How to remove mucus from a child's nasopharynx

Nasopharynx and its functions

The nasopharynx is an important human organ. Despite its simple structure, it performs many vital functions.

Structure of the nasopharynx:

mucous membranes;
tonsils;
cleaning surfaces;
pharyngeal openings;
smell receptors.

Each department performs its own functions. The nasopharynx contains receptors through which a person senses odors. This organ also plays a connecting role between the mouth and nose.

Once the air enters the nasopharynx, it heats up. This warming function protects the body from hypothermia at sub-zero temperatures. The nasopharynx is necessary for good hydration of the mucous membranes.

Most viruses, when they enter this part of the body, are unable to penetrate further, which saves from serious viral infections transmitted by airborne droplets.

Important! The nasopharynx can rightfully be considered the most important organ in the human body. Do not underestimate even seemingly harmless symptoms of illness. They can be dangerous if not treated when they appear.

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Reasons for education

The sinuses are lined with mucous membrane, which produces secretions to protect against the penetration of viruses or bacteria. At the time of infection, the protective reaction of the immune system is triggered, stimulating the production of mucus significantly.

The place of its concentration is the nasal sinuses, but snot often accumulates in the nasopharynx.

Reference. The presence of mucus in the nasopharynx protects the body from penetration into the bronchi and lung infections.

After stopping the disease, secretion production returns to normal and the runny nose stops. It is not uncommon for an uninfected person to experience a sensation of a “lump” in the throat due to:

Irritating external factors in the form of dust, hot drinks, alcohol or the use of nasal sprays.
Pathologies associated with the respiratory tract , in which during illness with rhinitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, accumulated sputum like snot flows down the back wall into the nasopharynx.
Inflammatory processes in the paranasal sinuses and nasal passages (sinusitis, sinusitis) . They form a clot of mucus in the area between the nose and throat, with an unpleasant odor and yellow-green color.
Diseases of the digestive tract , in which the production of mucus increases and its concentration in the nasopharynx. When the acidity level is unstable, hydrochloric acid is released by the stomach and irritates the pharyngeal mucosa.
Allergic reaction , when increased secretion production is designed to protect the body from foreign agents.
Long-term use of nasal medications , leading to deformation and hypertrophy of the mucous membrane (rhinitis medicamentosa).
Diseases of the endocrine system, pregnancy, age-related hormonal instability.

Clots form and are released from the nasopharynx due to anatomical abnormalities (polyps, nasal septum, swelling of the throat) and are usually removed surgically.

Reasons for appearance

The presence of thick mucus in the throat may indicate the presence of a pathological process in the body.

Mucus are cells that are the final result of the metabolism of bacteria or viruses. The mucous secretion must be removed from the body, like other harmful substances, preferably naturally.

The body, by producing mucus, protects itself from bacteria and viruses. Discharge can also be the result of injury or an allergic reaction.

The main reasons for the appearance of mucus are:

taking vasoconstrictor medications;
seasonal allergic reactions;
stomach ulcer;
bronchial asthma;
improper diet;
polluted environment;
presence of pathogenic microorganisms.

The bacterial cause in this case is more common than other types of pathologies. Pathogenic microorganisms entering the nasopharyngeal mucosa irritate it. Thus, the microbes force the body to produce more mucous secretion in order to naturally get rid of the irritant.

If mucus appears in the nasopharynx without a runny nose, you should pay attention to your health, since such a symptom sometimes indicates a serious pathological process.

Over time, even simple mucous discharge can acquire a bitter taste and a green tint. This means that the discharge has become purulent, and therapy will be required using antibacterial drugs.

In young children, the most common cause of snot in the larynx is small objects getting stuck in the nostril. If the foreign body is not removed in time, there may be dangerous consequences for the baby’s health.

How to remove snot from a baby's nasopharynx?

Due to age, the child cannot blow his nose and get rid of the discharge on his own. If the respiratory organ is not treated in a timely manner, the child may develop wheezing in the nasopharynx and other consequences. However, timely treatment and identification of the reasons why a baby has snot in the nasopharynx will save parents from many problems.

Why does discharge form?

Mucus should be present in the nasal cavity. In small quantities, it moisturizes the nasal cavity and protects the surface of the nasopharynx from dust, microbes, and environmental influences.

In addition, the functions of mucus include supporting the functioning of the mucous membrane and preventing irritation of this cavity.

If the main tasks of the mucous secretion are disrupted, the baby develops unpleasant sensations, accompanied by crying and fatigue.

The reason for this process lies in a cold. If parents have concerns about the flu or a cold, they should contact their pediatrician as soon as possible.

Acute respiratory inflammation

If the body is affected by respiratory inflammation, it is necessary to undergo a course of complex treatment and get rid of the source of the disease.

A runny nose in this case is only one of many symptoms. In addition, the child is worried about chills, fever, increased sweating, and rash.

If the child is overly covered or exposed to the sun frequently, the little patient may suffer from heat stress. With this process, overheating of the body causes congestion in the nasopharynx, which subsequently leads to serious consequences.

Foreign object

The same reason can be attributed to food. If a child is choking, immediate action must be taken.

Teething

Babies often suffer from pain due to the appearance of their first teeth. With this process, it is natural for a large amount of mucus to be released.

Usually the discharge goes away after three days, but if rhinitis continues for more than a week, it is important to get diagnosed and help the baby regain breathing functions.

If the nasopharynx is blocked for more than a few days, you should pay attention to the humidity in the room . Excessive dryness can cause a number of processes, including the production of large amounts of mucus.

Another reason is considered to be an allergic reaction to pet hair, dust, particles from flowering and other irritants. Treatment for this process begins with identifying the root cause and eliminating it.

Until this point, medications can only reduce the severity of symptoms. In addition, it is important to establish a rule for daily wet cleaning. Large accumulations of dust are harmful to the baby's health.

Physiological runny nose

If mucus in the nasopharynx torments an infant, the baby is probably going through an adaptation period. At this time, the newborn’s body gets used to new living conditions. For this reason, drug treatment for rhinitis is not required.

Remember! If your baby has mucus in the nasopharynx that does not go away for a long time, undergo a detailed examination by your pediatrician.

How to treat snot in the nasopharynx in a baby

Carry out wet cleaning daily.
Get rid of carpets, large stuffed animals and other items that can accumulate dust.
Monitor your child's sleep. Place a small pillow under your head.
The child's diet should be reviewed.

Install a humidifier in the room. Maintain air humidity at least sixty percent and air temperature about twenty degrees Celsius.

Don't forget to ventilate the room.

If, following these rules, you do not notice any improvement in your child’s well-being, seek qualified help.

Drug therapy

To remove mucus from the baby’s nasopharynx, you should adhere to complex treatment, which includes the use of the following drugs:

If the discharge appears due to a cold, the child may be prescribed heat treatment . However, such procedures are prohibited at high temperatures. Use salt or cereal lotions as a means of warming. By warming up the nasal passages, you will improve your baby's breathing functions and overall well-being.

Important! The baby should be given plenty of water throughout the treatment.

Conclusion

To prevent the child from having problems of this kind in the future, the baby’s body should be hardened from the first days. Do not forget about the rules of hygiene, monitor your child’s nutrition and take your baby for walks in the fresh air every day.

Specialist in pediatric diseases. Honored otolaryngologist.

Directory of main ENT diseases and their treatment

All information on the site is for informational purposes only and does not claim to be absolutely accurate from a medical point of view. Treatment must be carried out by a qualified doctor. By self-medicating you can harm yourself!

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Diagnostic methods

Diagnosis of pathology is carried out after collecting anamnesis. The doctor clarifies: how long ago the snot in the throat appeared, what deviations from the norm in the patient’s condition were observed over the past time. In addition, the specialist will pay attention to the climate in which the patient is located, as well as the person’s bad habits. Any of these factors can provoke the appearance of snot.

During the examination, the doctor examines the location of the septum in the nose, the presence of damage or neoplasms, after which an examination of the oral cavity and nasopharynx is performed.

Due to the fact that the nasopharynx is a difficult-to-reach area of the body, an endoscope is used for a more accurate examination. The endoscopy procedure allows you to accurately see changes in the nasopharynx that could not be noticed when examined with a mirror.

After examination, additional research methods may be required. These include: mucus culture, x-rays, general blood and urine tests. Sometimes you have to resort to more radical methods of research, MRI or computed tomography. They allow you to see even a small clot in the larynx.

Certain cases require consultation with an allergist, dentist or gastroenterologist. Only after the necessary diagnostic measures have been carried out is it possible to begin treatment, which must be prescribed by the attending physician.

Causes of mucus accumulation in the nasopharynx

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The reasons for mucus draining into the larynx can be different: infectious and not related to any diseases. But the most common factors in the formation of this liquid are the following:

Also, snot flows down the back wall if the patient has rhinitis caused by prolonged use of vasoconstrictor drops, to which an addiction has developed. This symptom is also characteristic of external irritants, such as dust.

Snot along the back wall of the larynx can drain in a newborn baby as a physiological process due to the narrow nasal passage. This phenomenon is possible due to the fact that the baby does not know how to blow his nose.

How to get rid

There are many known solutions on how to get rid of snot in the throat, which are effective in the fight. These include:

medicines;
rinsing;
inhalation;
physiotherapy;
folk recipes.

The main rules in therapeutic measures are to identify the cause of the appearance of mucous secretion, as well as to follow the recommendations of your treating doctor. Any deviation from the prescribed therapy can provoke a deterioration in the patient’s condition.

Important! Each drug or treatment method must be strictly selected in accordance with the possible reactions of the patient. If difficulties arise during treatment, or the condition worsens, you should immediately go to the doctor and change the method of therapy.

Inhalations

Inhalations, as a method of treatment, are used when there is a feeling of a lump in the throat. During the procedure, the walls of the nasopharynx become softer, which allows the capillaries to expand. At the same time, mucus begins to be released faster and is easier to remove from the body.

This simple procedure can be done at home by purchasing a home inhaler. If it is not possible to buy a device, it is not prohibited to use the old proven method. It is enough to boil the potatoes, heat mineral water or herbal infusions, cover yourself with a blanket and breathe steam over the container.

After inhalations, you should not go anywhere, so the procedure is preferably carried out in the evening before bed. 10-15 minutes is enough, after which you should get rid of the mucus.