How to quickly cure a runny nose in a child at home. Folk remedies, pharmaceutical preparations. Doctor Komarovsky on the treatment of a runny nose in a child Runny nose in infants

They call it a runny nose inflammatory process, affecting the nasal mucosa. The cause of mucous discharge from the nose at the age of three is most often infectious diseases and allergic reactions. But no matter what causes rhinitis, you need to know the basic ways to treat a runny nose in a 3-year-old child. It is known that by this age the immune system already has experience in dealing with various types of infections, however, in order to quickly get rid of an unpleasant symptom, it is necessary to select the most effective and safe remedy treatment.

Causes of rhinitis

To find the most effective way to quickly cure a runny nose in a child, it is necessary to determine the cause that caused the disease. So, most often, rhinitis in a three-year-old child can be triggered by a number of reasons, which will be discussed below.

Exposure to viruses

It is viral infections that most often cause inflammation in the nasopharynx. Treatment of a runny nose in a child in this case will be based on combating the cause of the disease, as well as minimizing the severity of the unpleasant symptom. Under the influence of viruses, a runny nose will most often not be the only sign of the disease, and a viral infection will be accompanied by fever, redness of the throat, hoarseness and cough.

Exposure to bacteria

Bacterial infections, such as tonsillitis, most often occur without a runny nose. Whereas a bacterial runny nose appears as a complication as a result of ineffective treatment of viral infections.

Exposure to allergens

Children are more susceptible to allergic reactions than adults. The thing is that an incompletely formed immune system may not react correctly to external irritants: dusty air, strong odors, pet hair, plant pollen. At the same time, one of the most common signs of allergization of the body is a runny nose, accompanied by sneezing, lacrimation, skin rashes. To completely cure such rhinitis, it is necessary to eliminate the cause and completely eliminate the child’s contact with the allergen.

Hypothermia

After a child has been in a draft for a long time, outside in windy weather at low air temperatures, the child may show signs of hypothermia. In this case, as a result of a strong weakening of the body’s protective functions, a runny nose and other signs of a cold may occur.

Treatment

Treatment of a runny nose in a 3-year-old child should begin at the first symptoms. For colds, therapy should first of all be based on eliminating the cause that caused the disease.

After the cause of the runny nose has been determined and an effective way to eliminate it has been chosen, it is necessary to choose a method that will help alleviate the patient’s condition by reducing swelling of the mucous membrane and normalizing nasal breathing.

  • When trying to find a way to cure snot in a child, parents should pay attention to the need to constantly moisturize the nasal mucosa. To do this, during illness and to prevent rhinitis, you should regularly irrigate the nasal passages with saline solutions(Aquamaris, saline). The composition of such solutions includes microelements that help normalize the work and function of the nasal mucosa, remove dry crusts, and remove viscous secretions.
  • After the nasal passages are cleared of snot, vasoconstrictor drops (Vibrocil, Nazivin, Nazol) should be instilled to reduce swelling and nasal congestion.

Important! Vasoconstrictor drugs must be used strictly according to the instructions, not exceeding the recommended dosages and duration (no more than five to seven days).

  • A good way to reduce a runny nose are essential oils and preparations based on them. Such medications reduce inflammation, have an antiseptic effect, reduce swelling and normalize breathing. In pediatrics, children aged 2-3 years are recommended to use Pinosol (a product based on a mixture essential oils), “Zvezdochka” balm, steam inhalations using essential oils (eucalyptus, fir).

Important! Before using essential oils and preparations based on them, you should consult your doctor.

  • In order to quickly get rid of a runny nose, you need to give your child a large dose of vitamin C. For this, you can use pharmacy vitamin complexes, as well as food products with high content this vitamin (black currant, kiwi, rosehip decoction).
  • Sufficient humidity in the room where the sick child is located (at least 60%), and also not heat air (no more than 20 degrees) has a beneficial effect on the condition of the mucous membrane, preventing it from drying out.

Alternative medicine

Traditional methods of treatment also have a beneficial effect on a child with a runny nose and are a good alternative when parents are looking for an opportunity to cure snot in a child.

Important! You can steam your feet only if the child’s runny nose is not accompanied by a fever.

Remember, in order to quickly cure a runny nose in a small child, treatment should be started at the first signs of illness.

Young children are susceptible to acute respiratory viral infections, colds and allergies. Many parents consult a pediatrician before treating a runny nose in a 3-year-old child. This is correct, because not all medications and home remedies are suitable for children. The doctor will explain in detail which medications will be beneficial and will not harm the baby’s health.

Upper respiratory tract infections often lead to nasal congestion, sneezing, and a severe runny nose. There are at least 200 viruses that cause inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. If a bacterial infection occurs, a sharp increase in body temperature occurs, and the mucus in the nose becomes greenish.

Acute respiratory diseases occur at an early age due to hypothermia and weakened immunity. Most often, nasopharyngitis develops - inflammation of the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. The child feels dry and sore in the throat, and it is noticeable that his nose is stuffy. There is a burning sensation when swallowing. Heavy discharge from the nose are observed with rhinosinusitis, when the mucous membranes become inflamed paranasal sinuses.

Parents are concerned about how to cure a runny nose in a 3-year-old child. Mucus secretion - defensive reaction, a way to cleanse the nasal passages of germs. It is necessary to treat not so much a runny nose as its cause - the underlying disease. To alleviate the condition of the mucous membrane, you can rinse the nasal cavity with a weak solution of baking soda or sea salt.

Active components pharmaceuticals for runny nose for children 3 years old have a certain effect:

  • moisturizing;
  • vasoconstrictor;
  • antiallergic;
  • immunomodulatory;
  • antibacterial;
  • antiviral.

One of the drugs is instilled into the nose of young children. Treatment with a moisturizer and vasoconstrictor begins immediately after the onset of symptoms of a cold, ARVI, sore throat, or allergic rhinitis. If the baby is against instillation, then you can soak cotton buds in the product and wipe the nasal passages with them. The child should drink tea with linden blossom and raspberry jam. Drinking plenty of warm fluids helps to better remove mucus from the upper respiratory tract.

At body temperatures above 38°C, an antipyretic is given in the form of a syrup or suspension for oral administration (Nurofen, Panadol). Either they use rectal suppositories with paracetamol, ibuprofen.

Moisturizing drops for runny nose

The epithelium of the nasal cavity in young children is highly susceptible to drying out and irritation by dry air. Drops based on purified sea water are best suited for cleansing, rinsing and moisturizing the mucous membrane. Such remedies are used to treat runny nose in even the smallest children.

For allergies and colds in a child 3 years and older, drops with sea ​​water disinfect the nasal passages and wash away germs. Salt solutions help with coughs caused by dry air.

Vasoconstrictor nasal products for young children

Typically, such drugs contain xylometazoline or naphazoline nitrate, sea salt. The products act on the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, reduce its swelling, and quickly eliminate congestion and runny nose. The effect is noticeable within a few minutes. The effect of nasal drops or spray lasts for 2–10 hours.

Medicines for the common cold for children 3 years old - vasoconstrictor sprays and nasal drops:

  1. Xylometazoline-SOLOpharm 0.1%;
  2. Tizin Xylo BIO 0.05%;
  3. Xylometazoline 0.05%;
  4. Rinostop 0.05%;
  5. Rinonorm-teva;
  6. Otrivin Baby;
  7. Rhinorus 0.05%;
  8. Xylene 0.05%;
  9. For nose 0.05%;
  10. Snoop 0.05%;
  11. Rinomaris.

Use vasoconstrictor drops or spray for a runny nose of various origins.

Nasal products containing 0.05% drug content are intended for children over 2 years of age. The main criteria for choosing drops or spray for a runny nose in a pharmacy: what effect they have, at what age they are allowed to be used. Prices vary depending on the country and manufacturer. Often, drugs priced at 22 rubles and 102 rubles are the same.

Treatment with vasoconstrictor nasal drops or spray is a temporary relief from a runny nose, helps the nasal mucosa, and alleviates the condition of a sick child. Addiction to such drugs quickly develops. Swelling in the nasal passages and runny nose may worsen. Doctors recommend instilling vasoconstrictors for a limited time, for example, 3 days.

Runny nose of allergic origin

Symptoms of the disease: runny nose, sore throat, red eyes. Treatment will be a waste of time and money if the allergen is not eliminated from the child’s environment. The irritants that most affect the respiratory system are household mites, pet dander, and plant pollen. Food products and detergents are less likely to cause allergic rhinitis.

Distinctive features allergic rhinitis:

  • copious clear mucus in the nasal passages;
  • bouts of sneezing;
  • lacrimation;
  • itching in the nose;
  • swelling of the eyelids

Severe runny noseof allergic origin increases the risk of acute respiratory viral infections, colds, and ear inflammation in children.

An allergist can explain to parents how to quickly cure rhinitis. Using nasal drops with an antihistamine effect and taking antiallergic drugs orally helps. They have anti-inflammatory and vasoconstrictor effects, relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and improve the child’s sleep. Side effects of treatment with drugs of this group: dry mouth, constipation, lethargy, drowsiness.

Allergic rhinitis is treated with nasal sprays, which include antihistamines for the common cold for children 3 years old. Combination drugs Vibrocil and Nazol (Baby and Kids) are used. When instilled into the nose, they have an antiallergic and vasoconstrictor effect, eliminating swelling of the mucous membrane. They are used for acute respiratory viral infections, colds, and allergic rhinitis to stimulate the immune system and facilitate breathing. Instill 1-2 drops into each nasal passage up to 5 times a day. Duration of use: 4–5 days.

Antihistamines in the form of drops and syrups are taken orally. For a runny nose in a 3-year-old child, doctors prescribe: Zyrtec, Zodak, Claritin, Xyzal, Loratadine, Parlazin, Fenistil, Cetirizine, Erius, Eslotin, Erolin.

Medicines for runny nose of infectious origin

Antimicrobial sprays and drops Protargol, Isofra, Pinasol act on bacterial infections in the nasal cavity. Protargol is prescribed by a doctor, and the specialist also selects the concentration of the medicine depending on the age of the child. Pinasol nasal drops contain essential oil components, thymol and vitamin E. Eucalyptus oil is included in the composition of Nazol for children.

If a runny nose does not go away for a long time, and its cause is a bacterial infection, then antiseptic and antimicrobial drops are used. Children aged 3 years can be treated with Miramistin solution and spray. The liquid has disinfectant and antiseptic properties.

A sign of a bacterial respiratory tract infection in a child: high fever, yellow-gray and greenish thick mucus in the nose.

For a runny nose and cough, inhalation is done with Miramistin solution in a nebulizer. Or use Miramistin spray, drop 2-3 drops of a diluted solution from a bottle into the nose with a pipette. This treatment helps with sore throat.

Immunomodulatory drugs contain recombinant interferon and its derivatives. Derinat drops have an antiviral effect. These medications are prescribed by the pediatrician after examining the child.

Ointments for the treatment of runny nose

Oxolin is an antiviral drug. An ointment with this active ingredient is applied to the nasal mucosa 3 times a day for prevention. viral diseases upper respiratory tract. Oxolinic ointment does not cure an existing runny nose, but reduces the activity of viruses and makes it easier to fight immune system infection.

Viferon is an ointment intended for the treatment of viral diseases. Active ingredients of the product: interferon and vitamin E. For a 3-year-old child, lubricate the inside of the nose with a small amount of the drug. Apply 4 times a day.

What helps with a runny nose faster: ointment, drops or spray?

The ointments are convenient to apply using cotton swab. The active substances gradually penetrate the mucosa and are slowly absorbed. Ointments for the common cold are often enriched with essential oils and extracts medicinal herbs, propolis. A runny nose during seasonal epidemics is treated with Zvezdochka balm, Pinosol, and Doctor Mom. The disadvantage of ointments is the Vaseline base.

The medication solution enters the child’s nasal passages when instilled with a pipette. Its end should be rounded. Before administering the drops, you need to clear the child’s nose of mucus and crusts. The advantages of instillation are the ability to use the nasal remedy from birth. However, large drops from a pipette flow faster outward or into the pharynx and do not always have time to affect the mucous membrane.

Spray is a solution in a plastic or glass bottle equipped with a small pump. The finely sprayed medicine settles on the mucous membrane of the nasal passages and practically does not penetrate into the pharynx and below. The spray can be used if the child is 2 years old. The bottle with a “children’s” dosage of the spray has a tip that is thinner and shorter than that of the drug for adults.

How to treat a runny nose in children aged 3 years, what medications to use updated: June 5, 2017 by: admin

A runny nose is perhaps the most common disease that affects children of any age. Sometimes it occurs without complications and goes away in a matter of days. But complications are also possible, especially in the first years of the baby’s life. How to treat a runny nose in a child under 3 years old? What are the threats to children's health?

A runny nose is understood as an inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa, which is accompanied by mucus secretion, itching and dryness in the nasal passages. It occurs quite often in young children, since their mucous membrane itself is very sensitive. Air passes through it, containing harmful microorganisms, particles of irritating substances. In response, the child’s body can react in different ways, ranging from harmless sneezing without consequences to serious nasal congestion and inflammation moving deep into the nose. Airways.

Rhinitis begins with typical manifestations that are well known to adults. However, the difficulty is that it is not so easy to detect the symptoms of a runny nose in a child who cannot yet describe his feelings. At first, he may experience itching and burning in his nose. At the same time, there is a sore throat. And only then the secretion of mucus begins, accompanied by sneezing.

If a 3-year-old child has a runny nose due to an infection or cold, clear mucus is released first. But then the discharge thickens and appears yellowish or greenish. In parallel, there may be additional symptoms diseases:

  • increased body temperature;
  • headache;
  • general weakness;
  • lethargy and apathy;
  • loss of appetite;
  • sleep disorders.

At this stage of the disease, both the one-year-old baby and the older child are capricious because they experience significant discomfort. He has difficulty breathing, his sense of smell practically disappears. The ears are blocked, and lacrimation is possible.

However, for children over 3 years old, a runny nose is no longer as dangerous as for a baby who is less than a year old. The fact is that a newborn’s nasal passages are naturally narrow, and swelling due to rhinitis leads to severe deterioration in breathing. In a supine position, the baby may experience shortness of breath and attacks of suffocation. If the baby is forced to breathe through his mouth, this is fraught with the spread of infection to the lower respiratory tract.

Causes of the disease and diagnosis

  • infection;
  • allergy;
  • hypothermia;
  • irritation of the mucous membrane.

Most often, the cause of a runny nose is an infection that enters the body through the nasal mucosa. But sometimes a child has an allergic reaction to pollen or exhaust fumes, cosmetics or household chemicals. You can suspect an allergy if the baby’s runny nose does not go away, despite following all the doctor’s recommendations, and general state relatively stable, no cough or fever. On the other hand, this does not mean that the situation can be left to chance. And allergies can develop into a serious illness, for example, bronchial asthma.

Therefore, it is very important to undergo examination by a specialist and determine the cause of the disease. The otolaryngologist listens to the parents' complaints, paying attention to the behavior and condition of the baby. Using a special instrument, the ENT can examine the nasal mucosa, determining the degree of obstruction and swelling. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe blood and urine tests and recommend an x-ray examination of the paranasal sinuses.

If long time A runny nose does not go away, and there is a suspicion of an allergy; additional diagnostic methods are used. Immunological and allergological examinations show high results. Modern techniques allow the otolaryngologist to accurately determine what causes rhinitis. Next, he selects an effective treatment regimen.

Treatment of rhinitis in children

Which parent doesn’t wonder how to quickly cure a runny nose in a baby? But practice shows that a cold or infectious disease has its own course. Therefore, it is realistic not so much to speed up as to facilitate the process of recovery for the little one. It is important to emphasize that for a three-year-old child it is worth using methods that will not have side effects on health.

Medical supplies

A good specialist will never prescribe antibiotics and antiviral drugs without making sure that the cause of rhinitis is an infection of a certain nature. This is fraught with complications and deterioration in well-being. For example, if a baby has an allergy, then it is important to eliminate the allergen and not overload the body with additional chemical medications. It is important to remember this for parents who decide to treat a “harmless” runny nose on their own.

Enough effective means For children with a runny nose, there are preparations based on sea salt. They are recommended to be used almost always in the presence of discharge, regardless of the cause of rhinitis. Only if the child successfully removes mucus without outside intervention, there is no need to rinse the nose with such means. Three years is the age when a baby can actually be taught to blow his nose thoroughly.

Inhalations for a runny nose are also very popular, which are relatively harmless, but quite effective. The essence of the procedure is that hot steam warms the nasopharynx and promotes penetration useful substances into the body. Steaming helps thin out mucus if it has thickened. Then it is much easier to remove it from the nasal passages.

But how to do inhalations correctly when you have a runny nose? Until recently, parents simply boiled potatoes in their “uniforms” and placed the child over them, wrapping him in a blanket. And so the patient breathed steam. It is better to use a special inhaler, which is much more effective and safer than a hot pan of potatoes.

What kind of inhalations can be used for a runny nose in a child? A product based on essential oils of pine or menthol, eucalyptus or juniper will be very effective. Chamomile, mint, and black currant leaves are also used. However, such measures are contraindicated for children with allergies! They can provoke an allergic reaction.

Some parents rush to buy their baby vasoconstrictor drops for a runny nose, believing that this will alleviate his condition. But such a medicine should be used very carefully, after consulting a doctor. Abuse of vasoconstrictor drops can worsen the child’s condition! These remedies for the common cold cause dryness and swelling of the mucous membranes if they are not taken according to instructions. In the end it turns out vicious circle, from which it is difficult to escape.


Breathing exercises

Most parents are happy to use not only traditional medicine methods, but also folk remedies in treating their children. Doctors recommend starting such experiments only after consulting with an ENT specialist or pediatrician. Because some treatment methods invented by the people will not only not help, but will also harm the baby. If the baby’s runny nose does not go away for a long time, you can attract another interesting, simple and effective method treatment - breathing exercises.

Special exercises are performed when the acute stage has passed. Thanks to simple techniques you can achieve good results:

  • the child’s breathing improves;
  • In the respiratory system, reflex zones are stimulated, as a result, the process of self-healing is launched.

Breathing exercises can be practiced with children from two years old. The child should take a comfortable position and relax. A simple example exercise:

  1. you need to exhale completely;
  2. fingers should pinch the external auditory canal and nasal openings;
  3. you need to inhale sharply through your mouth, puffing out your cheeks and pressing your lips tightly;
  4. with a mouth full of air, it is important to remain calm for as long as possible;
  5. at the end the child calmly exhales and relaxes.

Even if the cause of a runny nose is a common cold, children's body support needed. No matter how harmless rhinitis may seem, it can cause dangerous complications. Doctors recommend remembering not only treatment methods, but also disease prevention. From an early age, it is worth strengthening the baby’s immunity, training endurance and teaching him a healthy lifestyle. Then you will have to encounter a runny nose much less often.

Causes

It is worth talking about the etiology of rhinitis in detail - this familiar and simple, at first glance, phenomenon, be it physiological or pathological, has features that determine its place among diseases and age-related changes respiratory tract.

Viral rhinitis can provoke complications, which, like any others, are much easier to prevent than to treat. At the same time active therapy Physiological rhinitis can transform it into pathological rhinitis with irrational use of medications and methods.

As already mentioned, infections are the leading cause of rhinitis. Infectious agents can be:

  • viruses;
  • bacteria;
  • mushrooms.

Also, a runny nose in children occurs due to:

  • teething;
  • allergies;
  • hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil.

Teething in a three-year-old child may be accompanied by a moderately severe runny nose, during which a mucous secretion without pathological impurities is released.

Allergic reactions can develop to any substance - including food antigens, pollen, animal dander, medicines and even house dust. Hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil (adenoids) is a proliferation of lymphoid tissue.

Rhinitis due to respiratory infection

In addition to the pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections (influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, etc.), infection of which occurs by airborne droplets (by inhaling infected secretions) or through household contact (applying secretions containing the virus to the mucous membrane of the nose, eyes), rhinitis can be caused by bacteria - streptococci, staphylococci. In newborns and infants, manifestations of rhinitis are often associated with intrauterine infections.

A 3-year-old child experiences snot at least several times a year. The reason for this is a sharp increase in social activity - at this age children begin to attend preschool institutions, travel with their parents, and spend a long time in an isolated group, often in a closed, unventilated room.

All this contributes to a significant increase in the risk of infection.

Viral rhinitis can be combined with pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx) and laryngitis (inflammation of the larynx). In this case, in addition to snot and fever, a child aged 3 years also experiences a sore throat, hoarseness, a feeling of stuffiness in the ears when swallowing, and a dry cough.

A common infection in children aged 2 to 5 years is ARVI caused by the parainfluenza virus.

It is characterized by symptoms such as:

  • significant nasal congestion leading to impaired nasal breathing;
  • mucous discharge from the nose, followed by mucopurulent discharge;
  • fever;
  • a sore throat;
  • rough "barking" cough.

The danger of parainfluenza infection is not a runny nose, but the risk of developing false croup, or laryngeal stenosis. This condition typically has an acute onset, most often at night. The child wakes up from a coughing attack, it becomes difficult for him to breathe, his voice is hoarse, and with severe swelling it disappears completely.

Features of polio

Poliomyelitis is a severe infectious disease, which is accompanied by the presence of neurological disorders during the development of a typical form. The variant of polio without damage to the nervous system is called atypical. Due to mass vaccination against polio, the disease is considered rare.

Rhinitis, manifested by a small amount of discharge, hyperemia and swelling of the mucous membrane of the nose and pharynx, is one of the symptoms of the preparalytic period. In addition to this, there are:

  • decreased activity;
  • headache;
  • lethargy, weakness, sleep disturbance;
  • fever (up to 39 °C and above);
  • sweating;
  • lack of appetite;
  • dry cough;
  • abdominal pain;
  • upset bowel movements or constipation.

The initial period of poliomyelitis can be confused with manifestations of ARVI (provoked by a pathogen from the group respiratory viruses) or intestinal infection.

The leading difference is pain in the extremities, paralysis of which is observed at a later stage of the disease.

The duration of the preparalytic period is from 2 to 5 days. This is followed by a paralytic stage - muscles are most often affected lower limbs, as well as arms and neck with breathing problems.

What are adenoids

The pharyngeal tonsil is localized in the vault of the pharynx and consists of lymphoid tissue. If there is an increase in its size, this process is called hypertrophy. Adenoids and hypertrophy of the pharyngeal tonsil are different definitions of the same pathology.

Adenoids are manifested by the following clinical signs:

The child also complains of constant headaches and often suffers from viral infections. Since he breathes through his mouth most of the time, he snores during sleep and his face becomes puffy. Before treating snot in a child aged 4 years with chronic runny nose and frequent ARVI, you need to be examined by a pediatrician or pediatric otolaryngologist.

Treatment

Treatment of rhinitis in children with ARVI consists of the following stages:

  • correction of temperature and humidity in the room (use of humidifiers, ventilation);
  • cleansing the nasal cavity of mucus and crusts by rinsing with saline;
  • using saline nose drops.

In case of an allergic reaction, indicated antihistamines. It is necessary to choose how to treat snot in a 3-year-old child in a face-to-face consultation with a pediatrician or allergist who has confirmed the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. For the symptomatic treatment of children over 2 years of age, levocetirizine in the form of drops is approved.

There is no specific treatment for polio. You can only protect yourself from infection by vaccination with oral polio vaccine according to the vaccination schedule.

The source of infection is a sick person, and unvaccinated children are at risk. The first vaccination is given to a child at the age of 3 months.

For adenoids, conservative therapy is used:

  • nasal rinsing;
  • multivitamins;
  • immunostimulants;
  • balanced diet;
  • ensuring comfortable humidity and temperature in the room;
  • prevention of ARVI.

How to cure snot in a 3-year-old child if these methods are ineffective? Surgical treatment necessary with a significant degree of hypertrophy, when serious hearing and nasal breathing impairments are observed. After surgery, there is a risk of relapse, since the lymphoid tissue is not completely removed.

To prevent re-growth of adenoids, it is necessary to monitor the child’s diet, consult with your doctor about ways to prevent viral infections and normalize immune status. Watchful waiting tactics for adenoids can lead to the formation of permanent health problems.

A child has a runny nose due to various reasons. It can be one of the leading symptoms in acute respiratory viral infections and allergies, or appear as a harbinger of a more serious pathology in the case of polio.

The formation of the dentition is also accompanied by rhinitis. To correctly assess nasal congestion in a child, an examination by a pediatrician or otolaryngologist is necessary.

Children, due to the relative weakness of their immunity, often suffer from a runny nose. Rhinitis can be called one of the most common childhood ailments. Sometimes the disease has obvious causes, but sometimes the nose “blocks up” in a child who is outwardly completely healthy, and apart from impaired nasal breathing, there are no other complaints. Be that as it may, parents want to help the baby as soon as possible. It is not always possible to see a doctor, because clinics are closed on weekends and holidays. And call " Ambulance“Complaints of a runny nose are not accepted.

Prescribing medications to a child on your own is unsafe and risky, especially if we are talking about a small toddler. Parents can come to the aid of folk remedies that help get rid of a runny nose quite quickly.


Why does a runny nose appear?

A runny nose (rhinitis) is difficult to consider as an independent disease; it is usually a manifestation of a variety of disorders in the body.

The nose stops breathing partially or completely due to inflammation of the mucous membranes of this organ. Most often, this is a consequence of resistance to pathogens and viruses. As you know, viruses enter the body mainly through the respiratory system. The nose is the first line of defense; most often, invading viruses manage to pass further - into the nasopharynx, into the larynx.


Inflammation of the mucous membrane in this case is an attempt by the body not to let the harmful agent pass further.

The episode of Dr. Komarovsky’s program about the causes and methods of treating children’s runny nose can be seen in the following video. But by airborne droplets


Several people inhale the same influenza virus at once. But not everyone gets sick. Whether a runny nose starts or not depends not only on the state of the baby’s immunity. The development of rhinitis is greatly facilitated by various factors, such as dusty or polluted air, hypothermia. There is another type of runny nose - non-infectious. This includes nasal congestion due to allergies (allergic rhinitis) and vasomotor rhinitis (associated with disturbances in the processes in the autonomic nervous system


). They arise somewhat differently, as a result of narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels during a reaction to an antigen or vascular nervous pathology. Acute rhinitis - occurs as a reaction to a virus (less often to bacteria).


If such a runny nose is treated incorrectly or not treated at all, after 3-4 weeks the process will become chronic. With it, the nose will remain stuffy for a long time, the child’s sense of smell will noticeably decrease, the discharge from liquid will turn into thick, sometimes purulent, the mucous membrane will sometimes dry out, and crusts will form in the nasal passages.


Nasal breathing disorders in children occur due to various diseases:

  • ARVI and influenza.
  • Scarlet fever.
  • Measles.
  • Allergy.
  • Vegetovascular dystonia.
  • Proliferation of the palatine tonsil (adenoids).
  • Other diseases.


A runny nose in a child can be mild, or it can be accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, headaches and severe general weakness. It is impossible to predict exactly what symptoms will accompany rhinitis; everything is purely individual.


When are traditional methods not enough?

A runny nose in itself does not pose a danger to a child. But its consequences can be quite serious. These are sinusitis, sinusitis, meningitis, inflammatory processes in inner ear, and as a result - complete or partial hearing loss, encephalitis and a number of other unpleasant diagnoses. Therefore, there are some indications for immediate consultation with a doctor if you have rhinitis:

  • If your child's nasal discharge is gray-green or green color and a very unpleasant smell. This may indicate a severe bacterial infection. This condition requires prompt prescription of antibiotics.
  • If, in addition to a runny nose, the child has pain in the frontal region, under the eyes, in the area of ​​the paranasal sinuses. This may be a symptom of sinusitis, inflammation of the hearing organs. A child in this situation does not need onion drops in the nose, but serious therapy with the use of antimicrobial agents, hormonal and anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • If, after a head injury or fall, the child’s nose is blocked and fluid appears. transparent discharge , you should urgently take him to the hospital! Such symptoms may indicate a disturbance in brain activity; this condition requires prompt examination and hospitalization.
  • If blood is noticeable in the mucus discharged by a child with a runny nose, ichor or clots. This may indicate the traumatic nature of rhinitis, a foreign body in the respiratory system, the baby needs to be examined as soon as possible.


Effective folk remedies

In most cases of acute infectious rhinitis, a child can be quite effectively helped using alternative medicine.

Fresh vegetable juices

The most popular way to quickly relieve nasal congestion is to give your child onion juice. To do this, you need to grate the onion on a fine grater, squeeze out the pulp using a piece of gauze, dilute the resulting juice in half with saline or boiled water. You can drip the onion preparation from 2 to 6 times a day.

This recipe is not suitable for children who have not yet turned 2 years old, since onion juice, even diluted, acts quite aggressively and can cause burns to the delicate mucous membranes of children. For children over 5-6 years old, you can add a little honey to the onion drops, this will have an additional anti-inflammatory effect.


Children under 2 years old can use beet or carrot juice in their nose with caution. To do this, using a juicer or a fine grater and a piece of gauze, you need to squeeze out the juice, dilute it with boiled water in half and drop 1-2 drops into each nasal passage up to 5 times a day. When instilled, infants may choke; it is better for them to place small cotton wool pads soaked in beetroot juice in both nasal passages.


Oil mixtures

A good effect for a runny nose is provided by drugs that will have a gentle effect on the nasal passages. These include mixtures that include oil - sunflower, linseed, vaseline.

A popular recipe is based on mixing finely chopped 2-3 cloves of garlic with 30 ml of sunflower oil. You need to infuse the drug for at least 10-12 hours, then strain and drop 1-2 drops into the child’s nose 3 times a day. This recipe should not be used to treat rhinitis in children under 6-7 years of age.


Another effective way relieve nasal congestion is based on sea buckthorn oil mixed with calendula juice. This recipe can be used even by small children who have not yet turned 3 years old. The ingredients are mixed in half. The resulting oil mixture does not need to be dripped into the nose; it is enough to soak cotton swabs in it, which are placed in the nasal passages for half an hour. The procedure is repeated 3 times a day.


Children over five years old can drop a mixture of two oils - thyme and olive - into their nose. Proportions -1:1. You need to drip 2 times a day, 2-3 drops in each nostril.


Plants

Among indoor plants that can quickly cope with a runny nose, the leader is aloe. The juice of this plant has an antimicrobial effect, softens the mucous membrane, and relieves swelling. To prepare the drops, you need to cut off one fleshy aloe leaf and squeeze the juice out of it. Mix the resulting liquid with a drop of honey and drop it into the child’s nose once a day, preferably before bedtime.


St. John's wort will come to the aid of a child who is overcome by a runny nose. The dry collection of this medicinal plant (1 teaspoon) should be mixed with a glass of boiled water and boiled in a water bath for a quarter of an hour. Cool, strain through several layers of gauze. Drop the liquid into the nose of a child aged two years and older no more than 4 times a day.

Warming up

Freshly cooked millet porridge should be cooled to a warm state, small balls should be formed from it, placed in a cloth and applied to the area maxillary sinuses. Some recipes use a boiled chicken egg instead of porridge. They carefully “roll out” the area of ​​the nose, sinuses, and forehead above the bridge of the nose.


Inhalations

Inhalation of vapors medicinal herbs and essential oils allows you to quickly cope with a runny nose. The most effective procedures are based on pine and eucalyptus oils, fir oil. Sage, chamomile, and calendula are excellent as raw materials for inhalation. Inhalation can be carried out over a container with a hot decoction of herbs, to which a few drops of oil are added. But it is better if you have a special device at home for such purposes - an inhaler or nebulizer. This way there will be no fear that the child will get burns to the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs if he inhales too much.


Rinse

You can use regular salt to rinse your nose when you have a runny nose. To do this, a tablespoon of salt should be dissolved in a half-liter container of boiled water. You should rinse your nasal passages with saline solution several times a day, this will relieve swelling and restore nasal breathing.


The danger of self-medication

Parents, even very attentive ones, who are carried away by preparing nasal drops from vegetables and fruits, may not notice important clinical manifestations when the nature of the runny nose begins to change. Thus, they may not notice the transition to a new stage in time, which will then affect the timing of treatment of a runny nose in a child, because doctors will have to completely traditional methods treat severe complications ordinary rhinitis.

Often, a mother persistently treats her child’s runny nose, but there is no reaction to any medications.

The fact is that diagnosing allergic rhinitis at home on your own is quite difficult. And vegetable juices in the nose will only increase swelling of the respiratory system, since they also contain allergens. What can we say about drops with honey!


What not to do

  • It is forbidden to carry out any heating during purulent discharge from the nose and suspected sinusitis. Heat in this situation can aggravate the problem, the inflammation will only intensify. Also, warming up is strictly contraindicated at elevated body temperatures.
  • You cannot blindly trust all the recipes for a runny nose published on the Internet by “knowledgeable” people. Thus, mothers who advise others to wash their children’s noses from the inside with laundry soap for rhinitis are risking the health of their child. Laundry soap, coming into contact with inflamed mucous membranes, irritates them and provokes further spread of infection.
  • The positive effect of the laundry soap that they write about can, with a stretch, be explained by the same irritating effect. Soap causes the baby to sneeze; during this reflex, the mucus moves away faster. However, then the congestion will certainly return, and the runny nose may become even stronger.
  • When placing turunda and cotton balls with medicine in the baby’s nose, you should not make them too small, so that the baby does not accidentally inhale them.


Adviсe

  • Before instilling any products into the nose, you should prepare mucous membrane, after pre-rinsing. Only then can you drip the prepared drug, both medicinal and folk.
  • If a child often suffers from a runny nose, you need to pay attention to the air condition in the apartment, Where does he live. Perhaps it is too dry; the mucous membrane inside the nose dries out and inflammation begins. Ventilate the house more often, do wet cleaning, and humidify the air. To do this, you can buy a humidifier or regularly hang wet towels over the radiators. The best indicators for children's health are as follows: air temperature is about 19 degrees, humidity is about 60%.
  • When treating a child with a runny nose, you need to provide him with plenty of warm drinks. This is necessary so that the mucous membranes of the nose, already inflamed, dry out less.
  • A child's runny nose is not a reason to refuse walks. In any weather, even in the rain (under an umbrella), you can take short walks outside, since fresh air is very important for restoring breathing through the nose.
  • You should not limit your child’s movement. If he wants, let him run and jump; active movements improve blood supply to the body, including the nasal mucosa.
  • When treating allergic rhinitis, folk remedies are undesirable, almost all of them can also be allergens. It is important to eliminate the main antigen; for this it is better to go to the hospital, where they will do a special test (nasal swab).
  • Vasomotor rhinitis should not be treated with folk remedies, since its causes lie in vascular nervous disorders, it will be better if, with this form of runny nose, the child receives therapy under the supervision of a doctor.

Before you start treating your baby for a runny nose with folk remedies, especially if he is not yet 1 year old, consult a doctor, because even harmless, at first glance, herbal preparations that you prepare yourself can harm the child.

At the age of 3, the child communicates a lot and begins to walk in kindergarten. Therefore, infectious diseases are inevitable. They are often accompanied by runny nasal discharge. How to treat a runny nose in a 3-year-old child?

Causes and symptoms

Most often, a runny nose in children 3 years old occurs as a result of a cold. Microbes, penetrating the respiratory tract, settle on the surface of the mucous membrane and their numbers increase sharply. Snot is the immune system's response to an infection. In addition to pathogens, other factors also cause a runny nose:

  • Foreign object (small part of a toy, etc.).
  • Pathology of the nasal septum - curvature after injury or congenital defect.
  • Allergic reaction.
  • Severe stress.

The disease passes from beginning to end different stages and lasts from a week to 10 or more days. It can vary in severity and become more complicated in the absence of proper treatment.

Symptoms of a runny nose are immediately noticeable and easy to identify. First of all:

  • Mucus is discharged from the nose, sometimes profusely. At the age of three years, a baby can blow his nose out on his own; if not, he needs help with a special device.
  • The nose does not allow air to pass through well, as the mucous membrane becomes inflamed and swollen. Consequently, it becomes difficult to breathe, especially at night.
  • The skin on and around the nose turns red. Firstly, from swelling, and secondly, with frequent use of a handkerchief or napkin, irritation of the skin occurs.
  • Cough. Due to the fact that the infection enters not only the nose, but also the respiratory tract, a cough occurs. It can be dry or moist with slight mucus discharge.
  • Chills, increased body temperature. As the body fights infection, the temperature increases, sometimes up to 38 degrees.
  • Decreased appetite. With a cold, the child’s general well-being worsens, including appetite.

It is necessary to treat a runny nose in children 3 years of age. The baby is developing rapidly, a constantly stuffy nose affects the formation of facial bones. Frequent infections weaken the immune system and negatively affect hematopoiesis and the functioning of internal organs.

How to treat?

To make your runny nose go away faster, create the necessary conditions to improve the baby's condition.

  • In the room where the child spends most of the time, maintain the temperature between 18-23 degrees.
  • Use a special humidifier to prevent the mucous membrane in your nose from drying out.
  • When going to bed, place a pillow so that your head is higher and mucus does not accumulate in the nasal cavities.
  • Starting from the age of 2, children should be taught to clean their nose properly. You need to blow your nose out one at a time, from each nostril. Otherwise, nasal swelling will worsen.
  • Teach your child not to leave mucus in the nose or suck it in. This way the infection gets deeper into the body and affects more organs.
  • Make sure that handkerchiefs or napkins are clean.
  • Give more warm liquid. If the baby does not want water, then alternate tea and fruit juice, cook compote or liquid jelly.
  • Try not to create a stressful environment. During this period, children are very vulnerable and react painfully to criticism or scolding. Play with them often and be patient. Then the disease will recede faster.

Success in the treatment of any disease depends on timely intervention. Don’t delay going to the doctor, it won’t go away on its own. Postponement in long box

may result in a chronic form of the disease or serious complications.

Get rid of a runny nose with inhalation There are many ways to combat rhinitis. One of them is inhalation. 3 years is the age when you can use various types of inhalers. They are different types

The baby breathes steam for several minutes. At this time, the necessary components of the medicine enter the infected areas and eliminate microbes and the inflammatory process. The mucous membranes are moisturized and their functions are restored as soon as possible.

Such inhalations are carried out 1-2 times a day. Among the advantages: ease of use, efficiency. The disadvantages of a nebulizer include cost and noise. If the relatively high price pays off, then the noise may frighten a small child.

Drugs in drops

  • Most often, to cure snot in a child, special medications are used in drops. There are many types and names of them. Depending on the diagnosis, the following are used:
  • Vasoconstrictor;
  • Antibacterial;
  • Antiseptic;

Ask your pediatrician exactly what medications your child needs. Self-medication is strictly prohibited, as medications It is dangerous to use without a doctor's recommendation. However, familiarize yourself with those that are most often used and have a persistent positive result

Can. Drugs in drops that cure rhinitis exist in modern medicine

  • great amount. Of these, only a few are recommended for children over 3 years of age. For example:
  • Otrivin;
  • Snoop;

Tizin for children.

Otrivin Moisturizing, vasoconstrictor. The active element is xylometazoline. Used to treat all types of runny nose.

Relieves swelling, facilitates mucus evacuation. You can treat a runny nose in children with this drug 2 times a day. It is necessary to instill 1 or 2 drops. If for a long time

  • If Otrivin is taken uncontrollably, side effects are possible. They are expressed in the form:
  • Nausea;
  • Headache;
  • Increased dryness in the nasal cavity;
  • Redness;
  • Itching;
  • Deterioration of vision;
  • Tachycardia;

Allergies.

Contraindications to the use of the medicine apply only to those who are very sensitive to it, as well as to children who have undergone brain surgery. For children 3 years old, only drops are recommended; sprays are allowed from 6 years of age.

Snoop

Vasoconstrictor medicine for the common cold for children. The active ingredient is xylometazoline hydrochloride. Quickly, within 3 minutes, eliminates swelling, inflammation, and irritation of the nasal mucosa. Used to treat runny nose from colds and allergies. Helps cope with complications after illness and other forms of diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses.

  • You can cure a runny nose in a child by instilling Snoop 3 times a day, 1 drop, in some cases the dose is doubled. Among the side effects, you should pay attention to:
  • Depression;
  • Vomiting;
  • Visual impairment;
  • Arrhythmia;
  • Increased symptoms;
  • Paresthesia;
  • Headache;

Problems with the cardiovascular system. It is contraindicated to use the drug if the child is intolerant to it. Also with surgical interventions

into the brain. For children under 6 years old, it is advisable to choose drops with a percentage of 0.05%.

Tizin for children Used in the treatment of various diseases of the nasal cavity, including complications after a runny nose.

Treatment of runny nose in three year old children with Tizin is carried out 3 times a day, a few drops. If rhinitis is complicated, the dose can be increased. The drug is contraindicated for:

  • Glaucoma;
  • High sensitivity to the drug;
  • Taking antidepressants and tranquilizers;
  • Children under 2 years old.

Side effects appear only if the doctor’s recommendations are not followed and use is prolonged. Expressed as:

  • Nervous disorders;
  • Disorders of the cardiovascular system;
  • Burning sensation.

When using vasoconstrictor drugs, you must remember that there is no point in using them for a long time and often. This only harms the child's health. If no positive changes are visible within a week, then you need to change the drug or treatment regimen, after consulting with your pediatrician.

Getting rid of rhinitis with ointments

In addition to liquid medications, special ointments containing natural essential oils can be used to treat a runny nose. Advantages - do not accumulate in the blood, are effective, safe, and have a long-lasting effect. As an alternative to solutions, you can try the following ointments:

  • Dr. MOM;
  • Balm Golden Star.

Ointment Doctor MOM

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial agent. The composition includes oils - eucalyptus, menthol, nutmeg. Additionally contains camphor and thymol. Relieves neuralgic pain, eliminates inflammation and swelling, fights pathogenic flora. Clears nasal cavities of mucus. It is used to treat many diseases, including being used as a remedy for the common cold.

To get rid of rhinitis, it is enough to lubricate the wings of the nose and the area above with a small amount of the product. upper lip 3-4 times a day. Side effects rarely occur in the form of a skin reaction or bronchospasms. It is contraindicated to use the ointment if you have bronchial asthma, an allergy to it, or if there are lesions on the skin.

Balm “Golden Star”

Distracting, irritating, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. The composition of the ointment is a storehouse of essential oils. Among them:

  • Cinnamon;
  • Clove;
  • Mint;
  • Eucalyptus.

Additionally contains camphor and menthol. Used to treat respiratory diseases, neuralgia, headaches. It is successfully used to treat runny nose in children 3 years and older.

To eliminate rhinitis, lubricate the nose and under it with a small amount of balm 3 times a day. The ointment is contraindicated in case of serious pathologies of the bronchi and damage to the skin areas where the product is applied. Side effects include dermatitis.

Before using any drug, consult your doctor. Use the ointment only when it is recommended for your child.

Traditional methods

Eucalyptus grass.

Perhaps in ancient times they did not think about how to cure a runny nose, but used their own methods. Some of the most effective ones have survived to this day and are successfully used at home. 3 year old child will not harm:

  • Decoction of eucalyptus leaves. For a glass of water - 50 grams of raw materials. Boil, cook for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and wait until it cools. Instill a few drops of warm broth 4-5 times a day. Promotes the evacuation of snot, relieves inflammation of the mucous membrane. A contraindication may be the high sensitivity of the child’s body to the drug.
  • A solution of table or sea salt. For a glass of water, half a teaspoon of the main ingredient. Instill the warm mixture a few drops at a time every hour. Promotes rapid removal of mucus and fights germs. There are no contraindications.
  • Natural oils, often essential (mint, eucalyptus, fir) or fatty (olive, sea buckthorn, vaseline). Esters are diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio and applied to the nose and the area above the upper lip or instilled into the nose, 2 drops several times a day. Fatty oils do not need to be diluted. Lubricate the nasal cavity if excessive dryness occurs. The use of oils is not recommended if you are allergic to them.

The treatment method that you choose for your child is guaranteed to help only with the right and reasonable approach. Without the pediatrician's approval, treatment will be useless or, worse, cause irreparable harm to the baby.

Many parents are faced with this problem - how to treat a child’s runny nose if it literally haunts the baby? We haven’t even had time to register for preschool, and I’m already overcome with a runny nose. We just had treatment and a few days later the nose began to run again. People with a sniffling nose are not allowed into the garden. So how can you get rid of this annoying disease, and why does this happen?

The disease does not lag behind, first of all, because the baby’s immune system is not yet formed (final formation occurs by the age of 10). In addition, it is necessary to take into account the fact that in a group of 20-30 children, the concentration of viruses and bacteria is very high. Should not be discounted and emotional stress associated with a change of environment.

First aid

Before treating a child’s runny nose with medications or folk remedies, try to alleviate the baby’s condition using available methods:

  • If the baby feels unwell and begins to sniffle, take immediate action and provide the baby with bed or semi-bed rest. It’s easier to sit at home for 1-2 days and stop the disease by early stage how to cure a child’s runny nose, which has become protracted, accompanied by fever, cough and other “cold delights”,
  • Place a pillow under the child’s shoulders and head so that the head and upper torso are at an angle of 45° relative to the bed and the baby can lie comfortably. This will allow the mucus that has formed in the nose to separate more easily, which will make breathing much easier,
  • give plenty of warm drinks– tea with raspberry jam or with currants, cranberries, sea buckthorn. These berries are famous for their high content of vitamin C, which successfully fights viral infections. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect and can strengthen the immune system. A child of two to four years old needs to drink up to 1 liter of liquid per day,
  • You can also give heated alkaline mineral water (still) - in alkaline environment viruses die. To do this, it is better to buy such water at the pharmacy. Drink plenty of fluids facilitates the discharge of nasal mucus and reduces intoxication of the body caused by the activity of viruses and bacteria,
  • Provide your baby with dietary nutrition - reduce the amount of meat and fat. Digesting heavy meat foods requires a lot of energy and enzymes, and the body of a sick child needs strength to fight a cold.

Moisturizing the nasal mucous membranes

It is very important to prevent mucus from drying out in your nose. Since this can completely upset nasal breathing. Therefore, it is necessary to moisturize the nasal passages with saline solution. It is quite easy to prepare such a solution at home:

  • dissolve ¼ tbsp in a glass of boiled water. l table salt and one drop of iodine,
  • Dissolve 1 tbsp in a liter of boiled water. l. sea ​​salt, filter through cheesecloth,
  • dissolve ½ tsp in a glass of boiled water. ordinary salt and soda on the tip of a knife.

The saline solution is instilled 3-4 drops into each nostril. You can repeat the procedure every half hour or hour. The first instillation may cause discomfort in a child, and also provoke sneezing, coughing and even the urge to vomit. But after several procedures, the mucous membranes of the nose and throat will no longer be so sensitive and such reactions will disappear.

The saline solution quickly clears the nose of dust and germs, softens dry crusts, promotes the removal of mucus and makes breathing easier. If you do not want to prepare the solution yourself, you can use pharmaceutical preparations such as Aquamaris or Salin.

These drugs have no contraindications, come in different concentrations, and are suitable even for infants. Therefore, when answering the question: “How to cure a child’s runny nose?”, pharmacists in pharmacies, first of all, recommend these particular remedies. Regular saline solution also successfully copes with the task of moisturizing and cleansing the nasal passages.

Without starting the disease by taking necessary measures immediately, it is quite possible to get by only with the above methods and means. A runny nose will go away very quickly - in one or two days and without the use of other drugs.

Medications

If you can’t get by with improvised means alone, the runny nose gets worse, the mucous membranes swell and nasal breathing becomes very difficult - parents are faced with a dilemma: to use or not to use vasoconstrictor drugs. After all, the effect of these drugs is obvious, but there is a danger of complications.

So, a runny nose in a two to four year old child – how to treat it? And how justified is the use of decongestants (vasoconstrictor drops) to facilitate nasal breathing? It should be noted that complications arise not because of medications, but because of their illiterate use. It is unacceptable to use “adult” concentrations of the drug for children or increase the prescribed dosage, as well as more frequent and prolonged use.

However, failure to use decongestants can also lead to the development of complications such as sinusitis. The fact is that all nasal sinuses (maxillary, frontal, ethmoidal and sphenoid) open with small openings into the nasal cavity. It is through these openings that the sinuses are cleansed of germs along with nasal mucus.

In children, these openings are so small that with severe swelling of the nasal mucosa, they close completely. As a result, microbes accumulate in the sinuses, which leads to acute inflammation– sinusitis.

When choosing a medicine for a child’s runny nose, you should pay attention to the active substance and its percentage (concentration) indicated on the box or in the instructions.

Active substance - "Phenylephrine"

Medicines containing phenylephrine (mesaton) are used to ease nasal breathing during influenza, hay fever, colds, as well as allergic reactions accompanied by rhinitis or sinusitis:

  • "Vibrocil" - drops. Can be used in children from infancy, but not more than seven days. Duration of action is six to eight hours. Instill three to four times a day. For children under one year old – one drop in each nasal passage. Children from one to six years old – 1-2 drops. Children over six years old – 3-4 drops. Before use, it is necessary for the baby to thoroughly blow his nose and then rinse nasal cavity saline solution or Aquamaris,
  • “Nazol Baby 0.125%” - drops. This drug should be used with caution, no more than three days. It is not recommended for use in children under one year of age. Duration of action is up to six hours. Dosage for children from one year to six years – 1-2 drops in each nostril, no more often than every six hours. Children over six years old – 3-4 drops. After use, the pipette on the bottle must be wiped dry.
  • "Polydex with phenylephrine" - nasal spray. Can be used in children from two to fifteen years of age. The course of treatment is five to ten days. Duration of action is eight to ten hours. Dosage: one injection into the nasal passage three times a day, holding the bottle in an upright position. Cannot be used in children suffering from renal failure.

Active substance – “Imidazoline”

",Imidazoline", (",Xylometazoline",) with local application reduces swelling of the mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and reduces the amount of secretion. Used to facilitate nasal breathing in acute, vasomotor, allergic rhinitis and inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. Nasal drops containing imidazoline:

  • "Naphthyzin 0.025%" is intended for children aged two to six years. But given the too short duration of action and possible side effects– not recommended for use in the treatment of runny nose in children,
  • “Otrivin Baby” can be used from infancy, but no more than ten days. Duration of action is ten to twelve hours. For infants and children under six years of age, instill 1-2 drops into each nostril twice a day. Children over six years old – 2-3 drops up to four times a day. Before use, clear the nasal passages of mucus and dry crusts.
  • "Xymelin 0.05%" - for the treatment of runny nose in children from two to six years old. The duration of action of the drug is 12 hours. Use with caution, no more than three to five days. Children aged two to six years are instilled with 1-2 drops 1-2 times a day. For children over six years of age, Xymelin 0.1% is used to treat rhinitis - 2-3 drops in each nasal passage, no more than three times a day,
  • “Nazivin 0.025%” is used in children aged from one to six years. The course of treatment is no more than three to five days. Has a long-lasting effect – 10-12 hours. Place 1-2 drops in each nostril 2-3 times a day. A solution of “Nazivin” with a percentage of 0.01% is prescribed to children under one year of age - a drop in each nostril twice a day. And “Nazivin 0.05%” is used for children over six years old, 1-2 drops 2-3 times a day.

When wondering how to cure a runny nose in a child, you should remember that vasoconstrictors do not cure a runny nose, but only provide temporary relief.

Vasoconstrictor drops are contraindicated in children suffering from disorders heart rate, increase blood pressure, as well as children with diseases thyroid gland and diabetes.

Home remedies for treating runny nose in children

Very effective methods of dealing with a runny nose at home, such as rinsing the nose and warming the feet. These methods have been known for a long time and their effectiveness has been tested by time.

Nasal rinsing can be done daily. And not only for treatment, but also for prevention. This procedure is especially useful for urban residents. It allows you to free the nasal mucosa from dust, dirt and germs.

Nasal rinsing

You can rinse your nose with warm boiled water, but sea water or an infusion of medicinal herbs (calendula, chamomile, sage, St. John's wort, eucalyptus) will have a greater effect.

The washing procedure can be very unpleasant for a child, so you need to set it up in advance and explain that this is very important. Gradually, the baby will get used to it, especially since the result will be noticeable to him immediately.

Rinsing can be done using a small syringe. It is necessary that the child lowers his head face down and tilts it slightly to the side, so that the solution can freely come out through the mouth. The liquid is poured alternately into both nostrils. For the first time, the jet pressure should not be strong so as not to scare the child.

After the first procedure, it will immediately become easier for him to breathe. And the effect of medications for the common cold will be more effective if they are applied to a clean nasal mucosa.

General warming up

Unlike the nasal rinsing procedure, warming the feet is a rather pleasant procedure for the child. Usually children happily agree to “steam their legs with mustard.” It must be remembered that this method of treatment is applicable only if the child does not have a fever.

Mustard is diluted in warm water at the rate of 2-3 tbsp. l. mustard powder on a bucket of water. The baby's feet are first placed in warm water, and then add hot water, gradually raising the water temperature to 41 0 C. As soon as your feet turn red, you need to pour cool water over them and place them in hot water again.

This procedure should be repeated three times. After the last cold douche, put woolen socks on the child and put him to bed. Warming with mustard cleanses the nose well, eases the general condition, and helps with coughing. You can warm your hands in the same way.

Of course, it is much easier for parents to cure uncomplicated rhinitis in a child who is already two years old than to treat a runny nose in a newborn child or infant. But even in this case, you must be careful and be sure to consult a pediatrician.

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A child’s immune system is weaker than that of adults, so ordinary snot is a frequent “guest” at this age. When a child has snot, parents begin intensive treatment by all means and means. This treatment only leads to increased symptoms of a runny nose.

Therefore, in order not to harm your baby, call a pediatrician who will determine the cause of snot and draw up a treatment plan.

Causes of snot in three-year-old children

Snot can be of infectious or non-infectious origin. Infections still dominate, and therefore a runny nose in a 3-year-old child most often occurs due to viruses and bacteria.

Sometimes the cause of a runny nose can be foreign bodies that get into the nasal passages. Children love to experiment with various small objects, and such unsafe games lead to injury and blockage of the nasal passages.

Important! If found foreign body in the child’s nose, urgently seek help from the ENT department. Never try to remove a stuck object yourself.

A very common cause of a runny nose in children is simple hypothermia, especially when the child’s feet are frozen. This is explained by the interaction of reflex connections between the nose and feet. Therefore, the child’s feet should always be protected from getting wet and hypothermia.

Polluted air, flowering plants, smoke, chemicals are common causes of allergic rhinitis in children, which causes sneezing and copious mucous discharge from the nose.

Preventive measures to prevent a runny nose in a child aged 3 years

The success of treating any disease is prevention, the main thing is regular implementation of all pediatrician’s recommendations and health procedures.

What should you do to avoid snot in your child?

  • The health of a baby, like adults, depends on healthy image life. Walk more with your children in any weather. Keep your child busy with active games. TV viewing should be limited.
  • The child's diet should be balanced. In the off-season, introduce more fruits and vitamin fruit drinks into your diet: cranberry, lingonberry, sea buckthorn.
  • Do not allow your child to become hypothermic. Clothing must be appropriate for the weather. After walking in the cold, be sure to give your child warm tea with honey.

  • If possible, assign your child to sports sections; swimming, dancing, gymnastics are good options. These sports perfectly strengthen and develop the body.
  • Sport helps a child from the age of three get rid of colds, as well as acquire protection against scoliosis (curvature of the spine), which often becomes the cause of many diseases in the future.
  • In summer time visit seaside resorts, where there are plantations of coniferous trees. The child will receive healing sea bathing and will saturate his respiratory tract with phytoncides, without which it will be difficult to cope with viruses and bacteria.

Treatment of snot in a child aged 3 years

At the first sign of snot, all measures should be taken to alleviate the child’s condition. If there is a fever, you should put the child to bed and call the pediatrician.

Rinse your nose with slightly salted water using a dropper full of water into each nostril. Before the doctor arrives, perform the procedure three times a day. Saline solutions are prepared very simply: a teaspoon of table salt (you can take sea salt) is dissolved in 200 ml of boiled water.

Often give your baby tea made from raspberries, linden, currants and sea buckthorn. If you are not allergic to citrus fruits, give your child oranges and tangerines. These fruits not only saturate the body with vitamin C, but also actively reduce elevated temperature bodies.

Drugs acceptable for the treatment of snot in children aged 3 years should be prescribed only by a pediatrician or pediatric ENT specialist. If treatment is started on your own, then it is better to resort to more safe drugs. Let's look at them:

  1. Salin, aquamaris - safe drops based on saline solutions. Drops moisturize and cleanse the nasal mucosa.
  2. Otrivin, Snoop, Nazivin are vasoconstrictor drops. Their action is based on reducing mucus and nasal congestion.
  3. Protargol, collargol - antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drops.
  4. Allergodil and vibrocil have an antiallergic effect.
  5. Pinosol - drops that relieve inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, as well as reduce the viscosity of snot.

Traditional methods of treating snot at 3 years old

To get rid of snot, use frequent rinsing of the nose using folk remedies:

  • sea ​​salt solution (5 grams of salt per glass of water);
  • infusion of chamomile, eucalyptus, calendula, sage (take 10 grams of raw materials per 300 ml of boiling water, leave for 40 minutes).

Rinsing is done up to three times a day, pouring a full pipette into each nasal passage. This method allows you to thin the mucus in the nasopharynx. After just a few washes, it will become easier for the child to breathe. Usually the course of treatment lasts 5 days.

An effective method for a viral runny nose is rubbing your feet with Dr. Theiss's cold ointment. The ointment contains natural ingredients: pine and eucalyptus oil, as well as camphor.

These components perfectly relieve the inflammatory process and have a general stimulating effect on the entire body. The ointment can be used from the age of two. Rubbing should be done twice a day, before the child rests: during the day and at night.

Another effective way is instilling onion drops. They are prepared as follows: drop 5 drops of fresh onion juice into a teaspoon of olive oil and stir the mixture. Place two drops in each nostril three times a day.

Homeopathic approach to the treatment of runny nose in children

To restore a child’s immune system, many pediatricians recommend homeopathic remedies, but choose wisely the right drug Only a qualified homeopath will help. Homeopathy is a very delicate healing that often solves a complex of childhood problems.

Having addressed one problem, to the surprise of the parents, the child gets rid of another sore. For example, when a child comes to see a homeopath with a runny nose, after a few months the child gets rid of diathesis or dysbacteriosis. Therefore, you should not neglect homeopathy - it works!

Important! Parents should remember that if a runny nose does not go away after a week, despite performing all medical procedures, it is necessary to consult a pediatrician or ENT specialist for a second consultation. A prolonged runny nose leads to serious complications in the nasopharynx, ears and respiratory system. Take care of the health of your kids!