Effective treatment of runny nose in children 3 years old. Snotty but happy childhood: how to treat a runny nose in children. Abuse of nasal drops

Children, due to the relative weakness of their immunity, often suffer from a runny nose. Rhinitis can be called one of the most common childhood ailments. Sometimes the disease has obvious causes, but sometimes the nose “blocks up” in a child who is outwardly completely healthy, and apart from impaired nasal breathing, there are no other complaints. Be that as it may, parents want to help the baby as soon as possible. It is not always possible to see a doctor, because clinics are closed on weekends and holidays. And call " Ambulance“Complaints of a runny nose are not accepted.

Prescribing medications to a child on your own is unsafe and risky, especially if we are talking about a small toddler. Parents can come to the rescue folk remedies, which help get rid of a runny nose quite quickly.

Why does a runny nose appear?

A runny nose (rhinitis) is difficult to consider as an independent disease; it is usually a manifestation of a variety of disorders in the body. The nose stops breathing partially or completely due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of this organ. Most often, this is a consequence of resistance to pathogens and viruses.

As is known, viruses enter the body mainly through the respiratory system. The nose is the first line of defense; most often, invading viruses manage to pass further - into the nasopharynx, into the larynx. Inflammation of the mucous membrane in this case is an attempt by the body not to let the harmful agent pass further.

The episode of Dr. Komarovsky’s program about the causes and methods of treating children’s runny nose can be seen in the following video.

But by airborne droplets Several people inhale the same influenza virus at once. But not everyone gets sick. Whether a runny nose starts or not depends not only on the state of the baby’s immunity. The development of rhinitis is greatly promoted various factors, such as dusty or polluted air, hypothermia.

There is another type of runny nose - non-infectious. This includes nasal congestion due to allergies (allergic rhinitis) and vasomotor rhinitis (associated with disturbances in the processes in the autonomic nervous system). They arise somewhat differently, as a result of narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels during a reaction to an antigen or vascular nervous pathology.

Acute rhinitis - occurs as a reaction to a virus (less often to bacteria). With it, the swelling of the mucous membranes is quite strong, and it affects both halves of the nose. With it, the child may experience increased lacrimation, redness of the wings of the nose and the release of liquid mucus; people say “running nose”.

If such a runny nose is treated incorrectly or not treated at all, after 3-4 weeks the process will become chronic. With it, the nose will remain stuffy for a long time, the child’s sense of smell will noticeably decrease, the discharge from liquid will turn into thick, sometimes purulent, the mucous membrane will sometimes dry out, and crusts will form in the nasal passages.

A runny nose in a child can be mild, or it can be accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, headaches and severe general weakness. It is impossible to predict exactly what symptoms will accompany rhinitis; everything is purely individual.

When are traditional methods not enough?

A runny nose in itself does not pose a danger to a child. But its consequences can be quite serious. These are sinusitis, sinusitis, meningitis, inflammatory processes in the inner ear, and as a result - complete or partial hearing loss, encephalitis and a number of other unpleasant diagnoses. Therefore, there are some indications for immediate consultation with a doctor if you have rhinitis:

• If your child's nasal discharge is gray-green or green in color and has a very unpleasant odor. This may indicate severe bacterial infection. This condition requires prompt prescription of antibiotics.
• If, in addition to a runny nose, the child has pain in the frontal region, under the eyes, in the area of ​​the paranasal sinuses. This may be a symptom of sinusitis, inflammation of the hearing organs. A child in this situation does not need onion drops in the nose, but serious therapy using antimicrobial agents, hormonal and anti-inflammatory drugs.
• If, after a head injury or fall, the child’s nose is blocked and a thin, clear discharge appears, you should urgently take him to the hospital! Such symptoms may indicate a disturbance in brain activity; this condition requires prompt examination and hospitalization.
• If blood is noticeable in the mucus discharged by a child with a runny nose, ichor or clots. This may indicate the traumatic nature of rhinitis, a foreign body in the respiratory system, the baby needs to be examined as soon as possible.

Effective folk remedies

In most cases of acute infectious rhinitis a child can be quite effectively helped using non- traditional medicine.

Fresh vegetable juices

The most popular way to quickly relieve nasal congestion is to give your child onion juice. To do this, you need to grate the onion on a fine grater, squeeze out the pulp using a piece of gauze, and dilute the resulting juice in half with saline or boiled water. You can drip the onion preparation from 2 to 6 times a day.

This recipe is not suitable for children who have not yet turned 2 years old, since onion juice, even diluted, acts quite aggressively and can cause burns to the delicate mucous membranes of children. For children over 5-6 years old, you can add a little honey to the onion drops, this will have an additional anti-inflammatory effect.

Children under 2 years old can use beet or carrot juice in their nose with caution. To do this, using a juicer or a fine grater and a piece of gauze, you need to squeeze out the juice, dilute it with boiled water in half and drop 1-2 drops into each nasal passage up to 5 times a day. When instilled, infants may choke; it is better for them to place small cotton wool pads soaked in beetroot juice in both nasal passages.

Oil mixtures

A good effect for a runny nose is provided by drugs that will have a gentle effect on the nasal passages. These include mixtures that include oil - sunflower, linseed, vaseline.

A popular recipe is based on mixing finely chopped 2-3 cloves of garlic with 30 ml of sunflower oil. You need to infuse the drug for at least 10-12 hours, then strain and drop 1-2 drops into the child’s nose 3 times a day. This recipe should not be used to treat rhinitis in children under 6-7 years of age.

Another effective way relieve nasal congestion is based on sea buckthorn oil mixed with calendula juice. This recipe can be used even by small children who have not yet turned 3 years old. The ingredients are mixed in half. The resulting oil mixture does not need to be dripped into the nose; it is enough to soak cotton swabs in it, which are placed in the nasal passages for half an hour. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day.

Children over five years old can drop a mixture of two oils - thyme and olive - into their nose. Proportions -1:1. You need to drip 2 times a day, 2-3 drops in each nostril.

Plants

Among indoor plants that can quickly cope with a runny nose, the leader is aloe. The juice of this plant has an antimicrobial effect, softens the mucous membrane, and relieves swelling. To prepare the drops, you need to cut off one fleshy aloe leaf and squeeze the juice out of it. Mix the resulting liquid with a drop of honey and drop it into the child’s nose once a day, preferably before bedtime.

St. John's wort will come to the aid of a child who is overcome by a runny nose. The dry collection of this medicinal plant (1 teaspoon) should be mixed with a glass of boiled water and boiled in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. Cool, strain through several layers of gauze. Drop the liquid into the nose of a child aged two years and older no more than 4 times a day.

Warming up

Freshly cooked millet porridge should be cooled to a warm state, small balls should be formed from it, placed in a cloth and applied to the area maxillary sinuses. Some recipes use a boiled chicken egg instead of porridge. They carefully “roll out” the area of ​​the nose, sinuses, and forehead above the bridge of the nose.

Inhalations

Inhalation of vapors of medicinal herbs and essential oils allows you to quickly cope with a runny nose. The most effective procedures based on pine and eucalyptus oils, fir oil. Sage, chamomile, and calendula are excellent as raw materials for inhalation. Inhalation can be carried out over a container with a hot decoction of herbs, to which a few drops of oil are added. But it is better if you have a special device at home for such purposes - an inhaler or nebulizer. This way there will be no fear that the child will get burns to the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs if he inhales too much.

Rinse

You can use regular salt to rinse your nose when you have a runny nose. To do this, a tablespoon of salt should be dissolved in a half-liter container of boiled water. You should rinse your nasal passages with saline solution several times a day, this will relieve swelling and restore nasal breathing.

The danger of self-medication

Parents, even very attentive ones, who are carried away by preparing nasal drops from vegetables and fruits, may not notice important clinical manifestations when the character of the runny nose begins to change. Thus, they may not notice the transition to new stage, which will then affect the timing of treatment for a runny nose in a child, because doctors will have to use quite traditional methods to treat severe complications of ordinary rhinitis.

Often, a mother persistently treats her child’s runny nose, but there is no reaction to any medications.

The fact is that diagnosing allergic rhinitis at home on your own is quite difficult. And vegetable juices in the nose will only increase the swelling of the respiratory organs, since they also contain allergens. What can we say about drops with honey!

What not to do

• You should not carry out any heating if there is purulent discharge from the nose and suspected sinusitis. Heat in this situation can aggravate the problem, the inflammation will only intensify. Also, warming up is strictly contraindicated when elevated temperature bodies.
• You cannot blindly trust all the recipes for a runny nose published on the Internet by “knowledgeable” people. Thus, mothers who advise others to wash their children’s noses from the inside with laundry soap for rhinitis are risking the health of their child. Laundry soap, coming into contact with inflamed mucous membranes, irritates them and provokes further spread of infection.
• The positive effect of the laundry soap that they write about can, with a stretch, be explained by the same irritating effect. Soap causes the baby to sneeze; during this reflex, the mucus moves away faster. However, then the congestion will certainly return, and the runny nose may become even worse.
• When placing turunda and cotton balls with medicine in the baby’s nose, you should not make them too small, so that the baby does not accidentally inhale them.

• Before instilling any products into the nose, you should prepare the mucous membrane, after pre-rinsing. Only then can you drip the prepared drug, both medicinal and folk.
• If a child often suffers from a runny nose, you need to pay attention to the air condition in the apartment, Where does he live. Perhaps it is too dry; the mucous membrane inside the nose dries out and inflammation begins. Ventilate the house more often, do wet cleaning, and humidify the air. To do this, you can buy a humidifier or regularly hang wet towels over the radiators. Best for children's health the indicators are as follows: air temperature is about 19 degrees, humidity is about 60%.
• When treating a child with a runny nose, you need to provide him with plenty of warm drinks. This is necessary so that the mucous membranes of the nose, already inflamed, dry out less.
• A child's runny nose is not a reason to refuse walks. In any weather, even in the rain (under an umbrella), you can take short walks outside, since fresh air is very important for restoring breathing through the nose.
• You should not limit your child’s movement. If he wants, let him run and jump; active movements improve blood supply to the body, including the nasal mucosa.
• When treating allergic rhinitis, folk remedies are undesirable, almost all of them can also be allergens. It is important to eliminate the main antigen; for this it is better to go to the hospital, where they will do a special test (nasal swab).
• Vasomotor rhinitis should not be treated with folk remedies, since its causes lie in vascular nervous disorders, it will be better if, with this form of runny nose, the child receives therapy under the supervision of a doctor.

Before you start treating your baby for a runny nose with folk remedies, especially if he is not yet 1 year old, consult a doctor, because even harmless, at first glance, herbal preparations that you prepare yourself can harm your baby.

Content

Increased secretion of mucus from the nose in children occurs more often than in adults, and occurs in a more severe form. Prolonged rhinitis eventually spreads to the lungs and bronchi, and inflammation of the ear (otitis) develops. For this reason, it is necessary to quickly treat a runny nose in children at home, which is carried out both with medication and with traditional recipes. To avoid complications, the child needs to relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and return normal breathing through the nose.

What is a runny nose in children

The main symptom of childhood rhinitis is intense formation of nasal mucus, which in itself is not dangerous to health. It traps dust particles, moisturizes the inhaled air, and has antiseptic and protective properties. However, with infectious or viral disease the amount of mucus increases several times, because the body begins to intensively produce muconasal secretions in order to remove pathological microorganisms from the nasopharynx. As a result, the baby suffers from a profuse runny nose.

How to cure

In most cases, treatment of a runny nose in a child occurs at home. If the cold develops complications, hospitalization may be required. Urgent health care is required for a baby or preschooler if he/she has:

• body temperature above 39.5°C;
• loss of consciousness;
• respiratory failure;
• convulsions;
• purulent discharge in the nose.

There are several treatment methods to eliminate the symptoms of a runny nose. The first thing to do is to clear the nasal passages of mucus with a disinfecting solution. For this, saline solutions based on sea salt, Miramistin, Furacilin are used. Next, the method of treating a runny nose is prescribed by a doctor on an individual basis, depending on the cause of the pathology.

Preparations for the treatment of runny nose in children

To quickly treat a runny nose in children, different groups and forms of drugs are used. For children under 6 years of age, medications are used in the form of drops, and for adolescents, a spray is used. After diagnosis, doctors prescribe treatment with one or more of the following drug groups:

• vasoconstrictors, after which the swelling of the nasal mucosa disappears and breathing is restored;
• hormonal, with anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, anti-allergic activity;
• antiseptic, used to destroy viruses and fungi during bacterial rhinitis;
• antiviral, which are designed to destroy the virus that enters the body;
• immunomodulatory drugs, which should be used at the beginning of the disease to avoid taking antiseptics and antibacterial agents;
• homeopathic, having an anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous effect in acute rhinitis;
• antihistamines, which are prescribed for allergic rhinitis.

Drops

Among children's medicinal drops for intranasal administration, there are antibacterial drugs, vasoconstrictors, antihistamines, and oil-based drugs for nutrition and softening of mucous membranes. Most Popular:

Furacilin nasal drops for children

If a runny nose develops during a cold, this indicates the active proliferation of bacteria in the nasal cavity. Furacilin-adrenaline drops will help the child’s body get rid of the unpleasant condition. As the name implies, the composition of the drug contains two components. Furacilin is an excellent antiseptic that is used even for purulent sinusitis.

Adrenaline quickly constricts blood vessels, which makes breathing through the nose easier. In pediatric practice, this drug is prescribed in a minimum concentration: 2-3 drops are instilled into each nasal passage no more than 3 times a day. Duration of use: 3 days. If during this period the symptoms of a runny nose have not disappeared, a full course of treatment with drops is prescribed, but not more than 7 days.

Nasal sprays

Long and copious discharge from the nose are quickly eliminated with nasal sprays. When irrigating the nasopharynx, particles of the medicine even reach the internal sinuses, and the design of the bottle eliminates overdose and the development of adverse reactions. The most popular drugs for children:

1. Snoop. It has a vasoconstrictor effect, quickly and effectively relieves swelling of the mucous membrane. The spray is intended for the treatment of children over 2 years of age. Prescribe 1 injection 2-3 times/day for no more than 7 days. Do not use Snoop for atherosclerosis, hypertension, or hypersensitivity to components.
2. Vibrocil. A combined remedy prescribed for bacterial, viral or allergic rhinitis. The vasoconstrictor effect is weakly expressed. It has an antihistamine and decongestant effect. anti-inflammatory effect. Prescribed to children over 6 years of age: 1-2 injections 3-4 times/day for 7 days. If used incorrectly, allergic reactions and drug-induced rhinitis may develop.

Inhalations

Effective home method treatment of a runny nose - inhalation of steam (inhalation with a nebulizer or decoctions of medicinal herbs). Therapy is indicated for children whose rhinitis has developed due to ARVI or a cold. If the runny nose is of an allergic nature, then inhalation with decoctions or other means will not help. In any case, this method of treatment must be agreed with a doctor. Why is inhalation needed? Using this procedure you can:

• clear the nasal cavity of secretions;
• moisturize the nasal mucosa;
• stimulate blood circulation;
• deliver antiseptics, anti-inflammatory and other drugs to the site of inflammation.

Rinse

For prolonged mucous discharge from the nose, rinsing the nasal cavity is prescribed during any complex treatment. saline solution. You can buy it at the pharmacy or prepare it yourself. The benefit of rinsing is that sodium chloride in composition is close in concentration to blood serum, so the child’s body does not regard it as a foreign element. The saline solution stimulates ciliated epithelial cells to an active immune response. Rinsing is indicated not only for the treatment of a runny nose, but also for preventive cleaning of the nose of infants.

How to warm up your nose at home

If the cause of rhinitis in a child is a virus, then effective treatment will be the use of vasoconstrictors and warm compresses. A boiled chicken egg, heated table salt, and rye flatbread. All these products are warmly wrapped in cloth and applied to the sinuses. Compresses should be done at night, as it is possible to retain heat longer by wrapping your son or daughter more tightly and putting him to bed.

How to treat a developing runny nose

Snot at the initial stage of the disease (if rhinitis is not accompanied by fever) can be removed by rinsing the nose with saline solution. Folk remedies for runny noses for children give good results. A mixture of aloe juice with a solution of honey (1:1 with water) has excellent antiseptic properties. The drug is used for incipient rhinitis of various etiologies. To prepare it, you need to place the aloe leaf in the refrigerator overnight, then squeeze out the juice using a grater. An aqueous solution of honey should be mixed with juice 1:1 and instilled into each nasal passage 2-3 hours before bedtime.

Treatment of persistent runny nose in children

Antiseptics and nasal rinsing with saline solutions will help relieve the symptoms of sinusitis or chronic rhinitis. Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses will be removed by vasoconstrictor drops and inhalation of mucolytics (mucus thinners). For a purulent runny nose, you must:

• carry out systemic antibacterial therapy (Clarithromycin, Amoxicillin);
• use local anti-inflammatory drugs (Pinosol, Hydrocortisone);
• resort to physiotherapy (UHF, SMV).

How to treat a bacterial runny nose

The treatment regimen is based on eliminating pathogenic bacteria, therefore, includes cleaning the nasal cavity, increasing immunity, restoring mucosal tissue and preventive measures to prevent relapses. Medicines for external use in the form of ointments, sprays, drops in combination with traditional methods are widely used. Excellent results were recorded when rinsing the nose with a decoction of sage and chamomile. To eliminate a bacterial infection, a complex administration of drops is recommended: Vibrocil, after 5 minutes Miramistin, after 5 minutes Isofra.

Treatment of runny nose in children with folk remedies quickly

When treating rhinitis, eucalyptus essential oil is perfect as an adjuvant. You can use it in several ways: dilute it with water 1:4 and rinse the child’s nose three times a day or instill in the nasal passages 4 times a day. No less effective for prolonged rhinitis is onion juice diluted with water (3 drops per 5 ml). 2 drops of it should be instilled into each nostril 2-3 times a day. Kalanchoe juice diluted with water 1:1 also gives quick healing effect to remove excess mucus from the nose. It must be instilled for a runny nose at any stage 2-3 times a day.

Discuss

Treatment of a runny nose in children - the most effective nasal drops, folk remedies, rinsing and warming

A runny nose is perhaps the most common disease that affects children of any age. Sometimes it occurs without complications and goes away in a matter of days. But complications are also possible, especially in the first years of the baby’s life. How to treat a runny nose in a child under 3 years old? What are the threats to children's health?

A runny nose is understood as an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa, which is accompanied by mucus secretion, itching and dryness in the nasal passages. It occurs quite often in young children, since their mucous membrane itself is very sensitive. Air passes through it, which contains harmful microorganisms, particles irritants. In response, the child’s body can react in different ways, ranging from harmless sneezing without consequences to serious nasal congestion and inflammation spreading deep into the respiratory tract.

Rhinitis begins with typical manifestations that are well known to adults. However, the difficulty is that it is not so easy to detect the symptoms of a runny nose in a child who cannot yet describe his feelings. At first, he may experience itching and burning in his nose. At the same time, there is a sore throat. And only then the secretion of mucus begins, accompanied by sneezing.

If a 3-year-old child has a runny nose due to an infection or cold, clear mucus is released first. But then the discharge thickens and appears yellowish or greenish. At the same time, additional symptoms of the disease may occur:

• increased body temperature;
• headache;
• general weakness;
• lethargy and apathy;
• loss of appetite;
• sleep disorders.

At this stage of the disease, both the one-year-old baby and the older child are capricious because they experience significant discomfort. He has difficulty breathing, his sense of smell practically disappears. The ears are blocked, and lacrimation is possible.

However, for children over 3 years old, a runny nose is no longer as dangerous as for a baby who is less than a year old. The fact is that a newborn’s nasal passages are naturally narrow, and swelling due to rhinitis leads to severe deterioration in breathing. In a supine position, the baby may experience shortness of breath and attacks of suffocation. If the baby is forced to breathe through his mouth, this is fraught with the spread of infection to the lower respiratory tract.

Causes of the disease and diagnosis

• infection;
• allergy;
• hypothermia;
• irritation of the mucous membrane.

Most often, the cause of a runny nose is an infection that enters the body through the nasal mucosa. But sometimes a child has an allergic reaction to pollen or exhaust fumes, cosmetics or household chemicals. You can suspect an allergy if the baby’s runny nose does not go away, despite following all the doctor’s recommendations, and general state relatively stable, no cough or fever. On the other hand, this does not mean that the situation can be left to chance. And allergies can develop into a serious illness, for example, bronchial asthma.

Therefore, it is very important to undergo examination by a specialist and determine the cause of the disease. The otolaryngologist listens to the parents' complaints, paying attention to the behavior and condition of the baby. Using a special instrument, the ENT can examine the nasal mucosa, determining the degree of obstruction and swelling. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe blood and urine tests and recommend an x-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses.

If long time runny nose does not go away, and there are suspicions of allergies, they attract additional methods diagnostics High results show immunological and allergological examinations. Modern techniques allow the otolaryngologist to accurately determine what causes rhinitis. Next he selects effective scheme therapy.

Treatment of rhinitis in children

Which parent doesn’t wonder how to quickly cure a runny nose in a baby? But practice shows that a cold or infectious disease has its own course. Therefore, it is realistic not so much to speed up as to facilitate the process of recovery for the little one. It is important to emphasize that for a three-year-old child it is worth using methods that will not have side effects for good health.

Medical supplies

A good specialist will never prescribe antibiotics and antiviral drugs without making sure that the cause of rhinitis is an infection of a certain nature. This is fraught with complications and deterioration in well-being. For example, if a baby has an allergy, then it is important to eliminate the allergen and not overload the body with additional chemical medications. It is important to remember this for parents who decide to treat a “harmless” runny nose on their own.

Enough effective means For children with a runny nose, there are preparations based on sea salt. They are recommended to be used almost always in the presence of discharge, regardless of the cause of rhinitis. Only if the child successfully removes mucus without outside intervention, there is no need to rinse the nose with such means. Three years is the age when a baby can actually be taught to blow his nose thoroughly.

Inhalations for a runny nose are also very popular, which are relatively harmless, but quite effective. The essence of the procedure is that hot steam warms up the nasopharynx and promotes the penetration of beneficial substances into the body. Steaming helps thin out mucus if it has thickened. Then it is much easier to remove it from the nasal passages.

But how to do inhalations correctly when you have a runny nose? Until recently, parents simply boiled potatoes in their “uniforms” and placed the child over them, wrapping him in a blanket. And so the patient breathed steam. It is better to use a special inhaler, which is much more effective and safer than a hot pan of potatoes.

What kind of inhalations can be used for a runny nose in a child? A product based on essential oils of pine or menthol, eucalyptus or juniper will be very effective. Chamomile, mint, and black currant leaves are also used. However, such measures are contraindicated for children with allergies! They can provoke an allergic reaction.

Some parents rush to buy their baby vasoconstrictor drops for a runny nose, believing that this will alleviate his condition. But such a medicine should be used very carefully, after consulting a doctor. Abuse vasoconstrictor drops may worsen the child's condition! These remedies for the common cold cause dryness and swelling of the mucous membranes if they are not taken according to instructions. In the end it turns out vicious circle, from which it is difficult to escape.

Breathing exercises

Most parents are happy to use not only traditional medicine methods, but also folk remedies in treating their children. Doctors recommend starting such experiments only after consulting with an ENT specialist or pediatrician. Because some treatment methods invented by the people will not only not help, but will also harm the baby. If the baby’s runny nose does not go away for a long time, you can attract another interesting, simple and effective method treatment - breathing exercises.

Special exercises are performed when the acute stage has passed. Thanks to simple techniques you can achieve good results:

• the child's breathing improves;
• V respiratory system Reflex zones are stimulated, resulting in the process of self-healing.

Breathing exercises can be practiced with children from two years old. The child should take a comfortable position and relax. A simple example exercise:

1. you need to exhale completely;
2. fingers should pinch the external auditory canal and nasal openings;
3. you need to inhale sharply through your mouth, puffing out your cheeks and pressing your lips tightly;
4. with a mouth full of air, it is important to remain calm for as long as possible;
5. at the end the child calmly exhales and relaxes.

Even if the cause of a runny nose is a common cold, the child’s body needs support. No matter how harmless rhinitis may seem, it can cause dangerous complications. Doctors recommend remembering not only treatment methods, but also disease prevention. WITH early years It is worth strengthening the baby’s immunity, training endurance and accustoming him to healthy image life. Then you will have to encounter a runny nose much less often.

A runny nose (rhinitis) is an inflammation of the inner lining of the nose, which is a reaction to the action of aggressive agents and is accompanied by mucous discharge. Before treating a runny nose in a 3-year-old child, you need to consult a pediatrician. It is important to choose age-appropriate medications to avoid an allergic reaction. You can also use traditional medicine, but combining them with medications.

Features of the treatment of different types of runny nose

A runny nose in children can be infectious or allergic. Infectious is the most common type of runny nose, caused by exposure to microbes and accompanied by headache, fever and general lethargy. It is not recommended to treat such rhinitis on your own; immediate consultation with a specialist is necessary.

The doctor prescribes drops with sea water, vasoconstrictors, antiseptic, antiviral drugs. If you have a fever, you may need to use antipyretic medications. Antibiotics for a runny nose in a 4-year-old child are prescribed only in extreme cases, in the presence of complications.

Allergies are caused by substances, odors, etc. that a particular child cannot tolerate (for example, pollen from flowering plants, cat hair, and even ordinary house dust). At the same time, allergic rhinitis can be quite easily cured with home remedies, especially when used at the initial stage of the disease.

Therapy for allergic rhinitis should be comprehensive. First of all, the allergen should be identified and its effect on the child’s body should be eliminated. The use of antihistamines, immunomodulators, vasoconstrictors, and corticosteroids is required.

Use of medications

To cure a runny nose in a 3-year-old child, you need to use medications different groups. You need to select medications according to age and individual characteristics child's body, as well as the type of disease.

Sea water drops

Thanks to the natural composition, medications based on sea water do not injure the mucous membrane and have a gentle effect on it. Children 1-2 years old are recommended to use such drugs only in the form of drops. Otherwise, the substance may enter the cavity inner ear, causing its inflammation. Sprays are suitable for older children, but they should be used with caution.

One of the most common products for children is Aqua Maris. Suitable for the treatment of infectious and allergic rhinitis, used for prevention and hygiene of the nasal cavity. The product should be instilled or injected 2-3 times a day, one drop/injection into each nostril.

The medicine is safe for children. However, an allergic reaction may develop, accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane. In this case, the use of the drug must be stopped, and if symptoms are severe, consult a specialist.

Another product is Aqualor Baby. It has a completely natural composition and does not contain preservatives. The drug cleanses the nasal passages, relieves inflammation, and reduces swelling. It is necessary to put drops in the nose, and then tell the child to blow his nose to remove all the mucus.

Vasoconstrictor drugs

When you have a runny nose, the blood vessels in your nose dilate, which leads to swelling. The use of vasoconstrictor drugs helps to narrow blood vessels, which reduces swelling and restores breathing. But as soon as the effect of the medicine wears off, the unpleasant symptoms will return.

These products should not be used for longer than 4 days. Otherwise, so-called medicinal rhinitis may develop. The vessels will cease to function normally, they will be constantly dilated. As a result, the baby will suffer from a constant runny nose. The mucous membrane dries out very much, crusts form on its surface, which leads to nasal congestion.

Here are effective vasoconstrictors for children that quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms:

• Nazol Baby. The active ingredient of the drug is phenylephrine. After using the medicine, tissue swelling is relieved, which makes breathing easier for the baby. The drug is safe and suitable for children from birth. Babies under one year of age need to instill 1 drop of the product no more than 4 times a day, and older children - 2 drops 4-5 times a day. Whenever side effects(dizziness, sleep disturbances) it is recommended to stop using the drug.
• Otrivin Baby. Its composition is the same as that of saline solution. It moisturizes mucous membranes and does not cause irritation.
• Vibrocil. Contains phenylephrine, dimethindene, lavender oil. Before using the medicine, the spout must be cleaned. The drug may cause burning and soreness in the nasopharynx.

When using vasoconstrictor drugs, be sure to follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor. The drug penetrates the bloodstream through the mucous membrane. Excessive amounts of the substance can affect all blood vessels in the body and cause high blood pressure.

Antiviral agents

Antiviral drugs are used to treat colds accompanied by a runny nose. Also, their use is recommended in autumn and spring for preventive purposes during seasonal diseases.

Such medications are available in the form of tablets, capsules, and drops. Children can be prescribed Oxolinic ointment for the treatment and prevention of colds. She destroys pathogenic microorganisms and prevents their penetration into the body through the nasal mucosa. It is necessary to smear the baby's chest and nasal turbinates.

Antibiotics

If the cause of a runny nose is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are required. They are also used for sinusitis. Neomycin, Bioparox and others are suitable for children. Can be used in tablet form for internal use. But the medicine can negatively affect the gastric microflora.

To treat clear snot, you can use drops and sprays containing antibiotics. Such funds have local impact, are called less often adverse reactions. But they should be used no longer than 7 days.

Folk remedies for runny nose

You can treat a runny nose in children at home. This therapy has a number of advantages:

• absence of harmful components in home remedies, including addictive and provoking inappropriate reactions;
• availability and low price of raw materials (in most cases it is always available at home);
• ease of manual production and use;
• Possibility of use for children (after consultation with your doctor).

However, the use of folk remedies has some disadvantages. There is a high risk of error in determining the type of runny nose. At the same time, attempts to treat allergic rhinitis with home remedies will, at best, not give any positive effect, and at worst, will lead to complications and more serious diseases.

Home treatment of young children should be carried out with the approval of the supervising specialist. Non-compliance with manufacturing and use technologies medicinal compositions may lead to negative consequences.

Warming up your feet

If your child has snot, you can deal with it by warming up your feet. The first method is to immerse your feet up to your ankles in a heated to a comfortable temperature water solution salt and mustard (1 tablespoon per 5 liters). The procedure is carried out before bed and lasts up to 15 minutes, after which warm socks are put on the feet, the patient is put into bed and covered with a blanket.

The second method is also used before bedtime and involves applying mustard plasters to the calves and feet, wrapping the legs with cloth and putting on socks.

Warming up the sinuses

Boiled potatoes, boiled eggs or salt are used for the procedures. The corresponding component (any of those named) at a tolerable temperature is wrapped in cloth or placed in a bag, applied to the nose on both sides and held until it cools.

The method is not used for patients with high fever. Otherwise, it may increase even more, which is fraught with various complications.

Water inhalations

The optimal device for their implementation is an inhaler. If it is not available, use small pans or other containers designed for approximately 1.5 liters of liquid. The solution is prepared from a decoction of chamomile with soda, pine buds, mint or sage oil. With traditional inhalation, the finished broth is cooled to 40 degrees, the child bends over it, covers himself with a blanket and inhales the fumes for 10 minutes. After the procedure, you cannot go outside - you should wrap the baby in a blanket so that he goes to sleep. Therefore, it is advisable to carry it out immediately before bedtime.

Homemade drops

They are made from aloe juice, honey, and fresh beets and are instilled 3 times a day. It is possible to lubricate tampons with this preparation and insert them into the nasal passages. However, their use is extremely uncomfortable and is unlikely to work with small children.

There are more effective folk remedies to combat rhinitis. For example, garlic and onions perfectly eliminate its symptoms. However, they should be used very carefully, since there is a high probability of damage to the mucous membrane, especially in children.

Thus, traditional and unconventional means. But be sure to consult a doctor before choosing medications to avoid negative consequences.

It is important to remember that in childhood the disease develops faster than in adults. This is due to the fact that the mucous membrane of the nasal passages is looser and is supplied with a large number of blood and lymphatic vessels. Therefore, when encountering a factor that causes inflammation (most often, a viral infection), swelling develops faster, and mucus also begins to be produced more actively and in larger quantities. In addition, children, especially those under 3 years of age, have narrower nasal passages than adults. Therefore, the resulting swelling of the mucous membrane quickly leads to the closure of their lumen and difficulty in nasal breathing. In this regard, measures to treat the disease must be taken quickly enough.

What consequences can acute rhinitis lead to in children in the absence of proper treatment? First of all, in the background viral infection Bacterial is often associated; inflammation can affect not only the nasal passages, but also the sinuses, which leads to the development of (ethmoiditis, frontal sinusitis). Also in children, the middle ear is often involved in the inflammatory process (the infection rises from the nasal cavity along the auditory tube), which leads to the occurrence of otitis media.

In addition, lack of treatment can lead to problems such as persistent runny nose in a child, that is, to development. Illiterate use of medications also leads to adverse consequences. For example, uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictor drugs very often causes the development in a child of a condition requiring long-term treatment and observations.

Parents often believe that antibiotics are effective remedy for runny nose in children. However, in most cases, their uncontrolled use only aggravates the situation. After all, an antibacterial drug has no effect on viruses that cause inflammation, but sometimes has an inhibitory effect on beneficial microflora, which is an important defense system of the body. In addition, uncontrolled use of antibiotics leads to the development of resistance in bacteria present in the child’s body. And in the event of a bacterial infection (purulent rhinitis, sinusitis), which are very often caused by these microbes, choose effective treatment it can be much more difficult.

It is necessary to understand that treatment of even such a common and, at first glance, not serious disease as rhinitis in children, should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor. Because inflammation in the nasal cavity can be both a sign of a common ARVI and a symptom of diseases such as measles, diphtheria, measles, etc.

The most common cause of rhinitis in children is infection. In a child, especially under the age of 3 years, the protective mechanisms are insufficiently formed, and we are talking about both general immunity and local immunity. When inhaled, airborne pathogens primarily enter the nasal cavity. With fully functioning protective mechanisms, microbes are enveloped in mucus and removed due to the movements of special cilia, which are equipped with epithelial cells. In addition, immunoglobulins, proteins that provide local immunity on the nasal mucosa, help resist the development of infection. In children younger age there is insufficient production of these proteins, and the general immune response, which allows blocking the inflammatory process at an early stage, is also “triggered” to a lesser extent.

Factors that increase the risk of developing rhinitis in a child caused by infections are inhalation of dry air and dust, as this leads to drying out of the mucus in the nose and makes it difficult for the eyelashes to work. Thus, favorable conditions are created for the proliferation of pathogens in the nasal cavity and the development of inflammation.

The cause of the disease can be both viruses and bacteria. As a rule, the disease begins with viral rhinitis in children, then inflammation caused by bacteria joins. Less common pathogens are fungi, tuberculosis bacillus, and gonococcus.

It is important to remember that a runny nose in a child can be a symptom of some infectious diseases, such as measles, diphtheria, etc. That is why treatment of the disease, especially in young children, is best done under the supervision of a doctor who can diagnose correct diagnosis, prevent the development of complications.

Allergic rhinitis in a child occurs due to contact with an allergen. This can be house dust, animal hair and skin flakes, plant pollen, food, etc.

There are other causes of a runny nose. Thus, vasomotor rhinitis in children occurs as a result of a violation of the regulation of vascular tone of the nasal mucosa, as a result of which epithelial cells begin to actively produce mucus even with normal physiological irritation (cool air, dust), in stressful situations. The cause of this may be a disease such as vegetative-vascular dystonia, various disorders of the nervous system ( vascular neurosis), allergic diseases.

Predisposing factors to development vasomotor rhinitis The child has overgrowth of adenoids in the nasopharynx and a deviated nasal septum.

It is important to know that a very common cause given state abuse of vasoconstrictor drugs occurs. The use of these medications for more than 5-7 days contributes to disruption of the natural regulation of vascular tone in the nasal mucosa and the development of drug-induced rhinitis.

Kinds

Symptoms and treatment tactics for a disease such as rhinitis in a child depend on its type. Therefore, despite the presence common features, such as nasal congestion, the presence of mucus in the nasal cavity, causes, and therefore principles of treatment various types A child’s runny nose will differ significantly.

Rhinitis is divided into groups depending on the nature of the process in the nasal cavity (catarrhal,), the cause that caused the disease (for example: allergies, viruses, bacteria), and other criteria. You can see the detailed classification.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of infection-related rhinitis in children? They depend on the stage of the disease, as well as on the characteristics of the pathogen that caused the disease.

• Initial phase(it is also called “dry” or “dry irritation stage”). During this period, pathogens penetrate the nasal mucosa. The body responds to microbial aggression by dilating the epithelial vessels, filling them with blood, but the mucous membrane itself remains dry. Symptoms of this period are a burning sensation in the nasal cavity, a feeling of “itching”, discomfort in the nose, and a desire to sneeze. Gradually, nasal congestion appears without a runny nose in the child, and the sense of smell decreases. At the same time, general symptoms may occur: weakness, lethargy, headache, and a slight increase in temperature may occur. Young children become capricious, irritable, and their appetite may decrease. As a rule, this phase lasts from several hours to one, less often, two days. If the child has good local and general immunity (it is very important to notice the symptoms in time and take the necessary preventive measures, which we will talk about later), the body can cope with the invasion of viruses, and the disease will not develop. Otherwise, the next phase begins.
• Catarrhal phase(also called the “wet” or “serous discharge stage”). During this period, there is an increase in the permeability of the mucous membrane damaged by viruses. Lymphatic fluid leaks from the vessels into the tissue, which leads to severe swelling. The activity of epithelial cells that produce mucus increases, which accumulates in the child’s nasopharynx. As a rule, discharge at this stage has light color and a fairly liquid consistency. Discharge from the nose flows down back wall nasopharynx, often enters the lower respiratory tract, so a combination of runny nose and cough in a child is often observed. Irritation often occurs around the nasal passages and on the upper lip. At this stage, there is severe difficulty in nasal breathing, the child can only breathe through the mouth, which leads to anxiety and sleep disturbance. The sense of smell and taste disappears, and appetite suffers.

Symptoms during this period also include a runny nose and fever in the child: the thermometer can rise to 38 degrees or higher. The severity of general symptoms depends on the characteristics of the virus that caused the inflammation. So, with the flu, you will experience muscle aches and severe fever (up to 39 degrees and above). At adenovirus infection, parainfluenza, the general condition, as a rule, suffers less, although general weakness, lethargy, and headache may bother the child.

It often happens that a child has a cough and runny nose without fever. This picture can be observed several days after the onset of the disease, when activity inflammatory processes is already decreasing, this may also be due to the characteristics of the virus that caused the disease, or it may indicate a low reactivity of the immune system, unable to give a full response to the invasion of infection: in this case, the disease is sluggish and there is often a tendency to develop chronic rhinitis in the child.

The catarrhal phase usually lasts 3-5 days. During this period it is very important to competent treatment runny nose in children: this significantly increases the likelihood that the body will cope with the infection and recovery will occur. However, often against the background of damage to the nasal mucosa by a viral infection, the bacterial flora is activated, which leads to the appearance of new symptoms.

• Phase of mucopurulent discharge,- the so-called purulent runny nose in a child. It can occur on days 3-5 of the course of the disease. A characteristic feature The addition of a bacterial infection is a change in the nature of the mucus: it becomes cloudy, acquires a yellowish or greenish tint, becomes thick, and an unpleasant odor may appear.

In this case, an improvement in general condition, a decrease in temperature, and a decrease in headaches are often observed. The duration of the phase is usually 2-4 days. At adequate treatment This phase is usually followed by recovery. If the child’s immunity is reduced and proper treatment has not been carried out, there is a possibility that the acute phase of the disease will transition into a chronic phase, as well as the development of complications.

• Recovery phase. With an adequate immune response and proper treatment recovery most often occurs on days 5-7 of illness. During this period, there is a restoration of nasal breathing, a decrease in the amount of mucus until it completely disappears, an improvement in general condition, taste and smell are restored, sleep and appetite are improved. It usually takes 3 to 5 days for the symptoms of the disease to completely disappear.

In order for the body to effectively cope with infection, it is important to include more fresh fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and microelements in the diet. Berries are very useful - they contain a large number of components that have a positive effect on the immune system: they can be consumed fresh, or in winter - make fruit drinks and compotes from frozen berries. It is important to remember that during illness you should not experiment with unusual dishes or exotic fruits. The introduction of new products that are unfamiliar to the child’s body requires adaptation (especially at a younger age), in addition, they can cause allergies. Therefore, it is better to stop at those healthy products, which were previously present in the baby’s diet.

How and with what to rinse your nose?

Nasal rinsing is a simple method to reduce the viscosity of mucus and prevent the formation of crusts in the nose. The mucus is easily blown out or “pulled” into the nasopharynx and swallowed - stagnation does not occur and conditions are created for the restoration of natural protective function nasal mucosa in a child.

Treatment of runny nose with saline solution in children

One of the simplest answers to the question “how to treat a runny nose in a child” is to instill saline solution into the nose, or, more simply, a solution of table salt.

How to prepare saline solution for runny nose in children? It is enough to dilute one teaspoon of table salt in one liter warm water(you can take any water - bottled, boiled). The concentration should not be exceeded so that the solution does not have an aggressive effect on the damaged mucous membrane of the baby’s nasal cavity. In addition, saline solution can be purchased ready-made at the pharmacy - it is very inexpensive!

To instill saline solution into the nose, you can use a regular pipette. The procedure can be carried out at any age: for children under 3 years old, 1-3 drops in each nostril are enough, for older children – 4-6 drops. The frequency of instillation depends on the amount of mucus in the nose: if its formation is intense, saline solution can be dripped into the nose every 10-15 minutes (excluding sleep time).

How to make breathing easier for a child with a runny nose? To more intensively cleanse the nasal cavity of accumulated mucus and restore nasal breathing, you can perform a nasal rinsing procedure. For this, saline solution or a solution based on sea salt is also used - you can, for example, purchase the Dolphin kit at the pharmacy, which includes sachets of sea ​​salt and a special bottle for rinsing the nose.

You can also purchase a ready-made children's runny nose spray - however, you must pay attention to Special attention on age restrictions. Too strong a spray in a spray designed for use in older children can lead to mucus being thrown into the auditory tubes in babies, which can lead to the development of otitis media.

However, in most cases, rinsing the nose is not at all mandatory procedure When treating a runny nose in children, the usual instillation of saline solution into the nose is often sufficient. Nasal rinsing is much more important when treating sinusitis in children: you can read more about the procedure.

Rinse the nose with hydrogen peroxide

Quite often you can find recommendations to use hydrogen peroxide for a runny nose in children - in the form of drops and a solution for rinsing. Proponents of this technique believe that antiseptic properties This substance may be useful in treating inflammation of the nasal passages.

However, the use of this technique - both in childhood and in adulthood - has no official justification; no clinical studies have been conducted on this approach to prove its effectiveness and safety. The use of hydrogen peroxide can lead to damage to the mucous membrane and disrupt the functioning of the cilia, which epithelial cells are equipped with to cleanse the nasal cavity of microbes and foreign substances. You can read more about this method.

Answering the question “how to quickly cure a runny nose in a child,” doctors, in addition to the basic methods that we described above (humidifying and cooling the air, drinking plenty of fluids, instillation of saline solution into the nose or rinsing, a protein-free diet, vibroacoustic therapy) include in the treatment regimen some drugs that can help relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process.

However, in an effort to find an effective baby remedy from a runny nose, it is important to remember that independent and uncontrolled use of medications can lead to negative consequences, become addictive and even cause complications. Only a doctor can formulate a treatment regimen based on the specifics of the process, the age of the child, and the nuances of his condition.

Vasoconstrictor drugs

Medicines that have a vasoconstrictor effect are the only means that quickly restore nasal breathing. They affect the tone of the vessels of the nasal mucosa: when used, the vessels narrow, swelling decreases and breathing through the nose becomes easier.

However, if these drugs are used for a long time (more than 5-7 days), this will lead to disruption of the natural regulation of vascular tone, that is, addiction will develop. The consequence of uncontrolled use of such drugs is chronic runny nose and nasal congestion in a child (vasomotor rhinitis), which are very difficult to treat. If the need to use vasoconstrictors persists for longer than 5-7 days, it is important to consult a doctor to determine further treatment tactics.

If a child often has a runny nose, what should you do? Under no circumstances should you resort to vasoconstrictor medications on your own, but consult a doctor and undergo an examination to determine the cause of the disease. It is important to remember that instilling vasoconstrictors into the nose is not medical procedure, it is aimed primarily at relieving symptoms and facilitating nasal breathing. In parallel with their use, it is necessary to take other measures to promote recovery.

Herbal remedies

Currently, many products are produced for the treatment of rhinitis in children, which include herbal components. These can be fatty and essential oils (sea buckthorn, fir), plant extracts, etc.

Herbal medicines are made in the form of drops, sprays, or in such a form as an ointment for the common cold for children. The active substances included in their composition (medicinal components of certain plants) are designed to have an antimicrobial effect, accelerate regeneration, soften and nourish the mucous membrane, and reduce inflammatory manifestations.

It is important to remember that the uncontrolled use of herbal medicines without taking into account the individual characteristics of the child and the nature of the process can cause serious harm to the health of a small patient. The fact is that many plant components can cause allergic reactions and irritate the nasal mucosa. The use of oil-based products can adversely affect the functions of the epithelium of the nasal cavity, causing the cilia to “stick together” and disrupt their work in removing microbes from the nasal passages. In addition, many herbal remedies have age restrictions: you must carefully read the instructions before using this or that remedy on a child.

Use of any medicine for plant based must be agreed upon with the attending physician, who will decide whether there is a need to prescribe them and at what stage of the disease their use will be most effective.

Mucolytics

Drugs called mucolytics or secretolytics can help reduce the viscosity of mucus in the nasal cavity. They contain enzymes that dissolve mucus and make it more liquid. It is important that they can also affect mucous sputum, which is formed during viral, allergic, vasomotor rhinitis and in the treatment of purulent rhinitis in children.

However, doctors believe that it is easier to prevent the mucus from thickening in the child’s nasal cavity by ensuring the necessary humidity and temperature of the inhaled air, drinking plenty of fluids and regularly instilling saline into the nose than to cope with the problem with the help of certain medications. It is important to remember that the enzymes included in most mucolytic agents are protein in nature and can provoke an allergy attack in a child. Therefore, the need to prescribe them in complex treatment should only be determined by a doctor.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

When the question arises of how to cure a child’s runny nose, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs as part of a comprehensive treatment. As a rule, drugs in this group also have antipyretic and analgesic effects.

In a situation where a child has a high fever and runny nose, anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed to relieve general symptoms - fever, headache.

Before giving your child any anti-inflammatory drug, it is important to consult a doctor: sometimes parents try to “bring down” even the slightest fever, not realizing that fever is the most important defense mechanism in the body’s fight against infection. Therefore, doctors do not recommend giving antipyretic medications if the child has a runny nose and a temperature of 37 degrees - until the thermometer rises to 38.5 degrees or higher.

The exception is situations when the child does not tolerate elevated temperature, complains of severe headache or weakness if he is vomiting or at risk of having seizures. In addition, most anti-inflammatory drugs have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal mucosa, so they should be used with caution in children with a tendency to inflammatory or ulcerative processes in the stomach or intestines.

Antiviral drugs

Currently, the pharmaceutical industry produces various medications With antiviral effect for local and general use, which people are trying to use as an effective remedy for runny nose in children.

However, according to the famous pediatrician E.O. Komarovsky, everyone existing facilities inherently cannot have an effect on viruses. This is due to the peculiarities of the life activity of these microorganisms: in order to start living and multiplying, the virus must get inside a certain cell. And it is possible to destroy it only together with this cell. Therefore, even those products that are effective in the fight against viruses in laboratory conditions, in the body cannot influence these microaggressors in any way. In this regard, most drugs that are declared as antiviral cannot destroy the virus in any way.

Read more opinion of E.O. Komarovsky about antiviral drugs in the treatment and prevention of ARVI can be found in this video:

However, regarding the application antiviral drugs for the purpose of preventing ARVI, there are other opinions. Thus, leading researcher at the Department of RVI in Children of the Research Institute of Children's Infections (Moscow), Doctor of Medical Sciences O.I. Afanasyeva believes that the use of certain antiviral drugs, in particular Cycloferon, helps increase the child’s body’s resistance to viral infections and activate immune resources when encountering an infection: the doctor’s opinion is based on the results of studies conducted in foreign and Russian clinics.

In any case, the decision on the need to use antiviral drugs for the prevention and treatment of viral infections should be made by the attending physician.

Antibiotics

The question often arises: will antibiotics help with a runny nose in a child? Doctors believe that in most cases these medications are not only ineffective, but can also cause significant harm to health. As we have already said, in the vast majority of cases, inflammation of the nasal membrane develops against the background of a viral infection. Antibacterial drugs do not act on viruses! But their introduction into the body causes addiction and increased resistance on the part of those bacteria that are present in the child’s body and could potentially cause a particular disease.

As is known, many inflammatory processes of a bacterial nature, for example, otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. are caused by microbes that live in the human body and exhibit their pathogenic properties when immunity is reduced. For example, after a viral infection. If a child was given an antibacterial drug against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection, then if he subsequently develops a bacterial infection, the disease will be much less responsive to treatment.

Another unfavorable consequence that can occur if a child’s runny nose is treated with antibiotics is the development of allergies. Each contact with an antibacterial drug increases the risk of an allergic reaction. The more often parents resort to the unjustified use of various antibiotics, the narrower the range of medications becomes that will help in a situation where the use of these drugs will be truly necessary or even vital!

If purulent rhinitis occurs, treatment does not necessarily have to be based on the use of antibiotics. Even a change in the nature of the mucus (turbidity, appearance unpleasant odor) and the appearance of other symptoms indicating the addition of a bacterial infection, in most cases is not an indication for antibiotic therapy. It is enough to continue activities that help ease the passage of mucus from the nasal cavity, which we discussed above, as well as strengthen the body’s defenses. And in most situations, the body copes with the disease on its own.

In what cases is it indicated to prescribe an antibiotic for the common cold in children? When there is a risk of developing bacterial complications such as sinusitis (ethmoiditis, sinusitis, frontal sinusitis), as well as inflammation of the middle ear (otitis). If otitis occurs, antibacterial therapy may be prescribed, but this decision should be made only by the attending physician! It is unacceptable to use local antibacterial drugs.

According to E.O. Komarovsky, antibiotics, which are prescribed in the form of ointments, sprays, drops, are not able to create in the body the concentration necessary to destroy microbes. This means that this is the path to developing microbial resistance!

In addition, when it comes to the treatment of sinusitis that has arisen as a complication of acute rhinitis, antibiotics prescribed locally remain in the nasal cavity and do not reach the maxillary sinuses, where the inflammatory process occurs. You can read more about this.

Antiseptics

Often among the recommendations on how to treat a runny nose in children, there is advice on the use of antiseptics. These are substances that contain components capable topics or otherwise act on bacteria. These can be substances of plant (for example, eucalyptus leaf extract) or animal origin, silver, as well as medications (for example, sulfonamides).

Will antiseptics help cure a runny nose in a child? In most cases, their use is not particularly necessary. In addition, it is important to remember that the ingredients included in their composition can have an irritating effect on the inflamed mucous membrane of the child’s nose, and also cause the development of allergies. Only the attending physician can decide how justified and safe the use of a particular antiseptic is and give correct recommendations on its application.

Inhalations

Are inhalations necessary for children with a runny nose? Inhalation means the child inhaling air containing substances that can have one or another therapeutic effect.

The most common type of inhalation is steam inhalation over a saucepan.

Parents can add various herbs, soda, it can also be a decoction of potatoes, etc. the problem is that the concentration active ingredients in such a pair is very small, insufficient to provide any therapeutic effects. The main effect that such inhalations provide for children with a runny nose is moisturizing the mucous membrane. This is a useful property of steam, as it can lead to a decrease in the viscosity of mucus and the elimination of crusts.

However, it is necessary to take into account some nuances. Traditional method“Breathing over a saucepan” can cause burns to the respiratory tract, as well as injuries associated with overturning a vessel with hot liquid. Therefore, if there is a need to carry them out - and this issue must be resolved with a doctor - it is better to use a special device - a steam inhaler.

It is also important to remember that inhalations for children with a runny nose have contraindications: age under 7 years, elevated body temperature, a combination of inflammation in the nasal cavity and purulent processes (sinusitis, otitis, etc.).

On the Internet you can find many recommendations for inhalation with a nebulizer for a runny nose, recipes for children that parents can rely on when choosing treatment. What is a nebulizer? This is a special device that turns the medicine into very small particles (the so-called fine aerosol), which are inhaled by the child.

But is a nebulizer effective for a runny nose in children?

Pediatrician E.O. Komarovsky believes that its use for inflammation of the nasal mucosa will not be beneficial. Because the nebulizer was designed primarily for the treatment of diseases of the lower respiratory tract - when used, the medicine is sprayed into very small particles, the diameter of which is less than 10 microns. It does not linger in the upper respiratory tract, including in the nasal cavity, and is sent to the lowermost parts of the respiratory system.

You can read more about the nuances of using a nebulizer for inhalation.

Inhalations are also sometimes carried out, in which essential oils are used for runny noses for children. They are carried out using an aroma lamp, or simply pour a few drops onto a piece of fabric and let the child breathe. However, the concentration of active substances during this procedure in the inhaled air is very small, and healing properties oils do not have the desired effect on the healing process. In addition, it is necessary to remember that many essential oils are allergens.

It is important to note that if you follow the basic rules for treating inflammation in the nasal passages in a child (constant humidification of the air, instilling saline solution into the nose, etc.), in most cases there is no need for inhalation for a child with a runny nose.

Warming up the nose

Warming the nose when a child has a runny nose: this procedure is often considered an effective method of treating the disease. Parents apply to the area of ​​inflammation boiled egg, hot salt, paraffin, or use a blue lamp, etc. But what can the effects of thermal procedures lead to during the inflammatory process in the nasal mucosa?

Exposure to heat causes blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow to the area. In the initial stage of the disease, this can lead to activation of the inflammatory process. Warming the nose is strictly contraindicated if the child has an elevated body temperature, if there is a risk of developing purulent processes in the sinuses or otitis media.

However, it is possible to use warming up the nose for a runny nose in children at the final stages of the process: it can help speed up the processes of regeneration of the mucous membrane. However, before carrying out it, it is necessary to mandatory consult your doctor!

Mustard plasters

Is it advisable to put mustard plasters on children with a runny nose? Typically this is not necessary. Mustard plasters are a so-called distracting procedure, the task of which is to activate blood circulation and irritate the skin in reflexogenic zones - at points (feet, calf muscles) that are connected to the place where the inflammatory process takes place. Doctor E.O. Komarovsky, believes that there is justification for using mustard plasters in recovery period in the treatment of diseases such as bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, that is, diseases that require fairly active rehabilitation measures.

When it comes to how to cure a runny nose in a child, there is, as a rule, no need to use mustard plasters - in most cases, if you follow all the necessary measures that we talked about above, the body will cope with the disease on its own.

You can read more about the use of mustard plasters for a runny nose.

Acupressure

Acupressure for a runny nose in children is associated with an effect on certain reflexogenic zones: it can help ease nasal breathing and speed up the healing process. It is important to study the technique of carrying it out: it is best if a specialist introduces the technique to parents.

Technique acupressure in children it is similar to that in adults; you can read about it in detail.

Sometimes parents believe that treating a runny nose in children with folk remedies will quickly help cope with the disease. There is a myth that such methods may be safer and at the same time more effective in treating the disease. However, doctors say that the use of many folk methods, not only will not benefit the child, but can also seriously harm and cause complications. Herbal and other components included in the composition of the products often cause irritation - this is especially important when it comes to young children, since their mucous membranes are more sensitive to the effects of aggressive substances.

In addition, when we talk about such an aspect as a runny nose and its treatment with folk remedies in children, it is necessary to remember high risk development of allergic reactions. Any component can cause allergies; there is a risk of both local and general reactions.

It is also important to understand that, relying on folk remedies for the treatment of runny nose in children and neglecting the basic methods that we talked about above, and - if necessary - medications prescribed by a doctor, you can waste time and get various complications. Therefore, it is better to use drugs with proven effectiveness in treatment.

Next, we will look at the most popular folk remedies for the common cold for children, and also talk about what their use in the treatment of diseases in childhood can lead to from the point of view of official medicine.

Kalanchoe

You can often find recommendations for using Kalanchoe juice for children with a runny nose. The juice of this plant actually has anti-inflammatory properties, since it contains various vitamins, microelements, bioflavonoids, etc.

However, is it worth using Kalanchoe for a runny nose in children? Pediatrician E.O. Komarovsky does not recommend doing this, since when using this folk remedy, many children experience a deterioration in their condition: it is very difficult to predict the individual reaction of a child to the use of Kalanchoe juice. Possible irritation of the mucous membrane, aggravating the course of the inflammatory process, the development of allergic reactions, etc.

Therefore, despite medicinal properties Kalanchoe, when children have a runny nose, it should be used with extreme caution and after mandatory consultation with the attending physician!

Aloe

There are also tips for use when a child has a runny nose. It is believed that the use this tool may help due to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is important to know that no studies have been conducted to confirm the effectiveness of using aloe for inflammation in the nasal cavity in children. All preparations containing aloe juice are not recommended for children under 12 years of age without prior consultation with a doctor.

The use of aloe can lead to the development of allergic reactions - both local and general, up to the development of Quincke's edema and anaphylactic shock: conditions life-threatening baby!

Onion

One of the popular folk remedies is for children with a runny nose. To do this, it is recommended to instill an aqueous solution of onion juice and mix it with oil, honey and other ingredients. However, it is important to remember that onion juice has a strong irritant effect on the mucous membrane, which can cause burns, causes damage to epithelial components, disrupting the formation of mucus and the functioning of cilia, which help remove toxins and microbes from the nasal cavity. All this leads to the development of a protracted process and complications.

In addition, the use of this remedy for the common cold in children can cause allergic reactions. Therefore, doctors do not recommend using it for topical use. They believe that best use onions for the prevention and treatment of ARVI is to include it in the child’s diet!

Beet

In folk medicine it is sometimes used for runny noses in children. It is believed that the juice of this plant helps reduce inflammation in the nasal cavity. However, the effectiveness of this technique has not been proven, so it is more rational to use products that have proven their effectiveness and safety, so as not to waste time and prevent the development of complications.

It is much more useful to use the properties of this product by including it in the diet - the beneficial substances included in the root vegetable will help strengthen the body's defenses.

Oak bark

There is such a folk remedy for the runny nose for children as. It is used to prepare decoctions that are dropped into a child’s nose - it is believed that the substances contained in oak bark help reduce the viscosity of mucus and reduce inflammatory manifestations.

However, can we say that oak bark is a good remedy for runny noses in children? The instructions for use do not indicate that this herbal medicine can be used to treat inflammatory processes in the nasal cavity. At the same time, it can be used to prepare a decoction for gargling in the treatment of nasopharyngitis. But this should be done with caution, since many components of oak bark can cause allergies in children.

Oils

Also, supporters of traditional medicine may recommend using this or that oil for the common cold in children. It is believed that their use will help soften the inflamed mucous membrane. There are recommendations for the use of the following oils:

• when a child has a runny nose. It contains substances that help activate the regeneration processes of the mucous membrane, which may be important at the final stage of treatment. The use of this product is contraindicated in children under 12 years of age.
• Essential for a runny nose in children - there are very different reviews about its use in childhood. In some cases, a positive effect is observed, which is associated with the presence of anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants in its composition. In other cases, parents talk about its ineffectiveness, and in some cases, about a worsening of the condition, which is associated with the occurrence of irritation and allergic reactions. At the same time, the instructions for use contain contraindications for the use of thuja oil under 18 years of age.
• Essential for runny nose is recommended for children to relieve inflammatory manifestations and accelerate the regeneration processes of mucous membranes.

In any case, when it comes to the use of fatty and essential oils in the treatment of runny nose in children with folk remedies, consultation with a doctor is necessary before using them. It is important to know that oil, when instilled into the nose, causes gluing of the cilia that epithelial cells are equipped with (their movement is an important mechanism for cleansing the nose of foreign elements), which disrupts the protective properties of the mucous membrane and can complicate the healing process.

In addition, it must be remembered that the composition of oils plant origin contains components that can cause the development of allergies in a child. That is why the question of the need to use such folk remedies for the common cold in children should be decided only by the attending physician.

Prevention

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 the 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 increased risk If you get sick, you can do this several times a day).

Measures to strengthen the immune system

If we are talking about allergic rhinitis, then The best way prevention is the elimination of 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. These simple measures, combined with those that support the immune system and replenish the body’s resources, will help cope with the disease to the maximum extent possible. short time and avoid complications.

FAQ:

Is it possible to bathe a child with a runny nose?

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.

Is it possible to walk with a child with a runny nose?

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 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 many days does a child’s runny nose last?

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.

How to soothe a child's feet with a runny nose?

In most cases, this procedure is not the best remedy for runny nose for children. Just like mustard plasters, thermal procedures for the legs are aimed at stimulating reflexogenic zones. They cannot be used in acute period illness, 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.

How to treat an incipient runny nose in a child?

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 transfer the baby to a protein-free diet, which reduces the load on 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.

What should I do if I cannot cure my child’s runny nose?

Why does a child’s runny nose not go away for a long time? The reason may be the development 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 get comprehensive examination, which will help to establish the cause of the disease and select effective treatment.

Will homeopathy help with runny nose in children?

Representatives of the World Health Organization believe that “the use of homeopathy does not have an evidence base, and in cases where it is used as an alternative to primary treatment, it carries real threat health and life of people."

Doctors claim that the effectiveness of a method such as homeopathy for the common cold for children, as well as for other diseases, is associated with the placebo effect, that is, with the patient’s belief that the treatment is helping. You can learn more about the principles of homeopathy from this TV show by E.O. Komarovsky.

Important to remember that homeopathy is by no means the most effective remedy for a runny nose for children! Moreover, if the disease becomes protracted, if there is a risk of developing purulent complications, such as otitis or sinusitis, etc., in no case should you rely on this method of treatment: this can be fraught with serious consequences, including the death of the child. Only complex treatment using antibacterial drugs under the supervision of specialists will help cope with purulent-inflammatory processes in the body.

List of used literature:

1. Bogomilsky M.R., Chistyakova V.R. Pediatric otorhinolaryngology. M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2006.
2. Karpova E.P., Bozhatova M.P. Rational methods of treating ARVI in children // Farmateka, 2008;
3. Kryukov A.I. Acute rhinitis. In the book: Otorhinolaryngology: national leadership/ Ed. V.T. Palchuna. M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2008.
4. Lazarev V.N., Suzdaltsev A.E., Ivoylov A.Yu., Babeshko E.A. Methods for studying adaptation processes and their correction during inflammatory diseases paranasal sinuses in children: Guidelines, Moscow, 2002
5. Radtsig E.Yu. Features of the course and treatment of acute rhinitis in infants and children early age/ RMJ, 2011
6. Romantsov M.G., Golofeevsky S.V. The effectiveness of Cycloferon in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza during the epidemic rise of respiratory morbidity (2009 – 2010) / Antibiotics and chemotherapy, 2010.
7. Sinopalnikov A.I., Klyachkina I.L. The place of mucolytic drugs in the complex therapy of respiratory diseases / Russian Medical Bulletin No. 4.
8. Chuchalin A.G. Avdeev S.N. Rational pharmacotherapy of respiratory diseases: Hand. for medical practitioners / Litterra, 2004

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