Runny nose in infants: causes and treatment methods

The body of a baby is much more susceptible to various diseases than older children. One common problem is a runny nose. It is difficult to deal with it, first of all, because the child is too small, is capricious, and cries. But, whatever one may say, it’s also impossible to ignore a baby’s runny nose.

Physiological runny nose in infants

The nasal mucosa in children is particularly sensitive, so respiratory tract diseases occur frequently. However, in newborns, a runny nose is usually not a symptom of illness, but is caused by physiological reasons.

The baby's body gradually adapts to the environment. Immediately after birth, the baby's nasal cavity is dry, but gradually it becomes moisturized. The nasal mucosa begins to function normally only 2.5 months after the birth of the child, and parents mistake this physiological process for a runny nose.

Since this is not a disease, no special measures are needed. You just need to make sure that the air in the baby’s room is fresh and the temperature is comfortable. Needs to be done often  damp  cleaning,  a  from  applications It is better to avoid household chemicals.

Runny nose and cough in infants

However, rhinitis is not always caused by physiological reasons. Other factors can also provoke it:

• Hypothermia, as a result of which the thermoregulation of blood vessels in the sinuses is disrupted.
• Allergic reaction. It can occur due to dust, household chemicals (for example, powder used to wash a child’s clothes), the smell of smoke if parents smoke, as well as baby formula.
• Bacteria and viruses that, due to weak immunity or other reasons, develop on the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx.
• The air in the children's room is too dry.
• Trauma or foreign body that has entered the nasopharynx.

Sometimes, against the background of a runny nose, cough and temperature. Most often, these symptoms indicate that the baby has a cold.

In some cases, the cause of cough is bronchial asthma. This seemingly adult disease can also occur in infants if parents have not paid attention to the manifestations of allergies for a long time.

How to treat a runny nose in a baby

If there is no need to treat a physiological runny nose, then an infectious one must be fought. There are medications and folk remedies for this. Medicines are prescribed by a pediatrician based on the diagnosis, and the following folk remedies provide good results:

• A solution of sea or regular table salt. A tablespoon should be diluted in a liter of boiled warm water, one drop should be instilled every hour.
• Breast milk. It contains substances that protect the nasal mucosa from germs.
• If there is no allergy, you can use a decoction of chamomile, yarrow or calendula for instillation.

In addition, parents need to know that the child’s nose cannot be washed. Liquid entering under strong pressure can penetrate the pipe connecting the nose and throat and provoke otitis media.

Drops for runny nose in infants

The most important task in treatment is to prevent dryness of the nasal mucosa, otherwise bacteria and viruses can enter the bronchi and cause serious complications such as bronchitis or pneumonia. For this reason, drops cannot be used to constrict blood vessels: they can dry out the mucous membrane.

Drops such as Aquamaris or Otrivin Baby are suitable for moisturizing the nasal cavity. The content of sea water helps clear the nose and disinfects well.

If the runny nose is severe, Ectericide will certainly help the baby. This liquid has an oily structure, coats the mucous membrane well and prevents its dryness.

Even the smallest children are shown a remedy against the common cold: Derinat is a herbal preparation that improves immunity. Place 3 drops in each nostril at intervals of approximately two hours.

Sometimes pediatricians still prescribe drops for babies that constrict blood vessels. In this case, you can choose Nazol Baby or Nazivin. They are buried no more than every 6 hours for three days.

If a runny nose in a small child is caused by injury, allergies or viruses, it is necessary to begin treatment as quickly as possible. Delay can lead to malfunction of the nasal mucosa and the development of chronic diseases.