Runny Nose in Children
It is not uncommon for a child to have a runny nose, in part because their immune systems have not developed as fully as adults. Although there are numerous factors can cause a little one's nose to run in most cases it is not a serious condition and will likely clear up on its own within a few days. A persistent runny nose that lasts for more than 10 days is cause for concern however, and may require medical care.
Identification
A runny nose, or rhinorrhea as it is referred to by the medical community, is defined as a continuous discharge from the nose. The discharge could range from thick to watery and may be accompanied by sneezing, coughing, stuffy nose, headache or fever.
Causes
Most runny noses are caused by the common cold, however other illnesses or environmental factors such as smoke, pet dander and dust can also cause a child's nose to run. Children may also have a runny nose as an allergic reaction to pollen, certain foods, pets or other items.
Warning
Of particular concern is a runny nose in a child that follows a head trauma. Thin, watery fluid running from the nose after a head injury could be an indication of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (CFR) which indicates fluid from the brain seeping through tiny fissures from a skull fracture. This condition requires medical attention.
Prevention/Solution
Training children to properly wash their hands on a frequent basis is the best protection against a runny nose from illness. However, once the child gets a runny nose teaching them to gently blow their nose into a disposable tissue is the best way to treat a superficial runny nose. For more serious symptoms child-specific over-the-counter antihistamines can be effective.
Medical Care
A physician should be consulted when a child younger than two months old has a runny nose that is accompanied by a fever, or if it causes the infant problems nursing. Older children should see a physician if their runny nose persists for longer than ten days, if the runny nose is accompanied by a high fever, or if the mucus turns thick and green.
Tags: runny nose, runny nose, runny nose, from nose, have runny