition of the mucous membrane and increasing local immunity. Its composition is natural for the body.

Indications for use:

  • Daily hygiene of the nasal cavity.
  • Treatment and prevention of runny nose and colds.

Otrivin Baby is available in the form of drops and spray.

  • Otrivin Baby drops are available in 5 ml bottles. For children of any age, the regimen for using this drug is: 2-4 drops in each nasal passage, the frequency of instillation depends on the situation. This drug can be used from the first day of life. Approximate price 199 rubles.
  • Otrivin Baby spray is available in 20 ml cans. Recommended for use in children over one year of age. You can use Otrivin Baby spray several times a day as needed, injecting it into each nasal passage. Approximate price 169 rubles.

Allergy to the components of the drug is possible. This drug has no other restrictions.

Vasoconstrictor drug based on phenylephrine and dimethindene. Vibrocil contains lavender oil as an auxiliary component, therefore it has a specific smell and taste. This drug relieves swelling of the nasal cavity and makes breathing easier.

Indications for use:

  • Runny nose of any origin.
  • Acute otitis.

Vibrocil is available in the form of drops, gel and spray, but the manufacturer does not recommend using the spray for children under 6 years of age.

Drops should be instilled according to the following scheme:

  • Children under 1 year - 1 drop in each nasal passage 3-4 times a day.
  • Children over 1 year old – 1-2 drops 3-4 times a day.

Before use, be sure to clean the nasal mucosa. During use, burning and discomfort in the nose and nasopharynx are possible. An allergic reaction may occur. Approximate cost 231 rubles.

You need to choose a remedy for the treatment of runny nose in children under 5 years of age based on the severity of the situation. Mild runny noses and congestion can be treated with natural medications; more serious runny noses can be treated with vasoconstrictors.

Reading on the topic of runny nose:

For an adult, a runny nose is not a big problem. In most cases, we know that the snot will go away quickly; it is important to regularly blow your nose and instill vasoconstrictor medications to ease breathing.

A common runny nose caused by a viral infection goes away in 5–7 days. For a one-year-old child, everything is not so simple. Typically, children at 1 year old cannot yet blow their nose on their own (with rare exceptions), and it is still difficult for them to switch to mouth breathing if their nasal passages are congested.

Therefore, they have a hard time withstanding a common runny nose.

  1. The baby becomes whiny and irritable.
  2. Difficult nasal breathing prevents the child from eating and sleep is disturbed.
  3. A runny nose irritates the delicate skin around the mouth and nose, causing a burning sensation.
  4. In the absence of timely treatment, complications may develop in the form of otitis media and sinusitis.

Before treating snot in a child, you should consult a pediatrician.

Most often, the appearance of snot in a child aged 1 year is associated with an acute respiratory viral infection (ARVI). Snot appears suddenly, it is liquid and transparent. This is how the child’s body tries to cope with viruses by washing them away from the mucous membrane of the nasal passages.

Before fluid appears from the nose, dryness and burning in the nose and sneezing may occur. This indicates a viral attack of mucosal cells.

There is no need to treat a runny nose of a viral nature, and there is no specific remedy against viruses that cause respiratory diseases.

Also, a bacterial runny nose can appear when you have scarlet fever, measles or diphtheria. Treatment of these diseases should be immediate and only under the supervision of a doctor.

With a bacterial runny nose, the snot becomes yellowish or green in color, becomes thick, and is difficult to separate. A bacterial runny nose can be cured with the help of antibacterial drugs.

Another common cause of snot in a child is allergies. Allergic rhinitis is not associated with viruses or bacteria, but occurs in response to the presence of an allergen (allergens) in the baby's life. This type of runny nose manifests itself as a profuse flow from the nose. The liquid is transparent, viscous.

More often it occurs together with allergic conjunctivitis. The production of a large volume of snot during a runny nose is aimed at washing away allergens from the mucous membrane. As soon as contact with the allergen stops, the runny nose disappears.

Treatment of snot for allergies comes down to identifying the allergen and excluding it from the child’s environment.

In this case, snot will be released only from the nostril in which the foreign object is located. They may be transparent at the initial stage, with an admixture of pus and blood in the future, especially if the object has sharp edges and damages the mucous membrane. Treatment in this case should be carried out by an otolaryngologist.

Using instruments, he will remove the object and prescribe additional therapy if necessary.

Most pediatric doctors say that it is not advisable to treat snot in a 1-year-old child with medications. And this makes common sense. A runny nose is a protective reaction of the body aimed at neutralizing and eliminating viruses or other agents that provoke this disease.

The composition of snot is water, mucin protein and salts. The liquid state allows you to wash away viruses from the surface of the mucosa and create a protective film on it. Mucin can have a destructive effect on the viral cell membrane. Therefore, the more viruses, the more snot is produced and the thicker it becomes.

1. The air that a sick child breathes should be moist and cool. This will help avoid drying out the mucous membranes. To do this, you need to ventilate the room more often, turn on the humidifier, or hang wet diapers around the room.

The mucous membranes of our body are designed in such a way that in order to carry out their functions they must always be moist. When drying out, the protective functions of the mucous membrane weaken, which facilitates the introduction and proliferation of viruses in the cells of the body.

  1. Moisturizing is required directly by the mucous membrane of the nasal passages.

    A great way to fulfill this condition is to irrigate the spout with saline solution. To prepare the solution at home, you will need a liter of boiled water and a teaspoon of salt (table or sea), which must be mixed and instilled into each nostril, 1-2 drops several times a day.

  2. Regularly clearing the nose of snot and crusts.

    If a child of 1 year already knows how to blow his nose, then, as necessary, you need to ask him to “blow” the snot into a napkin or sink.

Many parents do not know how to properly “blow” their child’s nose. Under no circumstances should you pinch your baby’s nostrils with a handkerchief or napkin.

This will create high pressure in the nasal passages and mucus will enter the ear canals, which can cause inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media).

If you blow your nose into a tissue, it is better to use disposable ones and throw them away immediately. When using tissue handkerchiefs, the viruses along with the secretions remain there for a long time, and they may re-enter the mucous membranes.

If you don’t want to prepare solutions for moistening your nose yourself, you can purchase ready-made ones at the pharmacy. Usually these are drops based on sea water. These include Aqualor Baby, Salin, Aquamaris, etc. They can be used for a long time, the drugs are absolutely harmless and do not cause side effects.

It is important to remember that children under 2 years of age cannot be treated with nasal sprays for a runny nose! Even if you bought the drug in the form of a spray, unscrew the spray mechanism and draw up drops with a pipette!

In rare cases, the doctor may prescribe vasoconstrictor drops (Nazivin, Otrivin Baby, Naphthyzin, Tizin, etc.). They must be used with caution. Drugs in this group can dry out the nasal mucosa, which makes it vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Vasoconstrictor drops are addictive. Treatment with them should not exceed more than 5 days.

For viral infections, the doctor may prescribe drops with an immunomodulatory effect: Grippferon, Nazoferon, Derinat. Their action is aimed at increasing the body's defenses in the fight against viruses. However, there are very contradictory reviews among doctors regarding the effectiveness and appropriateness of their use.

Treating your baby's snot with antibacterial drops is strictly prohibited! Antibiotics are used only in case of bacterial rhinitis; for other types they will only cause harm!

If you follow simple rules, you can prevent the appearance of snot or reduce its occurrence to a minimum.

  1. Strengthen and strengthen your baby's immunity from the first months of life.
  2. Dress your child according to the weather. Do not dress your baby too warmly and vice versa. Particular attention should be paid to shoes. The child's feet should not sweat or get cold.
  3. During seasonal ARVI epidemics, do not appear with your child in crowded places.
  4. Moisten the nasal mucosa with saline solution during the heating season and during outbreaks of respiratory infections.
  5. Before going outside in cold weather, lubricate your nasal passages with Oxolinic ointment.
  6. Make sure your baby is eating properly.

Treating a runny nose in infants is vital. To do this, you do not need to have a full first aid kit of medications or spend a lot of money on their purchase. Most often, treatment comes down to creating a favorable environment for the patient and nasal hygiene.

When the nasal mucosa becomes inflamed, a runny nose appears. Rhinitis is very often observed in children, especially in the autumn-winter period.

Parents should remember that snot does not always indicate an inflammatory process.

Possible causes of snot in a child

Snot is secreted by glands of the mucous membrane. Their main function is to protect against the penetration of harmful microbes and bacteria. The mucus secreted is quite liquid and sticky and bacteria settle on it. Mucus also contains substances that have a detrimental effect on pathogens.

A common cause of snot is ARVI. The virus is transmitted primarily by airborne droplets during travel on public transport, through contact with sick children, etc.

A runny nose may appear due to hypothermia, as secretion production increases to protect the body.

There is such a thing as allergic rhinitis. ARVI symptoms are not observed. Snot appears when an irritating agent comes into contact with the mucous membrane. This can be plant pollen, wool, dust, etc. Once inside, antibodies are produced, which is why a runny nose occurs.

Other causes of snot in children:

  • Injury
  • Enlarged adenoids
  • Foreign body on the mucous membrane
  • Incorrect position of the nasal septum
  • Insufficient indoor humidity
  • Dehydration
  • Polyps
  • Adenoiditis

A runny nose may appear with prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drugs. It is impossible to treat a runny nose with such remedies; they are intended to make breathing easier.

A common cause of snot is enlarged adenoids. During this process, nasal discharge is green. In rare cases, snot appears due to improper development of the nasal septum. For some reasons, the development of the nasal bones is disrupted in childhood. In this case, surgical intervention is indicated to eliminate snot.

Main infectious diseases of the respiratory tract in children

Colds and flu are common contagious diseases of the upper respiratory tract. After the incubation period, similar symptoms appear in a 1-year-old child: runny nose, redness of the throat, possibly headache and fever. The key difference between the two similar infections is that the flu is more severe and sudden in onset compared to the common cold.

Common respiratory tract infections in children

Disease Cause Symptoms
Nasopharyngitis, acute runny nose and other manifestations of rhinovirus infection (ARVI), in which inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose and throat occurs Viral or bacterial infection A severe runny nose occurs in a 1-year-old child and moderate rhinorrhea in older children, redness of the throat, swelling of the mucous membrane, fever (38–40°C)
Laryngotracheitis - inflammation of the mucous membranes of the larynx and upper trachea Hypothermia, colds, polluted air Dryness, sore throat, burning and pain when swallowing, hoarseness, runny nose, dry cough
Rhinosinusitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses Hypothermia, upper respiratory tract infections, abnormalities in the structure of the nose, dental diseases, adenoiditis, allergies Copious nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, runny nose that does not go away for more than 10 days

If your baby has a cold, he may develop a fever, like the flu. This is a feature of the fight against infection of an unformed organism. It is necessary to give an antipyretic agent at temperatures above 38°C. Pediatricians recommend suppositories or syrups with paracetamol, which begin to act within 20–30 minutes.

Features of the fight against a runny nose in a baby

Parents in this situation need to do the following:

  1. Carry out wet cleaning of the premises at least twice a day to eliminate germs, viruses and dust. You should also humidify the air from a spray bottle in the warm season and by placing wet sheets or towels on hot radiators in winter. It is much more convenient to use a special humidifier. It helps to constantly maintain humidity within 60%, which is very helpful during recovery, and also prevents the emergence of new problems - colds, allergies, peeling skin. Modern devices allow you to add aromatic oils, and then the inhaled air becomes healing.
  2. Difficulty breathing leads to the child experiencing a lack of oxygen. Therefore, the room where it is located must be thoroughly ventilated. In case of viral infection, this measure reduces the concentration of infection in the surrounding air.
  3. At the age of one, the baby still does not know how to blow his nose, so snot should be removed using various devices: a small bulb or an aspirator.
  4. The snot should not be allowed to stagnate. This problem needs to be solved by rinsing the nose with a saline solution, which you can do yourself (take one teaspoon of salt for 0.5 liters of warm boiled water). The solution is instilled into the nose in a lying position. For one procedure, it is enough to pour half a pipette into each nostril. And then remove mucus from the nose using the same aspirator. Ready-made special rinsing solutions can be purchased at the pharmacy. This procedure is contraindicated if the child has ear problems.
  5. If swelling is severe, you should consult a doctor, who may recommend vasoconstrictors. They will facilitate nasal breathing, prevent stagnation and improve outflow. It is especially important to pay attention to the instructions when purchasing such a drug. The medicine must be age-appropriate - not every similar drug is suitable for treating such a young patient. It is not recommended to use sprays for a child at this age. The duration of treatment with vasoconstrictors should not exceed 5 days.
  6. A good alternative to drops is hypertonic saline solution. It can also be purchased at a pharmacy. Treating with it is much safer, since it effectively relieves swelling, but does not dry out the mucous membrane and is not addictive.
  7. If your baby's snot has turned green, the doctor will recommend treating rhinitis with topical antibacterial agents or oral antibiotics.
  8. As nasal drops for a child, you can use beetroot or carrot juice diluted in half with water. It contains natural antibacterial agents that can help fight infection.

What to do if you have a runny nose as a result of an allergic reaction? If the reason for the snot is an allergy, then you should try to protect the baby as much as possible from exposure to the allergen.

Such rhinitis must be treated with antihistamines, and in addition, it is necessary to exclude from the child’s menu all foods that can contribute to allergization of the body.

If your baby has snot, this may be a sign of a certain disease. But which one? – a doctor will help you figure this out, identify the cause and prescribe effective therapy. A child’s immunity at this age is still imperfect, so an advanced pathological condition can lead to serious problems.

What is the treatment for runny nose in children? Pediatricians give several useful recommendations on how to cure a runny nose in a child with maximum safety for his body.

If you notice a severe runny nose in a one-year-old child, do not put off visiting a doctor. It is impossible to delay treatment for a long time due to the risk of developing adenoids and other unpleasant complications.

A 1-year-old child will not be able to get rid of mucus on his own. The parents’ task is to clean the baby’s nasal passages from time to time using an aspirator:

  1. You can purchase this item at any pharmacy.
  2. While sleeping at night, place a small cushion under the baby's head. This action will ensure that mucus does not build up in the nasal passages, and the baby will breathe better.
  3. In children under 1 year of age, the body is very sensitive to any medications. Give your baby only those medications prescribed by the doctor. Do not exceed the dose prescribed in the instructions. Otherwise, you risk only aggravating the situation of your son or daughter.
  4. Do not allow the baby's nose to become clogged with mucus and dry there. in a one-year-old child it is possible by instilling sea salt solutions into the nasal canals. Vitamins A and E will also help cope with the problem.
  5. If a child has nasal congestion, walking will not have a negative effect on him. But it’s better to hold off on active games.

Monitor the color and nature of the mucus discharge. If you notice snot with blood in your child, make an appointment with a doctor immediately.

Cleansing and moisturizing a child's nose with a runny nose

The development of infectious and allergic rhinitis is promoted by dry air and nasal passages. A runny nose in a 1 year old child is caused by dust mites and other strong allergens. Certain foods, odors, and medications often become irritating factors. Skin tests and other tests for allergens will help to recognize the nature of the disease. Help in this case should be different than for ARVI.

Drops and sprays help quickly cure a runny nose in children:

  • antiviral, immunomodulatory (“Viferon”, “Interferon”);
  • antibacterial (“Bioparox”, “Isofra”, “Pinasol”, “Nazol Kids”);
  • vasoconstrictors (“Otrivin Baby”, “Tizin”, “Vibrocil”, “Nazivin”);
  • moisturizers based on sea salt (“Aqualor”, “Aquamaris”);
  • decongestants (“Aminocaproic acid”).

For sinusitis, rinsing the nose and using drops makes breathing easier, but without treating the underlying disease, the runny nose will not go away.

A ready-made saline solution from a pharmacy successfully replaces drops for the common cold in children over 1 year of age based on sea water. You can buy a bottle of isotonic sodium chloride solution at the pharmacy and drop it into your nose with a pipette. Salt has a detrimental effect on microbes and reduces swelling of the mucous membrane. The solution effectively cleanses and moisturizes the nasal passages and prevents them from drying out.

Vasoconstrictor medications for the common cold are in demand to eliminate swelling of the mucous membrane due to allergies and acute respiratory viral infections. Rhinitis in children is aggravated by the underdevelopment of the nasal passages. It is recommended during periods of exacerbation of allergies and at the height of a cold to drip vasoconstrictor drugs into the nose twice a day. Addiction occurs, which is why such drugs are used for no longer than 3–5 days.

Treatment of runny nose in children with folk remedies at home

Rhinovirus infection goes away within 5–8 days, during which time children need good care. Maintaining bed rest at high temperatures, hygiene, and proper diet reduce the risk of complications. The use of antipyretics is required for fever; other symptoms of ARVI often disappear without the use of strong medications.

What to do when children have a runny nose and cough:

  • enrich the menu with products with antioxidants, vitamins C and D, probiotics;
  • clean the nose well using a nasal aspirator and rinsing;
  • give water more often, chicken broth, tea, juice, fruit drink;
  • use nasal spray or drops based on sea salt;
  • limit contacts with other children and adults;
  • do not rush to give medications, especially antibiotics;
  • Do not go for a walk if you have a fever.

The air in the children's room should not be dry. It is recommended to use a humidifier or place a bowl of cold water near a heat source.

An infectious runny nose in a 1 year old child can be treated using folk remedies. Infusions of medicinal plants are used to relieve symptoms and treat rhinovirus infection, tracheobronchitis, and adenoiditis. Add honey to herbal tea, but not more than half a teaspoon for children aged 1 to 2 years.

Effective remedies for runny nose and cough from the arsenal of traditional medicine:

  • chamomile or linden tea with mint, rosehip;
  • infusion of sage and lavender;
  • lemon juice with sugar;
  • echinacea tincture;
  • aloe juice

The lemon is immersed in boiling water for 10 minutes to remove the bitterness, after which the juice is squeezed out and mixed with two tablespoons of sugar. Give the child two sips of syrup in the morning and evening. For a compress, squeeze the juice from fresh lemon and add water. Soak a clean napkin and rub the child’s temples and forehead to improve the general condition of a fever.

Very often, parents of one-year-old babies prefer to use folk remedies for runny noses.

Indeed, herbal medicines made at home can be a worthy replacement for pharmaceutical drugs, but they must be used with great caution so as not to harm the baby, and before starting such treatment you should definitely consult a pediatrician.

Most often, herbal drops are used for children aged 1 year. There are several proven folk recipes for treating runny nose in one-year-old babies:

  1. Aloe drops. To prepare a medicine from an indoor flower, you need to cut off 1-2 lower leaves of the plant, rinse them under running water and cut them into small pieces, from which the juice should be squeezed. The resulting liquid is diluted with clean boiled water at room temperature in a ratio of 1:2. The medicine is administered 2-3 times a day, 2 drops in each nostril. To achieve a better effect, it is recommended to add honey to the product, but only on condition that the baby is not allergic to this product.
  2. Carrot and beet juices. To obtain a healing remedy, you need to squeeze the liquid out of a fresh vegetable and also dilute it with boiled water in a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2. These drops are used in the same way as in the previous recipe.
  3. Parsley drops. Fresh herbs must be chopped in a blender, wrapped in cheesecloth and squeezed out the juice. The medicine is dripped twice a day, 2-3 drops into each nasal passage.
  4. Water infusion of propolis. Grind 50 g of the substance and pour in 0.5 cups of water, cover with a lid and leave in a water bath for an hour. The finished product should be poured into a dark glass container and stored in the refrigerator, warming to room temperature before use. You can instill the infusion 3 times a day. It is recommended to dilute the product slightly with water to avoid burning in the nose.

Although rhinitis in one-year-old babies is not considered a serious disease, the treatment of this disease should be treated very carefully and be sure to consult with a doctor about the possibility of using a particular medication or folk remedy. If parents know how to treat a runny nose in a child who is barely one year old, the disease will go away quickly and without consequences.

To cure a runny nose in a child, you need to consider the form in which the disease occurs. If rhinitis is at an early stage and is accompanied by mild, clear discharge, many parents manage to cope with it with regular rinsing. As already mentioned, ordinary saline solution is best suited for such procedures, but special preparations based on sea water - Aquamaris, Aqualor, Rinostop Aqua, etc. - are no less effective.

Preference should be given to those products that are intended specifically for one-year-old babies. They are equipped with a convenient tip, with which the pressure of the supplied jet is automatically adjusted. This provides protection against damage to the delicate mucous membrane and accidental release of medication into the ear canals.

Many children experience nasal congestion when they have a runny nose. To relieve swelling and make it easier for the child to breathe, it is recommended to instill vasoconstrictor drops based on phenylephrine, xylometazoline or oxymetazoline into the nasal passages. Otrivin Baby, Nazol Baby, Nazivin are used for runny nose in one-year-old babies.

If prescribed by a doctor, your baby can be given topical antiviral drugs (Grippferon, Interferon). It must be borne in mind that these drugs are powerless. A severe runny nose in a child, accompanied by thick white, yellowish or green discharge, requires the use of antibacterial drops (Isofra, Sialor, Albucid).

If all of the above remedies do not help eliminate a severe runny nose in a one-year-old child, we may be talking about sinusitis - a serious inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses. Sinusitis requires mandatory use of antibiotics, so you need to see a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and get a prescription for the drug Amoxiclav or its equivalent.

A runny nose is a very common symptom of a cold in children 2 years old. Many parents are familiar with the situation when, after treatment for a runny nose, it appears again. The reason may be that the previous rhinitis was not completely cured, or the immune system is very weakened, so it reacts to every irritant in this way.

First aid

What is the best treatment? To get the maximum result from the treatment of runny nose in children 2 years old, you must adhere to certain rules. This is the only way you can overcome the disease in a short period of time.

Firstly, you need to refuse to attend kindergarten for 2-3 days. Thus, you can slow down the disease at the initial stage of development. Otherwise, this symptom will become chronic, and treatment will be much more difficult.

For the first 2 days, provide the child with bed rest. The pillow should be placed under the head and shoulders. Then he will feel comfortable, and the accumulated phlegm will begin to separate faster. And this will greatly improve the baby’s nasal breathing.

When a child has a cold, he or she must drink as much fluid as possible. Prepare him a drink from jam, currants, cranberries. Such fruits contain large quantities of vitamin C, and it is known to perfectly eliminate colds and infectious diseases. In addition, such drinking has an anti-inflammatory effect and strengthens the child’s body’s defenses. Patients aged 2 years must be allowed to drink up to 1 liter of liquid per day.

If after 2 days the baby’s runny nose does not go away, then you should give him warm mineral alkaline water. The advantage of this treatment is that in an alkaline environment, pathogenic microorganisms die very quickly. By drinking plenty of fluids, it is possible to improve the discharge of nasal mucus and reduce the intoxication of the body that occurs against the background of redness from bacteria and viruses.

Inhalations

Such measures for the treatment of cough in children 2 years old are considered the most effective. Thanks to them, it is possible to evenly distribute the medicinal substance deep into the nasal mucosa. The result of this treatment is rapid and effective distribution of the drug over the surface of the nasal epithelium. The recovery process after inhalations occurs very quickly.

To carry out inhalations, you can use a special device, thanks to which it is possible to turn the medicinal solution into an aerosol under pressure. The name of such a device is a nebulizer; through it you can spray inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antibacterial medications. Nebulizer medications for runny nose are listed here.

Application of drops

As a rule, during the treatment of a runny nose in children 2 years old, vasoconstrictor drops are used. They should not be used for more than a week. Consider only the most effective for children of this age:

  1. Vibrocil. This medicine is approved for use in infants. The duration of therapy is no more than a week. The resulting effect is achieved in 2-3 minutes and lasts for 6-8 hours. You need to drip 1-2 drops into each nasal passage. Here you can read the instructions for using Vibrocil nasal drops. It is advisable to blow your nose thoroughly before using the medicine or clean your nose strip with a salt solution, as well as Aquamaris. Read how to properly rinse the nose of a 2-year-old child.
  2. Nazol Baby. These drops should be used very carefully and for no more than 3 days. The resulting effect lasts about 6 hours. Children aged 2 years should use 2 drops in each nostril. The pipette should be wiped dry after use.
  3. Polydexa. Polydexa nasal drops for children is a nasal spray that can be used by patients after reaching 2 years of age. The course of therapy is 5-10 days. The resulting effect is achieved in 3 minutes and lasts 8-9 hours. Instructions for use suggest one spray into each nasal passage. The number of doses per day is 3 times. But the use of such medicine is prohibited for children suffering from renal failure.

Prevention

To prevent illness in a child during the most tender period of his life, it is worth using simple preventive measures

It is important to take care of the hygiene of the nasal passages and oral cavity. Any stagnation of secretions is a breeding ground where pathogens can develop

It is also necessary to maintain cleanliness and order in the children's room, and frequently ventilate the room. A child may begin to sneeze and cough due to common dust or foreign odors. At a very tender age, you should not use aromatic products, including healthy oils.

The baby's body is very vulnerable to climate changes. He has to get used to a completely new environment, and this is in the context of the formation of many vital systems. So doctors do not recommend flying with a newborn to other countries. And don’t forget about such simple and accessible methods as hardening and charging. By strengthening the baby’s body from birth, you can count on it to cope with any infections faster.

Preventive measures are:

  • strengthening the immune system (hardening, healthy eating, taking vitamins, walking in the fresh air);
  • the use of antiviral drugs for the purpose of prevention during an influenza epidemic;
  • maintaining a healthy microclimate in the apartment (regular wet cleaning, ventilation).

If a child is allergic, then it is necessary to get rid of everything that can cause an allergic reaction.

A runny nose in children of a younger age group is not a harmless problem. It cannot be ignored. Due to discharge and nasal congestion, the baby is forced to breathe through the mouth, and for some children, inhaling cold air a couple of times is enough to cause pneumonia.

Prevention of a runny nose in children should include a set of measures aimed at both activating local protective mechanisms in the child’s upper respiratory tract and strengthening the immune system as a whole.

In order for the nasal mucosa to fully realize its protective properties, it is important to prevent an increase in the viscosity of the mucus and the formation of crusts in the nose.

  • It is necessary that the air that the child breathes is always sufficiently moist and cool. Regulate the temperature in the room - the higher it is, the less moisture remains in the air; you can also use various evaporators and humidifiers.
  • It is important that the child consumes enough fluid - dehydration leads to drying out of the mucous membranes.

Physiological norm of fluid intake for children

  • In addition, in order to prevent mucus from thickening and to prevent the appearance of crusts, it is recommended to instill saline solution into the child’s nose daily (during periods of increased risk of illness, this can be done several times a day).
  • Ensuring optimal physical activity: walks, outdoor games, sports help to activate the child’s body’s defense mechanisms.
  • Hardening helps to use all the body's reserves in the fight against infectious diseases. You can read more about hardening here.
  • Balanced nutrition: an intermittent diet limiting or eliminating protein-rich foods helps improve the functioning of the immune system. It is recommended to practice protein-free diet regularly, especially during periods when the risk of respiratory infections is especially high. This is the autumn-winter period, as well as spring, when weakening of the immune system is observed.
  • Vibroacoustic therapy: the use of Vitafon devices is an effective way to prevent runny nose in children. When used regularly, this method helps cleanse the body from damaged cells, decay products and waste products (waste), which activates the defenses of the immune system, normalizes the functioning of the liver, kidneys and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of all parts of the immune system.

When it comes to allergic rhinitis, the best way to prevent it is to eliminate allergens: regular wet cleaning and maintaining an optimal microclimate in the room (if the allergen is house dust). Use of protective equipment or change of place of residence - if we are talking about an allergy caused by pollen.

Prevention of vasomotor rhinitis is the competent use of vasoconstrictor drugs (no more than 5-7 days).

Preventive measures also include a competent approach to antibiotic treatment. Their unauthorized use and non-compliance with treatment regimens weaken the body’s defenses and increase the risk of developing infectious diseases, including the runny nose in children.

Conclusion

There is often a situation when parents get carried away with searching for one or another remedy that will provide treatment for a runny nose in children quickly and effectively, and forget about the simplest and most effective measures that can significantly alleviate the child’s condition and activate their own defenses. These include cleaning, humidifying and cooling the air in the room where the child is, rinsing the nose, proper drinking regimen, and diet.

Parents often ask if it is possible to bathe a child with a runny nose. In most cases, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity in a baby is not a contraindication to bathing. On the contrary, contact with water helps to reduce the viscosity of mucus and soak the crusts.

You should refrain from bathing when the child has a runny nose and a temperature of 38 degrees or higher, when the child’s general condition is suffering. In this case, it is recommended to wipe with cool water.

The answer to this question depends, first of all, on the cause of the disease. If a child has an allergic runny nose caused by house dust and the elements it contains, a walk in the fresh air will bring relief. If the allergy is caused by plant pollen, then walking can lead to an exacerbation of symptoms. Also, if inflammation in the nasal cavity is associated with ARVI, then while walking it is better to avoid contact of the patient with other children.

Also the answer to the question “can you walk with your child if you have a runny nose?” depends on the child’s condition and weather conditions. If you have a high temperature, lethargy, or weakness, it is better to stay at home. You should not go outside when the air temperature outside is below zero, there is wind or other unfavorable weather conditions.

How long does a child's runny nose last? The average duration of the disease, when it comes to inflammation occurring against the background of a viral infection, is 5-8 days. This is due to the peculiarities of the immune response: this is the period required for the production of interferons and antibodies (substances responsible for protecting the body from infection).

If during this time the child’s runny nose does not go away, what to do? It is imperative to consult a doctor so that he can help determine the causes of the protracted course of the disease. These may be developed complications, for example, the addition of a bacterial infection and the development of sinusitis and otitis media.

A persistent runny nose in a child may be evidence of an allergic process - in this case, an examination by an allergist and determination of the cause of the disease is indicated.

Also, if a child’s runny nose does not go away for a long time, this may be a sign of a violation of the regulation of vascular tone, including that associated with the use of vasoconstrictor drugs - vasomotor rhinitis.

In most cases, this procedure is not the best remedy for a runny nose for children. Just like mustard plasters, thermal procedures for the feet are aimed at stimulating reflexogenic zones. They cannot be used in the acute period of the disease, at elevated temperatures. But they can be effective in the recovery period of treatment of diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, when there is a need to increase blood flow in the affected organ by stimulating active points on the foot.

When looking for an answer to the question “how to cure a child’s runny nose at home,” you should not consider such a procedure as warming up the feet: this disease, with proper treatment, which we discussed above, goes away quickly enough and does not require active rehabilitation measures.

When a child develops a runny nose, a number of measures can be taken to support his defenses and prevent the development of the disease. Firstly, it is necessary to ensure the full performance of the functions of the nasal mucosa, which is responsible for protecting the nasal passages from infection.

First aid for a child with a runny nose is to ensure the correct microclimate in the room: the sick person should breathe moist, cool and clean air. It is also important to provide your baby with enough fluids and put saline solution into the nose.

How to cure an incipient runny nose in a child? Another set of measures should be aimed at strengthening the body's defenses. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, it is recommended to switch the baby to a protein-free diet, which reduces the load on the lymphatic system and liver.

It is also recommended to include vibroacoustic therapy in the treatment of a runny nose in a child at the initial stage: the use of Vitafon devices activates the body’s defenses, has a beneficial effect on the lymphatic system, and reduces the toxic load on the body.

Why does a child’s runny nose not go away for a long time? The cause may be the development of chronic inflammation in the nasal cavity, changes in the mucous membrane (thickening or thinning).

If a child has a frequent runny nose, the cause may be allergies, impaired vascular tone associated with abuse of vasoconstrictor drugs and other factors.

Also, if a child has a long runny nose, the cause may be a deviated nasal septum, an injury to the nose, overgrowth of the adenoids, etc.

In any case, to understand how to get rid of a runny nose in a child, you need to see a doctor to undergo a comprehensive examination that will help determine the cause of the disease and select effective treatment.