Long-term runny nose in children. What to do if you are sick? Protracted allergenic runny nose in children and its treatment

Local inflammation of the nasal mucosa in otolaryngology is called rhinitis (runny nose), which can be viral, bacterial or allergic in nature. Mostly runny nose in children manifests itself as a result of the influence of pathogenic pathogens on the nasal mucosa, which causes its swelling, impaired nasal breathing. The appearance of a runny nose significantly disrupts general health. The child has difficulty breathing, sleep is disturbed, there is no appetite, and the sense of smell is lost. With proper and timely treatment, a runny nose goes away within 3-7 days, but when it happens, parents need to take immediate treatment measures, since such a symptom can be very adverse consequences, provoke the development of otitis media, diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. You can talk about a prolonged runny nose when it is present longer, than 2 weeks. The vast majority of symptoms protracted runny nose frighten parents because they are a sure sign not only of reduced immunity, but also a “bell” about a possible hidden infection in the body, proliferation lymphoid tissue or chronic diseases of the ENT organs.

Before how to treat persistent runny nose The child has, it is important to note that rhinitis is, defensive reaction nasopharynx to various irritants (viruses, bacteria, allergens), the penetration of which causes increased mucus production, swelling and others characteristic symptoms. Many doctors in the field of pediatrics and otolaryngology claim that long runny nose develops as a result of a sluggish infection that suppresses the work immune system. Treat persistent runny nose in children necessary after determining the cause, that is, the factor that provoked this symptom. Definition of main etiological factor will help achieve a good therapeutic effect and reduce the risk of complications.

Reasons persistent runny nose in a child quite a lot, but the etiology is most often based on the following factors:

1. Viral or bacterial infection.
2. Excessive dry air in the house.
3. The body's reaction to allergens.
4. Hypothermia of the body.
5. Reduced immunity.
6. Untreated runny nose.
7. Side effects of vasoconstrictor drugs.
8. Deformation of cartilaginous or bone structures nose
9. Presence of concomitant respiratory diseases.

In children of the first year of life, a prolonged runny nose can be physiological or manifest itself against the background of the eruption of the first teeth. In children of early school age may have a runny nose chronic course, manifest as nasopharyngitis or sinusitis.

What is a persistent runny nose like?

Successfully cure long runny nose is possible only after identifying and eliminating the main factor that provoked inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. There are several types rhinitis, each of which has its own characteristics:

1. Vasomotor rhinitis. Develops as a result hypersensitivity nasal mucosa to various irritants: tobacco smoke, some food products, chemical substances, getting a foreign object into the nasal passages.
2. Hypertrophic or atrophic. It develops when the epithelium of the nasal cavity grows or the nasal mucosa becomes thinner.
3. Drug-induced rhinitis. Abuse of vasoconstrictor drugs for more than 7 days causes addiction and a reverse process.
4. Allergic rhinitis. Allergen penetration into the nasal mucosa: dust, animal hair, some foods, plant pollen.
5. . Manifests itself as symptoms colds, ARVI, acute respiratory infections.
6. Bacterial runny nose. It develops when pathogenic bacteria penetrate the nasal mucosa: staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci and others.

Despite the fact that all types of rhinitis have a similar clinical picture, treatment has its own characteristics and must necessarily consist of the use of systemic drugs, which will act on the very cause of a prolonged runny nose.

Signs

Symptoms persistent runny nose in a child cannot go unnoticed, since they are not only externally expressed, but also affect the child’s general well-being. In the vast majority of cases, rhinitis in a child is not the only symptom that the child complains about. With a prolonged runny nose, a child may experience the following symptoms:

1. Swelling of the nasal mucosa.
2. Nasal congestion, which worsens at night.
3. Headache.
4. Increased body temperature.
5. Frequent and profuse sneezing.
6. Tearing.
7. Dry and wet cough.
8. Increased drowsiness, fatigue.
9. Scanty discharge from the nasal mucosa.
10. Impaired sense of smell.
11. Pain, sore throat.

The appearance of at least a couple of the above symptoms together with a prolonged runny nose should be a reason to contact an otolaryngologist, who, after collecting an anamnesis, examining the nasal passages, and examination results, will be able to determine the cause and diagnose correct diagnosis followed by the appointment of therapeutic therapy.

Why is a prolonged runny nose dangerous?

Persistent runny nose in a child not only worsens the child’s general well-being, but can also act as a trigger for the development of more serious illnesses, among which:

1. Sinusitis.
2. Otitis.
3. Sinusitis.
4. Bronchitis.
5. Pneumonia.
6. Bronchial asthma (with allergic rhinitis).
7. Nasal polyps.

Most of the above diseases can occur in acute or chronic form and worsen the child’s well-being.

How and how to treat a persistent runny nose

Basically, at the first symptoms of a runny nose, parents try to cope with the symptom on their own, but when home treatment does not help, rhinitis does not disappear for a long time, then consult a doctor. Treatment depends on the cause and includes both the use of medications local action, and products for internal use. Good result can also be obtained from inhalation procedures, washing the mucous membrane with saline or isotonic solutions.

One of the frequently prescribed medications for a persistent runny nose is Sinupret, which is available in two forms: tablets and drops for oral administration. The drug has plant based, can be prescribed to children from 2 years of age. Sinupret has a pronounced anti-inflammatory, secretolytic effect, relieves swelling, facilitates the passage of mucus from the nasal passages, and reduces inflammation.

The second drug used for a prolonged runny nose is interferon preparations, which help stimulate the immune system and suppress the aggressiveness of viruses and bacteria. Such drugs are produced in different forms, nasal drops, drops for internal reception: Nazoferon. Edas-131 drops or Euphorbium Compositum nasal spray have worked well for a prolonged runny nose.

Vasodilator drops are quite good at coping with a persistent runny nose, but they can both help and harm. In order for such drugs to bring a good therapeutic result, they can be used for no more than 5-7 days.

If prolonged rhinitis appears against the background of an allergic reaction, you need to eliminate contact with the allergen, take medications with antihistamine effect: Erius, Tavegil, Loratadin, Edem and others.

Any drug for prolonged rhinitis in a child, the doctor should prescribe it individually, taking into account the age, cause, and characteristics of the child’s body.

Inhalation

Inhalation procedures for a prolonged runny nose will help relieve swelling of the nasal mucosa and eliminate inflammation. As medicinal raw materials, you can take both pharmaceutical preparations (Dekasan,) and traditional medicine(chamomile, calendula, plantain, essential oils). Inhalations with medicinal herbs can be carried out over a pan of hot steam. If a medication solution is used, you will need an inhaler - a nebulizer. If the body temperature rises above 37.2, inhalations are contraindicated. Procedures with decoctions medicinal herbs Not recommended for children under 3 years of age.

Washing

One of the effective methods for any rhinitis is washing the mucous membrane with isotonic or saline solutions: Huemer, Marimer, . Saline solutions help cleanse the mucous membrane of accumulated mucus, viruses, bacteria, allergens and other pathogens. Children of any age can wash the mucous membranes.

Massage

An auxiliary technique to the main treatment can be acupressure. You can do it several times a day. It is enough to lightly massage the area of ​​the wings of the nose; you can use essential oils or warming medicinal ointments for children.

Exclude possible complications— the doctor determines individually for each little patient. In cases where the cause is hidden in defects of the ENT organs, the doctor may prescribe surgical treatment.

Review of drugs

Treatment of rhinitis in children consists of prescribing medications for local application. Such drugs differ in their therapeutic effect and should be prescribed for a certain type of rhinitis: vasoconstrictors, antiviral, antibacterial and antihistamines. In the practice of doctors, the following nasal drops are most often used:

Aqua Maris– water-based preparation Adriatic Sea. It contains a number of microelements that allow you to cleanse the nasal mucosa of pathogenic bacteria and allergens. The drug can be used for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes from the first days of life. Aqua Maris can be combined with other medications.

Aqualor baby- sterile isotonic sea water. The use of drops allows you to care for the nasal mucosa, improves nasal breathing, and can be used from the first days of life. It is recommended to rinse your nose at least 4 times a day.

Otrivin– vasoconstrictor for the treatment of rhinitis of different origins. The basis of the drug is xylometazoline hydrochloride, which quickly relieves swelling and restores normal breathing. For children with prolonged rhinitis, it is recommended to instill 1 - 2 drops of the drug 2 times a day. Duration of treatment is 5 – 7 days.

Nazol Baby- a drug based on phenylephrine hydrochloride, which has a decongestant,
vasoconstrictor effect. Treatment with drops should not be exceed 3 days.

Nazivin 0.01%— nasal drops based on oxymetazoline. The drug has an anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory effect. Nazivin is available in different dosages, which are intended for children about of a certain age.

Bioparks– a topical antibiotic used to treat bacterial rhinitis. The active component of the drug is fusafungin, which has antibacterial, antimicrobial effect. Prescribed for children over 2 years of age.

Miramistin- a powerful antiseptic drug wide range actions. Has a pronounced antibacterial effect, therefore prescribed only for rhinitis bacterial origin. Allowed for children from 1st age, but in practice it is often used for infants.

Derinat– unique drug for the treatment of inflammation in the nasal mucosa. It has an immunomodulatory, protective, anti-inflammatory effect and is widely used in the treatment of persistent runny nose in children.

These are not all the drugs that can be used in the treatment of a prolonged runny nose. The main thing is that before using any medicine, you need to consult a doctor and study the instructions.

Very often, a prolonged runny nose in a child is the result of previously poor-quality treatment, so parents should not self-medicate, but trust the specialists. Many experts believe that a long runny nose is present in children with reduced immunity, so adults need to take care of the state of the immune system and create all the conditions for comfortable and healthy growth and development.

Inna Grigorenko, Female, 3 years old

Good afternoon, Ivan Vasilievich! From the beginning of September, my daughter started going to kindergarten (3.2 years old). Before that, I got sick very rarely, once a year with a mild ARVI. But from the beginning of September until mid-October, this is the third time I have been on sick leave with a lingering runny nose. What we were not diagnosed with: acute nasopharyngitis (?) with stage 2 adenoids at the time of illness, acute adenoiditis(?), rhinitis, etc. We were treated against both viral and bacterial rhinitis. They dripped RINOFLUIMUCIL and drank SINUPRET to thin the snot, dripped saline solution, blew their nose, and sucked it out with an aspirator. Then there was treatment based on an analysis, which showed, as we were told, BACTERIAL INFECTION (I attach the analysis) - antibiotic FLEMOXIN SOLUTAB + nasal inhalation with MIRAMISTIN + DEZRINIT drops (or NASONEX, but we chose desrinitis) for 2 weeks. After this treatment, we recovered and went to the garden. And three days later the runny nose again, which has not gone away for a week, does not decrease, the child coughs with mucus with squelching at night and day. Now we have been prescribed: SIALOR (protargol) for 7 days + ISOFRA (it won’t help us anymore!) + ACC in syrup to thin the mucus in the nasopharynx + QUIX sea water sprayed to blow the nose. The mucus is abundant, basically transparent, but interspersed with green spots. There is no improvement, and the cough is always from snot. But as far as I understand, it doesn’t need to be treated, does it need to be treated for RUNNY NOSE? I don’t know what to do and how to treat myself anymore... I would be grateful if you can give me recommendations, at least what other tests we can take? Is it worth taking a nasal and nasopharyngeal swab? Can I use an endoscope to check everything inside? Should I take a picture? Doctors don’t prescribe anything in this regard... I’m already afraid to take him to the garden again...

Photo attached to the question

You're right about the blood test - it does indicate bacterial infection, however, now, judging by the clinical manifestations you describe, the main problem is still not a bacterial infection, but a virus. Fortifications opaque discharge when suctioning the discharge, this is the addition of secondary florins, which in itself, at least for now, does not in any way affect the overall picture. Of course, you need it to determine the condition of the nasopharynx, but the main treatment is already clear - this is mandatory deletion from the nose mucus as often as possible (field solutions + suction), nasal spray 4 times a day to suppress bacterial secondary flora, and most importantly - inhalation with an interferon solution three times a day for 10-14 days to suppress viral infection

Inna Grigorenko

Thank you very much, but interferon inhalation is inhaled and exhaled through the nose, right? Is this human interferon liquid for inhalation? How many milliliters? And does it need to be diluted with saline?

For inhalations, you can use liquid interferon for local use (in other words, interferon for instillation into the nose) diluting 1 ml of this interferon per inhalation per 1 ml of saline solution. You can use dry leukocyte interferon in ampoules - one ampoule is diluted in 2 ml of saline solution, you can use recombinant alpha interferon, but its use will be very expensive.

Inna Grigorenko

Sorry, one more question. Since yesterday a strong one has appeared CONSTANT cough, every 2-3 minutes, so annoying, the child said it tickles his throat. Apparently soreness. My eyes started watering and I started sneezing. the snot turned into clear liquid flowing mucus. And now one nostril is blocked... Before this, a few days ago the child said that it hurts on the side of her nose, as if under the eyes, down the sinuses from the side of her nose. I'm afraid that we have sinusitis based on the symptoms.. Another doubt - can ACC syrup(prescribed to thin the mucus in the nasopharynx) provoke a cough? The cough is very frequent, every few minutes. It’s dry at first, but when mucus drains from the nose, you can hear it, and a phlegm cough begins too

More likely we're talking about really about irritation of the throat, and congestion in one of the nostrils is a sign of unilateral inflammation in the nasal cavity, and apparently the mucus that irritates the throat drains from there. There is no need for ACC here, you need to treat your nose, with antibiotic drops and start without delay.

Inna Grigorenko

Thank you very much, we have already started doing inhalations with interferon and taking isofra, we are also rinsing our nose with marine QUICK. It's with aloe. But our temperature went down to the bronchi. And as I understand it, inhalation with interferon cannot be done at a temperature, we are now taking the antibiotic SUPRAC for the bronchi (they said for sinusitis, etc.), if there is no temperature, then can we continue interferon?

Inna Grigorenko

Good afternoon, Ivan Vasilievich! Thank you for your recommendations, we finally cured the runny nose. We took polydex (instead of isofra, which you recommended, since it no longer helps us, we were treated with it several times over 3 years, apparently it was addictive), plus interferon inhalations. The ENT specialist also prescribed us DERINAT drops. I don’t know if this product is also antiviral, whether it was worth adding it in addition to interferon or not. But in the end, the snot went away, there was no drainage, and my daughter (3.4 years old) did not snore at night. And he can breathe freely through his nose. Two things confuse me: periodically he starts breathing through his mouth, especially when he talks, I remind you, he starts breathing through his nose, everything is ok. I had a runny nose for a long time, maybe I got used to just breathing through my mouth? And the second point: she started the second day with a nasal sound, as if you could hear what she was saying through her nose, a goofy sound, so to speak. But all this with free breathing! Maybe it’s already an allergic reaction after the medications? Or is it just that the mucous membrane is restored after the medications? I have a feeling that her mucous membrane may be drying out, so I spray it with QUIX Marine three times a day. Or should I stop burying anything at all? I’m worried that something hasn’t been treated yet... After all, healthy condition the child should not use a nasal sound.. At home there is constant wind, temperature 21-23 degrees. At night I generally cool the room down to 18, then of course it warms up overnight to 22-23. We don’t turn on the heating, the brick house is a very warm new building. I ordered a hygrometer, of course I need to check the humidity level. CAN nasality be caused by dry air? I apologize for so many questions, I’m just afraid I won’t be able to complete the treatment or over-treat again..

Prolonged runny nose in children (aka chronic rhinitis) is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa that has lasted for more than 7 days. If you do not immediately begin to eliminate it, complications may arise that can even lead to disability.

Most often, a prolonged runny nose in children appears in winter, when the weather is damp and a thaw begins. To prevent the disease from developing into chronic form, it is necessary to treat it in a timely manner.

Any childhood runny nose must be treated, otherwise it can become chronic!

Types of rhinitis

Your child may develop a persistent runny nose. different types, each of which has its own characteristics. Let's look at the features of each of them:

1. Vasomotor - appears due to increased sensitivity of the nasal mucosa to various irritants ( cigarette smoke, strong odors, chemicals, etc.). This type of disease can also develop as a result of foreign objects getting into the nose, due to stress or a certain pathology (for example, adenoids, deviated nasal septum) (see also:).
2. Allergic - occurs due to the contact of an irritant (dust, pollen, animal hair, etc.) on the nasal mucosa. Such a runny nose can cause a child to sneeze, clear discharge from the nasal passages, difficulty breathing, severe lacrimation, rashes on the skin, cough, etc.
3. Infectious rhinitis develops as a result of pathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria) entering the nasal mucosa. Microbes provoke its inflammation.

Causes of persistent runny nose in children

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You should not begin treatment for a runny nose in a child without finding out the cause of its occurrence. It can signal the development of a dozen various diseases, many of which are quite serious. Let's consider the main causes of rhinitis in children 2-4 years old. It is provoked by:

• allergic reaction;
• sinusitis;
• injury or damage to the nasal mucosa;
• hyperplasia of adenoid tissue (we recommend reading:);
• dryness in the room;
• abuse of nasal drops.

Allergic reactions

Allergens may enter the baby's nasal mucosa, causing a runny nose. The following are the irritants: pollen, cigarette smoke, dust, food (strawberries, milk, chocolate, honey, eggs), animal hair, etc.

Signs of allergic rhinitis include frequent sneezing, white clear slime from the sinuses, itching, urticaria, conjunctivitis. There are also more severe cases when a runny nose provokes the development of spasms in the bronchi, and it is very difficult for the baby to exhale.

A runny nose can be of an allergic nature and occur when an allergen gets into the nasal mucosa

Sinusitis

If a child’s runny nose does not go away for a long time, this may indicate complications, one of which is sinusitis. This pathology consists of the accumulation of pus in the sinuses, resulting in an inflammatory process. Sinusitis in children requires complex treatment, during which antibiotics are necessarily used. If the disease is very advanced, the baby may need a puncture or rinsing of the nasal sinuses.

Sinusitis manifests itself as severe headache and ear pain. If a child of 2-4 years old presents such complaints, then he should be quickly shown to a doctor in order to avoid complications such as meningitis, deafness, and mental retardation.

Injury or damage to the mucous membrane

Rhinitis can occur as a result of mechanical, chemical or thermal damage, that is, as a result of injury to the nasal mucosa. Injury can occur, for example, due to some children’s “favorite” activity - picking their nose with a finger, pen, or pencil.

Depending on the degree of damage, the doctor prescribes necessary treatment. If the mucous membrane is not severely injured, then everything can be corrected with the help of wound healing agents. In other cases, surgery is required.

Hyperplasia of adenoid tissue

Another reason why children 2-4 years old develop a prolonged runny nose is hyperplasia (pathological growth) of adenoid tissue near the base of the nasal cavity on the pharynx side.

An enlarged tonsil blocks the nasal passages, preventing the child from breathing normally. Accumulation of snot is accompanied constant feeling lump in the throat and difficulty breathing through the nose. The pathology is quite common in children.

Dry indoors

Due to its structure, a child’s nose, unlike an adult’s, reacts negatively to poor quality air. If the air in the room is too dry, the body may react to it with a long runny nose.

In order to rid a child of this type of rhinitis, you simply need to humidify the air. If parents do not have such an opportunity, then there is only one thing left to do - stock up on clean scarves and wait for the heating season to end.

Abuse of nasal drops

There are two reasons for the development of a runny nose from medications:

• as a side effect from the drug taken;
• rebound effect (when medications are taken in excessive doses).

The second type of rhinitis, which is also called drug-induced, can manifest itself 4-6 days after the start of treatment for a common runny nose with vasoconstrictors. If the drops are used longer than the period recommended by the doctor, the mucous membrane gets used to them, and the treatment becomes ineffective. The drug will have to be discontinued, and this threatens to increase the swelling of the nasal mucosa, that is, its congestion. That is why you should not use vasoconstrictor drops for longer than the time specified in the instructions.

One of the reasons for a prolonged runny nose may be the abuse of vasoconstrictors.

How to help your child recover faster?

Every parent wonders what to do if a child’s runny nose does not go away for a long time. How to cure it quickly? To start:

• carry out wet cleaning in the room where the baby is;
• ventilate the room;
• install a humidifier;
• Clean the baby's nose with a damp gauze pad.

No need to give to baby strong drugs, if a runny nose does not affect it feeling good. A gentle regime will be the most acceptable for him in this situation. It lies in simple rules care:

• The baby should be left at home instead of the usual trip to kindergarten or school;
• take a walk with your child - the walk should not last more than an hour.

Children who develop snot should drink a lot (for example, compote, homemade jelly, lemon tea). To cure a baby, you can give him milk with honey, but provided that he is not allergic to the product.

Drinking plenty of fluids during rhinitis will help your baby recover faster

Don't forget about clearing your nose. To do this you need to use a saline solution. Such drugs as Otrivin, Marimer, Aquamaris are suitable. Regular rinsing is the key to a quick recovery.

Therapy depending on the cause of the disease

As a rule, not all parents seek help from a doctor at the first symptoms of rhinitis in a child. They try to eliminate the disease on their own without finding out the causes of its occurrence, and this is their main mistake. All mothers and fathers should know that the effectiveness of treatment directly depends on the nature of rhinitis. Let's get acquainted with the principles of treatment of different types of runny nose in more detail.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis

If, as a result of diagnostic measures, it was found that the baby’s rhinitis is allergic in nature, then the first measure to combat it is to identify the allergen and protect the child from contact with the irritant. Next, the allergist will prescribe antihistamines or nasal drops with a vasodilating effect. Do not forget that the latter should be used no more than 3 times a day and no longer than a week.

Vasodilator drops are considered the safest option for children. They fight nasal congestion in the baby and make breathing easier.

Therapy for vasomotor rhinitis

Many methods are used to treat this type of runny nose. The simplest of them is treatment with medications. For a little patient are written:

• vasoconstrictor drops (decongestants);
• rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution (we recommend reading:);
• local antihistamines (to block sensitivity to irritants);
• anticholinergics (to control and block symptoms of vasomotor rhinitis);
• corticosteroids (to eliminate signs of illness).

If conservative treatment methods do not produce results, the baby undergoes surgical therapy:

• laser photodestruction;
• radioelectrocoagulation;
• ultrasonic disintegration;
• vasotomy

Laser therapy with a persistent runny nose

Elimination of diseases of infectious origin

To treat prolonged infectious runny nose in children, the following therapeutic measures are used:

1. local treatment (the nose is instilled with a saline solution and cleaned using an aspirator or bulb, warmed with warm salt);
2. taking general strengthening and immunomodulating drugs;
3. physiotherapeutic procedures.

If infectious rhinitis does not go away for more than two weeks, and yellow-green pus is discharged from the sinuses, the child is prescribed antibacterial drugs. They can be in the form of ointments, sprays or liquid medications.

General treatments

Regardless of the reason why the baby started snot, everything must be done so that it can easily flow out of the nasal cavity. At the same time, you need to ensure that the mucous membrane does not dry out. There are several methods for treating long-term rhinitis in children, each of which has its own pros and cons:

1. medicinal;
2. folk remedies;
3. with the help of physiotherapy.

Quartz heating of the nose

Use of medications

• vasoconstrictors (Naphthyzin, Nazivin, Galazolin, etc. to eliminate swelling of the nasal mucosa) - taking this group of drugs has strict time restrictions;
• antihistamines (Claritin, Suprastin, Telfast, Levocabastine, etc.) - for treatment allergic form illness;
• antiviral (Interferon, Gerferon, Oxolin, etc.) - for the treatment of infectious rhinitis;
• antibiotics (Bioparox, Polydexa, etc. (we recommend reading: ).) - for the treatment of bacterial rhinitis;
• moisturizing drops (Aqua Maris, Aqualor, etc.) - to maintain normal functioning of the nasal mucosa.

Treatment at home

If your baby starts having snot, and there is no way to see a doctor, then you can start treatment at home, following this scheme:

• rinse the spout using water sea ​​salt;
• use an aspirator to remove mucus from the nasal passages;
• drip your nose with special drops;
• using an inhaler, inhale;
• lubricate the nose with warming ointment.

Do not forget that self-medication is very dangerous, so take your child to the doctor as soon as possible. Only he can prescribe effective treatment.

Physical procedures

In some cases, physiotherapy is more effective than any medications. There are many different devices for treating a child. home use. One of these is a nebulizer, which breaks down the medicine into micro particles. When inhaled, the medicine does not enter the bloodstream and digestive system. It only affects the nasal mucosa.

A device for UV irradiation of the nasal cavity will help cure a runny nose in 5-6 procedures. In addition, it is used for quartz coating of premises.

A runny nose in a child can also be eliminated using a blue lamp. It is worth considering that this method is not used for all types of disease.

Features of treatment for children aged 2-3 years

When a child is only 2-3 years old, it is very difficult to treat his runny nose. The range of drugs for this age is limited, and many traditional methods- undesirable, as they can harm him. In addition, a 2-3 year old baby hardly knows how to blow his nose correctly, which also complicates the recovery process. What to do in this case? How to treat rhinitis in a child? The answer is simple - follow the doctor's recommendations.

Treatment should be carried out as follows:

• clean the nose of mucus accumulations using a saline solution or products with sea salt (Physiomer);
• use vasoconstrictor drops to restore breathing through the nose;
• use antibacterial antiviral drugs to treat an illness;
• ensure that the conditions in which the child lives are conducive to a rapid recovery.

In order for recovery to proceed faster, it is necessary to create favorable conditions for this: optimal temperature air should be 20 degrees, humidity - 50-60%

In general, treatment of a runny nose in a 2-3 year old child does not differ from the treatment of children of other age categories. The main thing is to ensure that medications corresponded to the age of the small patient.

Surely every parent knows the saying: “If snot is treated, it will go away in seven days, and if not, then in a week.”

Indeed, when normal operation immune system, rhinitis goes away on its own without any treatment.

However, sometimes a prolonged runny nose in a child is a symptom of a serious illness that requires medication, and in some cases, surgical therapy.

Protracted rhinitis in children can be a consequence of the following factors:

• Weakened immunity. Parents often note that, before it stops, the runny nose reappears. This is especially true for a child attending kindergarten or school. Insufficient resistance of the body to viral infection leads to re-infection. In such cases, Derinat spray is effective.
• Allergic reaction. Mucous discharge from the nose appears under the influence of a certain irritant. Such symptoms can be constant or seasonal during the flowering period of plants.
• Chronic sinusitis and other types of sinusitis. Most often, this disease is a consequence improper treatment acute inflammation sinuses.
• Vasomotor (false) rhinitis. This pathology is caused by a malfunction of the capillaries that supply the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract.
• Too long instillation of local vasoconstrictors . A dangerous consequence their use is addictive, and instead of reducing mucus secretion, its excessive secretion begins.
• Excessive dryness in the room. Especially to the conditions environment newborns are sensitive.
• Overgrowth of adenoid tissue. This significantly complicates nasal breathing and causes frequent otitis media and colds.
• Congenital or acquired as a result of injury features anatomical structure nasal cavity.

Any disease is easier to treat in the initial stages. That is why, to prevent a prolonged runny nose in a child, it is necessary timely treatment ARVI and colds. If there is no temperature, you can use folk recipes. These are rinses and inhalations natural means, rinsing and acupressure of the wings of the nose, using mustard plasters for coughs.

Dr. E.O. Komarovsky emphasizes that the main role in the prevention of a prolonged runny nose in a child is played by hardening procedures, maintaining humidity (not lower than 50%) and temperature (19 - 22°) in the room. Strengthening protective forces The body is promoted by walks in the fresh air, playing sports, and an active lifestyle. Link to video from a detailed story A pediatrician about the prevention and treatment of rhinitis can be found on his forum.

If, despite all the measures taken, the following alarming symptoms, do not postpone your visit to the doctor:

• runny nose that persists for more than 10 days;
• snoring and increasing cough at night, which causes sleep disturbances, weakness, and fatigue;
• difficulty breathing through the nose;
• constant worry, tearfulness, infants a stuffy nose makes it more difficult to latch on to the breast or bottle nipple;
• deterioration of the sense of smell and taste.

Discharge from a prolonged runny nose in children may be clear or cloudy. Thick, yellowish mucus indicates the onset of a bacterial infectious process, which requires mandatory treatment with antimicrobial agents for both local and systemic use.

The treatment regimen for persistent runny nose in children depends on its causes. It is clear that it is impossible to make a diagnosis at home, so the child should be referred to an ENT specialist. The doctor first interviews parents about the timing of the onset of rhinitis and accompanying symptoms.

Then the doctor will examine nasal cavity, this procedure is called rhinoscopy. It can be carried out using special instruments or an electronic endoscope. This is how the condition of the mucous membrane and polypous formations are determined. To exclude or confirm sinusitis, an x-ray of the sinuses is required.

If the cause of a prolonged runny nose in children is exposure to any irritant, certain tests are required to accurately identify the allergen. It is also necessary clinical trial blood and bacterial culture of mucous secretions.

Complications of a prolonged runny nose in children are very dangerous. This condition can cause a variety of chronic diseases, weakened immunity, frequent infections of ENT organs and lower sections respiratory tract.

Bacterial runny nose and other types of rhinitis: features of the clinical picture and treatment

Symptoms of long-term rhinitis largely depend on its cause. The same factor determines the prescription of certain medications, the duration of treatment and the prognosis of the disease. Features of bacterial and runny nose of other nature are presented below.

Viral rhinitis occurs due to the entry of a rhinovirus or adenovirus into the body. His distinctive symptoms serve:

• clear discharge;
• nasal congestion;
• weakness;
• fever;
• inflammation, redness and sore throat;
• lacrimation.

Often the disease goes away on its own within 3 to 7 days. In severe cases - antivirals. Allergic rhinitis is a response of the immune system to the entry of a certain irritant into the body (dust, wool, smoke or spray, pollen, fluff, etc.).

Its main features are:

• pronounced swelling of the nasal mucosa;
• clear mucous discharge;
• Possible seasonal course with exacerbations in spring and summer;
• frequent sneezing;
• absence of fever and other cold symptoms.

For therapy, antihistamines are used in the form of tablets or nasal sprays; if there is no effect, glucocorticoids are prescribed. Bacterial rhinitis is caused by bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci. Less commonly - hemophilus influenzae and pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella, Proteus.

It proceeds as follows:

• thick mucus with a yellowish tint and an unpleasant odor;
• temperature;
• sore throat, sometimes cough;
• in acute sinusitis - pain when pressing on the sinus area, headache when tilting down;
• symptoms of general intoxication by bacterial metabolic products.

Antibiotics are prescribed for treatment, initial stage antimicrobials used in the form of sprays severe symptoms- injections, suspensions or tablets. Reaction to dry air. Drying of the mucous membrane leads to excessive secretion of mucus.

Accompanied by the following symptoms:

• transparent copious discharge;
• snot disappears when going out into fresh air or after ventilation.

No special treatment is required, it is enough to maintain optimal humidity and regular rinsing nose with saline solutions. Vasomotor rhinitis. Symptoms are caused by circulatory disorders and changes in the structure of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

Patients complain about:

• constant runny nose with profuse transparent discharge;
• persistent nasal congestion and difficulty breathing;
• deterioration of sense of smell;
• no effect from standard methods therapy.

Treatment depends on the stage vasomotor rhinitis. In the initial stages, antihistamines are used, hormonal drugs, with pronounced changes in the nasal cavity, surgical intervention is indicated.

Regardless of the genesis of a prolonged runny nose, symptomatic therapy is necessary. It consists of rinsing the nasal cavity, prescribing vasoconstrictor sprays or drops, but they cannot be used for more than seven days.

In addition, therapy is required if necessary accompanying inflammation nasopharynx and lower respiratory tract diseases, immunostimulants, multivitamin preparations. This is especially true for viral and bacterial rhinitis.

How to treat a persistent runny nose in a child: principles of drug therapy, additional procedures

The ENT doctor should determine the treatment regimen and prescribe medications after diagnosis.

Medicines for topical use are mainly used, as they have certain advantages over capsules or syrups. First of all, sprays and drops immediately begin to “work” in the nasal cavity, bypassing the digestive tract.

In addition, the active components are absorbed into the blood in lower concentrations, so the risk side effects, associated with the load on the kidneys and liver, is reduced. Let us dwell on the main drugs intended to treat a persistent runny nose in a child.

Vasoconstrictor drops and sprays:

• Otrivin;
• Vibrocil;
• Nazol.

Although active ingredient These drugs are different, they act the same - they narrow blood vessels nasal cavity and reduce mucus secretion. It is also worth noting that the remedies have only a symptomatic effect, without affecting the cause of the runny nose. They should be used 1 drop (or injection) into each nostril up to three times a day.

Doctors emphasize that these medications cannot be used for more than 7 days. Otherwise, complications in the form of vasomotor rhinitis are possible. When purchasing medicine, you need to pay attention to percentage active substance. It is different for adults and children. Homeopathic remedies on natural basis have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

These are sprays such as:

• Euphorbium compositum;
• Delufen.

They are prescribed in a dosage of 1 - 2 doses in each nasal passage up to 4 times a day and are approved for use with early age, during pregnancy and lactation. Intended not only for the treatment of long-term rhinitis, but also for the prevention of exacerbation of chronic processes.

Also, to treat a persistent runny nose in a child, oral homeopathic remedies are prescribed:

• Sinupret, use 1 - 2 tablets (15 - 50 drops) three times a day;
• Cinnabsin (1 tablet 3 to 10 times a day).

Hormonal preparations with glucocorticoids have a pronounced anti-inflammatory, decongestant and antihistamine effect. Intended for the treatment of prolonged runny nose caused by neurovegetative disorders, enlarged adenoids.

These are the sprays:

• Nasobek.

Their dosage varies depending on age and is 1 - 2 injections into each nostril twice a day. Nasonex is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age, and Nasobek for children under 6 years of age. They must be used after first clearing the nasal cavity of mucus. The treatment process should mandatory monitored by a doctor. In addition, steroids suppress local immunity Therefore, these sprays are contraindicated for viral or bacterial infections.

Naturally based drug Pinosol. Contains plant components (menthol, eucalyptus oil, pine). Has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. It is convenient to use, as it is presented on the market in the form of ointment, drops and spray. It should be used 1 - 2 drops up to 5 times a day in the first days of illness, then switch to using it three times a day. Pinosol is not intended for children under 2 years of age and is contraindicated in allergic rhinitis.

Antibacterial agents:

• Isofra (allowed from 2 years);
• Polydexa (used from 6 years).

Contains an antibiotic to which gram-positive and gram negative bacteria. The dosage is 1 spray 3 to 5 times a day for a week. Polydexa additionally contains a vasoconstrictor component. The drug is also available in the form ear drops for the treatment of otitis.

Saline solutions for rinsing the nasal cavity:

• Aqua Maris;
• Humer;
• Aqualor.

Sea water relieves swelling, moisturizes the mucous membrane, the procedure should be repeated up to 5 - 6 times a day. Antihistamines are used to treat allergic rhinitis. Adults and children over 6 years of age are prescribed nasal sprays in a dosage of 1 spray up to 6 times a day.

• Allergodil;
• Cromohexal.

Younger children are prescribed Erius syrup from 2 to 5 ml per day, Loratadine, Cetrin, Suprastin tablets (½ - 1 pill once a day). Sometimes they are prescribed for ARVI to eliminate the symptoms of rhinitis.

If antibiotic sprays are ineffective, use antibacterial agents groups of cephalosporins or penicillins in the form of suspensions. The course of treatment is from 5 to 14 days. It's also worth noting that antihistamines in tablet form can cause drowsiness, so it's best to take them in the evening.

You can also treat a persistent runny nose in a child using special procedures. The so-called cuckoo is effective. During this procedure, the doctor rinses paranasal sinuses nose with disinfectant solutions and suction removes mucus and pus.

Treatment of persistent runny nose in children with folk remedies

Recipes from the arsenal of alternative medicine will help to significantly improve the effect of medications.

Relieve the symptoms of rhinitis by inhaling warm steam of soda solution, decoctions medicinal herbs(St. John's wort, calendula, chamomile, eucalyptus).

It is also possible to treat a persistent runny nose in children using a compress on the wings of the nose with heated salt in a fabric bag.

Symptoms of rhinitis due to allergies will be relieved by drops of freshly squeezed beet or carrot juice. To strengthen the child's immunity, they give onion juice. To do this, chop the onion and cover it with sugar.

For the treatment of bacterial and viral rhinitis or sinusitis, the following recipes are suitable:

• drip Kalanchoe or aloe juice into your nose;
• prepare a decoction of a mixture of St. John's wort and chamomile (1 tbsp per 200 ml of boiling water), strain and drip 4 - 5 drops into the nose up to 5 times a day;
• finely chop the onion or garlic and squeeze through cheesecloth, mix the juice with water in a 1:1 ratio and use as nasal drops;
• lubricate the mucous membrane with a mixture of honey and peppermint oil.

However, treatment of prolonged runny nose in children should be carried out under the constant supervision of a doctor. Incorrect therapy can lead to undesirable reactions from the body and irreversible changes nasal mucosa, which can only be corrected by surgery.

Some people treat a runny nose with disdain, because it is a common cold that ends in two weeks. But sometimes a runny nose drags on, develops into sinusitis or frontal sinusitis, and results in serious complications. This is especially dangerous if it is not an adult who suffers from a runny nose who can talk about his complaints, but a child. Runny nose in babies due to peculiarities physiological structure often accompanied by severe nasal congestion. This does not allow normal breathing, the level of oxygen entering the body decreases, the child wheezes, and cannot eat or sleep normally. That is why a runny nose also needs treatment. Especially if it is protracted.

Why does a runny nose not go away for a long time?

In 80% of cases, a runny nose is a consequence of a viral infection. This type of runny nose begins with a clear and liquid mucus, then a red throat appears, and in some cases the temperature rises. If you act wisely in such situations (drink plenty of fluids, humidify the air, rinse your nose), a runny nose will go away in 1-2 weeks. But sometimes the flow of mucus from the nose becomes prolonged, what could be the reason?

1. Allergy. This is the most common case prolonged runny nose. Many mothers treat colds, over and over again using more and more powerful drops and sprays. But few people realize that snot can often be a consequence of allergies and the treatment tactics in this case are completely different.
2. Bacterial infection. If the nasal discharge becomes thick, yellow or green, a bacterial infection has most likely developed - sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, etc. Without antibiotics, such a runny nose cannot be cured.
3. Dry air. When a child’s nasal passages are dry and dry crusts form on the mucous membrane, it means that the air in the room is too dry. This is especially noticeable in infants, because their nasal passages are very narrow.
4. Adenoids. If the tissues of the nasopharyngeal tonsil are constantly enlarged, the baby often suffers from a runny nose and nasal congestion, especially at night. Congestion can bother a child even whether he is sick or not.
5. Immunity. If a child is constantly exposed to viruses and bacteria, he simply does not have time to recover; a runny nose accompanies the baby constantly. This usually happens with reduced immunity, or if the child visits kindergarten and infections surround him constantly.
6. Drug-induced rhinitis. Frequent, regular and uncontrolled use of vasoconstrictors often leads to addiction; the child cannot breathe without these drops and sprays.

If you cannot cope with a runny nose on your own for more than two weeks or do not know the real reason its appearance, do not waste time and do not torment the child further. Be sure to contact a competent otolaryngologist.

Drug treatment for runny nose

Do not rush to use medications to combat a runny nose. First of all, you need to ensure the quality of the air you breathe. That is, ventilate the room, install a humidifier or cover working batteries with a damp cloth - you need to achieve air humidification. The air temperature in the room should not be higher than 23 degrees; if the child is cold, it is better to dress him, but do not turn on the heater. In case of ARVI, provide for your baby drinking plenty of fluids. Eliminate exposure to various allergens: dust, pollen, pets, sweets - you need to avoid this for a while. This way you can at least slightly reduce the symptoms of a runny nose in your child. After this, consult a doctor who will identify the cause of the disease and prescribe you an approximate treatment regimen.

1. Antihistamines. They should be taken without fail, even if the nature of the runny nose is not allergenic. Antihistamines will relieve swelling and relieve nasal congestion. For young children, medications are prescribed in the form of drops, for older children - in tablet form. Among the antihistamines, Diazolin, Zodak, Fenistil, etc. can be distinguished.
   Cleaning products. It is imperative to rinse the child’s nose with salted water or saline solution. The pharmacy has ready-made compositions sea ​​water, which are convenient to spray - Aqualor, Aquamaris, etc. Infants should not use the spray - instill the saline solution using a pipette.
2. Sinupret. This is wonderful herbal preparation, which thins mucus in the nose and promotes its removal. Comprises herbal ingredients, can even be used by infants (in the form of drops).
3. Antibiotics. If a doctor diagnoses a bacterial infection, antibiotics are a must. Antibiotics are selected strictly individually; in combination with them, probiotics are prescribed, which protect the intestinal microflora.
4. Vasoconstrictor drops and sprays. If you see that the child is not breathing at all, you can use vasoconstrictors - Naphthyzin, Rinofluimucil, Sanorin and others. Remember that they can be used for no longer than five days in a row. For allergic rhinitis, drop Vibrocil into your nose - it perfectly relieves itching and opens your breathing.
5. Antibacterial drops. These are very powerful medicines that contain an antibiotic; they are effective for sinusitis and other inflammations of the sinuses. For children you can use Isofra, Sofradex, Bioparox.
6. Antimicrobial drops. Among them are Protorgol, Furacilin, Miramistin. They fight well not only against bacterial, but also against fungal and viral pathogens.
7. Hormonal. For severe allergic reactions, the patient is often prescribed hormonal drops, which can relieve even the most severe nasal congestion. Among them are Avamis, Flixonase, Nasonex, Flutinex, etc.

After using vasoconstrictors and antimicrobial agents The mucous membrane of a child's nose dries out greatly. Therefore, be sure to use healing and moisturizing oils - sea buckthorn or sesame. You can drip Pinosol into the spout - a natural herbal preparation for oil based. Remember that only a doctor can prescribe medications; under no circumstances self-medicate.

If several types of nasal drops or sprays are prescribed for treatment, they should be used competently and consistently.

1. First of all, you need to drip saline or slightly salted water into the nose - it will help soften the crusts and thin out the mucus.
2. Next, you need to give the child the opportunity to blow his nose efficiently - this will get rid of snot and cleanse the nasal passages and sinuses. If the child cannot blow his nose yet, you can let him smell the pepper from afar or drop diluted Kalanchoe juice into each nostril. This will make your baby have a good sneeze. Infants can clean their noses using an aspirator - it will effectively suck out all the mucus.
3. After this, you need to instill a vasoconstrictor. Without it, medicinal compounds will not reach the sinuses, treatment will be useless.
4. After vasoconstrictors, you need to wait at least 5 minutes for them to take effect. And only after nasal breathing is restored, you can use antibacterial, hormonal or antimicrobial drops that your doctor prescribed to you.
5. After instillation medicine You need to let the child lie down for a couple more minutes so that the composition penetrates deeper into the sinuses.
6. After 2-3 hours, drip oil into the nose so that the mucous membrane does not dry out.

Only careful and consistent instillation of medications can give high-quality treatment results. However, it is important to understand that not only drug treatment is effective in the fight against a runny nose.

How to treat a persistent runny nose in a child

1. Washing. It's simple, but so effective procedure can cure a runny nose once and for all. You can rinse your nose with a syringe or a small kettle. As a solution, you can use salted water or antiseptic compounds, decoctions of medicinal herbs, etc. But it’s best to do a Proetz wash – simply put, a cuckoo wash. Using a vacuum, the device sucks out all unnecessary mucus from the sinuses, an antibiotic is poured into one nostril, which is sucked out of the other nostril. Thus, high-quality washing of the mucous sinuses is obtained, which gradually suppresses the process of inflammation.
2. Warming up your feet. If the runny nose does not go away for a very long time, just give your baby hot foot baths. You can add mustard to the water for greater effect. Warm your feet in a basin with your child so that he is not afraid. Let your baby get used to it first warm water, add hot gradually. You can take your mind off the procedure by simultaneously launching boats into the basin.
3. Inhalations. This great way quickly and efficiently cure a persistent runny nose in a child. The direct effect of medicinal compositions on the mucous membranes of the nose and sinuses gives immediate therapeutic effect. The easiest way is to use a special nebulizer device for inhalation. As medicinal composition Various mucolytic agents, herbal decoctions, and antiseptic compounds are added to it. For allergic children, just use water - hot steam is also a great treatment. During the procedure, if you have a runny nose, you should try to breathe through your nose, and if you have a cough or sore throat, try to breathe through your mouth. If you don’t have a nebulizer, you can simply warm the water, pour it into a basin and cover with a towel, inhaling the hot steam full breasts. Here you need to be as careful as possible so as not to burn the child; wait until the water cools down a little.
4. Warming up. Heat the sinuses can only be done after the doctor’s permission, because during purulent processes, heat will only aggravate the patient’s condition. You can warm your nose on both sides using boiled eggs, a bag of warm salt or sand. Can be done vodka compresses or make a flatbread from honey and rye bread - it also warms perfectly.
5. Folk recipes. In the fight against a runny nose, it is effective to use not only medicinal drops, but also folk compositions. You can drip Kalanchoe and aloe juice into your nose - they have a pronounced bactericidal property. Only juices diluted in half with water can be dripped into the nose of infants, otherwise pure juice can lead to a burn to the mucous membrane. Under no circumstances should you drip breast milk into a baby's nose - this is an excellent environment for the development of bacteria, and a runny nose will only get worse.
6. Walks. Do not cancel walks if you have a runny nose, even if mucus production increases outside. On the contrary, fresh air stimulates the circulation of oxygen, the process of secreting mucus and cleansing the sinuses enters an active stage. You can’t go for a walk only when the temperature is high and if it’s frosty outside and the baby can’t breathe through his nose.
7. Essential oils. IN Lately In city pharmacies you can find many different patches containing healing essential oils, for example, “Sopelka”. The patch is glued to clothing, the baby constantly inhales medicinal vapors and the nasal mucosa is treated, nasal breathing opens. It is especially convenient to use such patches at night, because it is in a horizontal position that the nose most often gets stuffy.

Don’t forget to massage your baby’s wings of the nose more often – this increases blood circulation, and blood flow helps to cope with inflammation faster.

If your runny nose doesn't go away long time– don’t delay, be sure to consult a doctor. You may need completely different treatment - help from an allergist, consultation with a surgeon for a trauma to the nasal septum, you may need surgical removal adenoids. Remember that a persistently stuffy nose can lead to... real problems– cerebral hypoxia, sleep and bite disorders, various speech defects, frequent colds, hearing problems, and even enuresis. Don’t take it to extremes, treat a runny nose on time!

Video: how to treat a runny nose in a child