If a child’s runny nose does not go away within two to three weeks, complications and rhinitis may become chronic. A constant runny nose is not a physiological norm; rather, it is a pathology that requires urgent medical intervention. An infection that penetrates the respiratory tract can cause dry mucous membranes, fever and other accompanying symptoms.
Pushing circumstances for a prolonged runny nose are physical deformations of the nasopharynx, various allergens, and bacterial pathogens. In case of gradual transition of diseases to an acute form, local and oral medications are required.
Types of persistent runny nose
- Normal - a deviation caused by a weakened immune system or a violation of the shape of the septum. Sometimes this type of runny nose is characteristic of inflamed adenoids or uncontrolled use of antibiotics or vasoconstrictor drops.
- Bacterial - acts as a complication that arises against the background of acute rhinitis. Additionally, a viral infection may occur, with corresponding symptoms (pus, temperature, dark discharge).
- Allergic – a condition of congestion provoked by prolonged contact with an allergen. Lack of proper treatment and timely use of antihistamines leads to a number of complications. With an allergic lingering runny nose, any manifestations of a cold are absent.
- Associated with the eruption of teeth - a physical norm, the deviations are minor, caused by a lack of blood supply (the flow circulates in the gums, in the places of the eruption, and since all the mucous membranes are connected, a deficiency occurs in other areas).
Causes of persistent runny nose in a child
Simple nasal discharge usually stops on the 7th day from the onset of the disease. The appearance of thin, transparent, scanty discharge is possible for another couple of days. If the active course of the disease is observed for more than 2 weeks, they speak of a prolonged runny nose. What is the reason for this condition?
Runny nose lasts 2 weeks
A prolonged runny nose that has not gone away for a week or more may be caused by improper treatment. In this case, the blame lies with the parents. Excessive use of vasoconstrictor drops leads to the body’s addiction and the transition of simple rhinitis to the chronic variety. In this case, the runny nose does not go away for 2 weeks or more.
Quite often, rhinitis develops when a bacterial infection is added to a common cold. By having a detrimental effect, pathogenic agents complicate recovery. They continue to leave decay products in the body, which are subsequently excreted along with mucus. At the same time, the child’s snot does not go away for quite a long time.
A weakened immune system can also be the culprit of prolonged rhinitis. The slightest hypothermia, virus or bacterial infection does not leave the baby alone for a long time, since the body does not fight pathogenic agents well. This type of runny nose lasts for 2 weeks or more.
Runny nose lasts a month
All the reasons listed above are also typical for rhinitis that lasts for more than a month. But a prolonged runny nose can also develop as a result of the proliferation of adenoid tissue or polyps. In the presence of neoplasms, the protective mechanism of the nasal mucosa does not work fully, and the nasal passages become an open gate for any infections.
How to understand what is happening to the body if a runny nose has not gone away for a month? Anomalies in the structure of the septum (congenital or acquired) also lead to impaired blood circulation in the nasal sinuses, which contributes to constant discharge. Such problems are most often eliminated through surgery.
Another reason why a child’s snot does not go away for a long time is an allergic reaction. Constant contact with an allergen without adequate treatment can lead to persistent rhinitis.
Causes of children's runny nose
A runny nose in a child that does not go away within 2 weeks or a month can be caused by the following factors:
- incorrect or untimely therapy;
- weak immunity;
- chronic respiratory diseases;
- allergy;
- infectious lesion;
- chlamydia;
- hypothermia;
- deviated septum.
Vasomotor runny nose is not inflammatory, it occurs due to heavy discharge, some odors, pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, bleach and other toxic and chemical elements.
Gustatory runny nose - discharge when spicy food enters the oral cavity. Reflex – reaction to bright light (sharp sneezing, immediate increase in the amount of secretion).
What to do if a child’s rhinitis does not go away? How to find the reason?
Parents should be wary of nasal discharge that does not go away for more than two weeks. What to do if your child’s runny nose persists for a long time? Self-medication is strictly forbidden. Without a complete diagnosis and prescription of adequate therapy, it is unlikely that you will be able to cope with such a problem on your own. If a child’s runny nose does not go away, you should consult an otolaryngologist in order to promptly find out the cause of the pathology and begin treatment.
The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the history, complaints, and clinical picture. If the snot does not go away for a month, you will need to take a general (detailed) blood test to detect leukocytosis (inflammation). A study of mucous discharge from the nasal passages may also be prescribed to clarify the causative agent of the disease.
Among the instrumental methods for determining the cause of prolonged rhinitis, rhinoscopy is considered the most informative. To examine a small patient, a nasal speculum, a frontal reflector and a spatula are used. A visual examination allows you to identify deviations in the condition of the mucous membrane and neoplasms (polyps, adenoids). In severe cases of the disease, as well as suspicion of the development of severe complications, endoscopic examination may be suggested.
Diagnostics
At the first stage, an examination is carried out by a pediatrician and otolaryngologist. Next, if necessary, study the history of diseases and perform rhinoscopy. Laboratory research methods are represented by mucosal tests, bacterial tests, and PCR (detects viruses of various kinds).
Instrumental examination is rhinoscopy, endoscopic rhinoscopy, diaphanoscopy. During these diagnostics, the nasal sinuses, septum, anterior and posterior walls are carefully examined. Using a special mirror and reflector, you can see the entire cavity of the nasopharynx and even the ears. Before the examination, it is permissible to use vasoconstrictor drops necessary for better visibility.
The presence of a risk of developing sinusitis requires endoscopic rhinoscopy - a special operation that involves an imaging device on a thin solid or flexible base (the technique is expensive). A routine examination under bright light (diffanoscopy) is possible. Darkened areas are observed in the affected areas, so the doctor can make a preliminary diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment. Differential diagnosis is the identification of abnormalities not associated with the inflammatory process (foreign objects in the nose, allergies, diphtheria).
Treatment
Children's treatment must be carefully selected, taking into account many factors, such as: the harmfulness of medications, the possibility of inhalation, the causes of occurrence, and the need for surgical intervention. In case of a common runny nose, rinsing with a saline solution is recommended. It is acceptable to use such drugs as Dolphin, Salin, Aquamaris, calendula, tinctures of chamomile and St. John's wort.
Congestion of a viral or bacterial nature requires the use of special medications. This includes antiseptics, mucolytics, antibacterial drugs for local and oral use. The dosage and choice of a specific representative of the pharmacy range is made individually (taking into account the child’s age, general health, individual sensitivity). Inhalations are acceptable for children over two years of age, in the absence of fever and the need to eliminate the bacterial pathological environment. Allergic rhinitis is treated by eliminating contact with the allergen (because most medications are not suitable for children), and also requires constant wet cleaning, ventilation and elimination of all sources of dust (carpets, toys, books). Among other things, vitamins of various groups are prescribed in the complex to strengthen the immune system.
additional information
After additional consultation with a pediatrician, children can have their feet soaked in warm water (if there is no fever and they are over 5 years old). At the same time, instill essential oils and decoctions of medicinal herbs. Acupressure is recommended - circular movements with the index finger and thumb in the bridge of the nose.
In certain cases, when the mucous membranes develop slowly, congestion is normal. The above symptoms are typical for children from 1 to 3 months. In this case, no treatment is required.
Treatment of persistent runny nose in a child
How and with what to treat snot in a child? Therapeutic tactics for persistent rhinitis should be developed taking into account the totality of the reasons that provoked the development of the pathology. A mandatory technique in the treatment of persistent runny nose of any kind is rinsing the nasal cavities. If the snot does not go away for a long time, this procedure will help wash away the pathological secretion, as well as harmful microorganisms. Sea salt solutions (Aqualor, Dolphin), as well as decoctions of medicinal herbs (chamomile, calendula) are most often used as rinsing agents.
Treatment of bacterial and viral rhinitis
To treat rhinitis, vasoconstrictor drops must be used. They are used with great caution to prevent addiction. The course of treatment with such drops is no more than 5 days. The most effective are considered:
- "Nazivin"
- "Naphthyzin"
- "Galazolin."
For a runny nose of viral etiology, the course of therapy must include antiviral and immunostimulating drugs. They effectively fight pathogenic agents, helping to strengthen the body's defenses. Most often prescribed:
- "Viferon"
- "Kagocel"
- "Amiksin"
- "Arbidol".
If the disease is complicated by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be required. The most common causes of such pathologies are streptococci and staphylococci. The most effective in this case are:
- "Amoxicillin"
- "Azithromycin"
- "Amoxiclav".
It is important! All of these medications should be taken in pediatric dosage.
Therapy for allergic rhinitis
Treatment of allergic rhinitis is aimed at eliminating the allergen that triggered the disease. The culprit of the problem can be animal hair, feathers, fluff, dust, pollen and much more. In addition, to alleviate the baby’s condition, it is recommended to carry out daily wet cleaning.
Additionally, the doctor will prescribe antihistamines. They block the action of the allergen, relieve swelling, and make breathing easier. Today the following are considered the most effective:
- "Zyrtec"
- "Suprastin"
- "Cetirizine."
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is used to treat nasal pathologies. Depending on the chosen procedure, you can get an anti-inflammatory, bacteriostatic, antiviral effect. The most commonly used methods are:
- ultrasound therapy,
- magnetic therapy,
- endonasal electrophoresis with interferon,
- OKUV (irradiation with short-wave ultraviolet radiation).
Traditional methods of treating prolonged runny nose
In some cases, traditional methods of treatment help quite quickly. Especially if used in combination with drug therapy. The best of them are:
Steam inhalations
If the snot has not gone away for more than a week, inhalation procedures with medicinal herbs are considered the most effective folk remedy. To do this, prepare a decoction from the chosen remedy, for example, chamomile or calendula. Tilt your head over the container and breathe over the steam, wrapped in a towel. The procedures are performed every other day, as a result the runny nose will go away quickly.
Inhalations help to quickly liquefy mucus and improve local blood circulation. It should be remembered that this procedure should not be performed in case of hyperthermia (high temperature), as well as in case of nasal discharge with pus.
Homemade drops
Regular onions and aloe have good antibacterial and antiseptic effects. The juice of these plants is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5 and used as drops 2-3 times a day. However, before using folk remedies to cure a child’s runny nose, you should consult with your pediatrician.
Foot baths
Hot foot baths are a very good procedure for the onset of a runny nose. When heated, the blood vessels dilate, which improves blood circulation and relieves swelling. Due to the fact that blood circulates better, immune cells quickly reach the source of inflammation and block the further development of pathogens.
Hot baths are contraindicated for babies who have a fever. You should also not carry out the procedure if there is purulent discharge from the nose.
Mustard plasters
Another effective home remedy for rhinitis is ordinary mustard plasters. The procedure is performed as follows:
- The mustard plaster is immersed in warm water for a few seconds.
- A piece of paper is placed on the baby's feet.
- Next, apply mustard plasters and blot with a paper towel to get rid of excess liquid.
- Wear warm socks.
- The procedure time is no more than 15-20 minutes.
The effect of mustard plasters is approximately the same as foot baths. Symptoms of rhinitis become less pronounced due to increased blood circulation. It is also prohibited to carry out such heating at high temperatures and purulent discharge.
