Introduction
Running nose, also known as rhinorrhea, is a condition in which mucus discharges out of the nose, with thin and transparent discharge along with inflammation of nasal tissue. If any allergens, such as dust and pollen grain, enter the body, it gets trapped in the inner lining of the nose. As a result, the nose starts making a lot of clear mucus, and mucus helps in trapping and flushing foreign material. However, if the mucus production is excess, it runs down the back of the throat, known as post nasal drip. It may result in a cough and sore throat.
What Are the Causes of Running Nose in Babies?
The nasal cavity is usually mucus which is the nasal cavity. The mucus is thin in consistency and opaque in color. It is swept back into the throat and swallowed.
Following are the various causes of running noses in children.
-
Common Cold - Common cold and flu from illness can fill the nasal cavity. It causes temporary nasal blockage.
-
Crying - When babies cry, tears drain through the tear duct into the nasal cavity, causing a runny nose.
-
Cold Weather - Cold weather makes the child more susceptible to the common cold. It causes illness that results in a runny nose.
-
Infection of The Sinuses - The sinus or air cavities drain into the nose. If there is a chronic inflammation of the sinuses, infected mucus is discharged.
-
Adenoids - Adenoids are the tissue found in the nasopharynx. If the adenoid gets infected in children, there is the presence of nasal discharge.
-
Swollen Turbinates - Large and swollen turbinates are seen in children suffering from infections. It results in nasal discharge and obstructions.
-
Nasal Polyp - It is a grape-like growth found in the lining of the nose of the child. It also causes nasal discharge and obstruction.
-
Insertion of Foreign body - If the child inserts any foreign body, such as a peanut or bead, it causes obstruction and mucus drainage.
-
Allergic Rhinitis - It is caused by a nasal reaction to allergens resulting in mucus discharge. The allergens can be pollen grains, dust particles, and animal fur.
-
Nonallergic Rhinitis - A nasal reaction to irritants resulting in mucus discharge. Irritants can be smoke pollution and body reaction to hot and cold stimuli.
-
Gustatory Rhinitis - In this condition, there is a running nose after eating certain kinds of food.
-
Nasal Cyst or Tumor - The benign and malignant tumor causes obstruction resulting in nasal discharge.
What Are the Other Symptoms Associated With Running Nose?
There are various symptoms associated with running noses seen in a child. If much mucus is produced in the body, it is discharged from the body through coughing, spitting, and nasal discharge. Cough, shortness of breath, and congestion are the commonly associated symptoms. Too much mucus formation results in post-nasal drip. It occurs when mucus goes down to the throat and is swallowed, resulting in a sore throat. Running nose results in nose congestion, causing swollen lining mucosa. If the running nose is associated with allergy, there is a presence of sneezing. If the running nose is due common cold and flu, there is the presence of cough, sore throat, fatigue, and fever.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of the Running Nose?
Long-standing nasal irritation and obstruction can affect the child if it affects the child's sleep pattern and causes difficulty in breathing. If there is an untreated acute infection, it may become a severe problem. In addition, long-standing rhinorrhea affects the ears of children. The drainage pathway for the middle ear is through the nasopharynx; therefore, hearing is affected.
What Is the Treatment of Running Nose in Children?
The treatment plan should be based on the cause of the running nose. Symptomatic relief is the main aim of the treatment.
Following are the treatment plans for running noses in children.
-
Proper Fluid Intake: Parents should ensure adequate fluid intake for the child. Parents should give plenty of breastmilk water and fruit juice to avoid dehydration.
-
Relieving Congestion: It is essential to relieve congestion. The mucus should be removed from the baby's nose with suction. The pediatricians advise decongestants such as Mucinex and Guaifenesin.
-
Breathing: To ease the child's breathing, parents should give a hot shower and stem to the child.
-
Antihistamines: If the child has a runny nose with other allergic symptoms, antihistamines are indicated. Antihistamines block histamine, which is released during an allergic reaction. Phenylephrine and Brompheniramine are antihistamines given to children over six years of age under pediatric supervision.
-
Corticosteroids: Nasal corticosteroid sprays are advised for children suffering from allergic and nonallergic Rhinitis. It helps in reducing inflammation. Triamcinolone acetonide and Budesonide are corticosteroids prescribed for congestion and running noses.
-
Nasal Irrigation: It helps in easing cold and allergy symptoms. Warm saline is used to moisten nasal passages and flush the congested nose.
When Should Parents Contact Pediatricians?
Parents should consider contacting a pediatrician if there are the following signs.
-
If the symptoms are present for more than ten days.
-
If the symptoms are very severe.
-
If there is a presence of discharge from one side of the nose.
-
If the discharge is bloody or foul smelling.
Conclusion
If the child has a runny nose, there can be various causes. If the child is suffering from a running nose and decongestion, parents should take the child for a pediatrician visit. Parents should report all the symptoms to the pediatrician before beginning treatment. Running nose is a common symptom of illness, and sometimes it is difficult for parents to determine the root cause. If there is a fever, congestion, and breathing problem along with a running nose, there is a chance of infection. Therefore, parents should observe the symptoms closely and care for the child. If there is the presence of severe symptoms pediatrician should be concerned for proper examination and treatment.
