Children and Runny Noses

Nasal discharge or "runny nose" is a common occurrence among children. It is the result of the excess production of mucus. Although the condition may signal the presence of a cold, a sinus infection or an allergic reaction, it usually does not represent a significant health threat.

The most frequent cause of runny nose (also known as "rhinorrhea") is the common "head cold" -- a viral infection, usually about two weeks in length, that attacks most children at least two or three times a year. When a cold virus invades a child's upper respiratory tract, tissues that line the nasal passages begin to release copious amounts of thick, sticky fluid -- "mucus" -- in order to flush viral particles out of the nose. Quite often, the unpleasant result is a runny nose, for which the usual relief is gentle "nose-blowing" into disposable tissues.

Another frequent culprit in attacks of runny nose is sinus infection, which occurs when an infectious agent (bacterial or viral) invades one or more of the four groups of sinus cavities in the skull. Because these cavities open into the nasal passages, germs and germ-fighting fluids will often be pushed into the nose -- triggering the same kind of mucus production that occurs during a cold. In many cases, however, parents can identify the presence of a sinus infection by the length of time that mucus is being produced in the child's nose. If the nasal discharge has been present for two weeks without improvement, no matter what the color, the leakage could be the result of a sinus infection – a condition that may require a health care provider's attention and a course of antibiotic treatment. A runny nose accompanied by severe sinus or facial pressure or high fever also may signal a sinus infection.

Another major cause of runny nose in kids is allergic reaction, or "allergic rhinitis," in which nasal tissues excrete mucus as an immunological response to antigenic particles from plants, dust, pollen or other substances such as cat dander. Commonly known as "hay fever," allergic rhinitis affects more than 15 percent of U.S. children. An allergy-caused runny nose occurs in two basic modes: "seasonal" and "perennial." Seasonal allergic rhinitis may attack a child's nasal passages during a particular season, usually spring, summer or fall, in response to pollen or reproductive spores released by vegetation. But some children are affected by allergic rhinitis regardless of the time of year. For these victims of "perennial allergic rhinitis," the reason for the nasal discharge may be household dust mites, mold or animal dander (dead skin and/or hair shed by pets). In some cases, household irritants such as tobacco smoke or chemical-based products may be responsible for a child's runny nose, and these substances should be eliminated whenever possible.

What to Do

Although a child's nasal discharge usually proves to be harmless and short-lived, the condition can signal a more serious condition if accompanied by other symptoms. Parents should consult a health care provider if the nasal discharge is accompanied by a fever of 103 degrees or higher (sign of a significant upper respiratory tract infection); if the child is also experiencing attacks of wheezing, gasping, shortness of breath (a possible indicator of asthma); if the runny nose is accompanied by severe pressure or pain in facial areas; or if the runny nose lasts for more than two weeks, even though unaccompanied by other symptoms .

Use Medicine Effectively

Give the child an over-the-counter antihistamine, decongestant or cold medication, if your health care provider has approved the use of these medications for the child in the past. Use an over-the-counter "nasal decongestant spray" to reduce mucus if approved by your health care provider, but for no more than three days at a time. Otherwise, use an OTC saline spray to loosen mucus, flush out bothersome particles that may trigger allergies, and keep the nasal passages moist.

Self-care Steps for Runny Nose

• Give the child disposable tissues for frequent, gentle nose-blowing.

• Use a vaporizer (humidifier) or nasal saline spray to loosen mucus.

• Remove triggers for allergies ("allergens"), such as dust or animal dander, if the child is struggling with allergic rhinitis.

• Remove irritants (such as tobacco smoke or chemical-based household cleaning products), if these seem to be causing the nasal discharge.