Noticing a runny nose in their child, many mothers begin to panic, use means from the series “something needs to be done.” Such actions can not only not be beneficial, but also harm.
Infant runny nose: what to do?
In the case of a cold in an infant, it is better to consult a doctor after all. And if you really want to “do something”, you need to have an idea of what exactly.
To begin with, you need to understand that a runny nose itself is not cured.
The reasons for its appearance are treated, and for the reasons most often causing it, it is classified as follows:
- runny nose due to thick or dry mucus in the nose
- allergic rhinitis
- runny nose
Now in more detail about each of the types.
You can safely eliminate the first type of rhinitis yourself. Baby spouts love cool, humid air. Therefore, it is necessary to ventilate the room, humidify the air. There are two remedies for this kind of cold. This is a saline solution and a folk remedy for babies – mother’s milk.
Physiological solution – sodium chloride solution – sold in pharmacies in bottles or ampoules
After carrying out these procedures, the child’s runny nose, if it was caused by thickened mucus, will pass.
If, after the steps described above, the runny nose remains, in the company with him there is not a single sign of a cold condition (temperature, for example), perhaps your baby is allergic to something. What should be done in this case? Airing and humidification should be supplemented with wet cleaning, removal of potential allergens from the room: carpets, soft toys, flowers, dust accumulators.
Never give allergy medications on your own, consult your pediatrician
The actions are the same – ventilation and humidification. It is also advisable to protect from contacts: the likelihood of a cold rhinitis turning into a viral one is high. The mucus is designed to neutralize viruses. Therefore, a runny nose in this case should be considered as a protective reaction of the body. That is, in this case, he does not require treatment. All that is needed is to maintain the optimal viscosity of the mucus in order for it to perform its functions (to bury saline, humidify the air, ventilate the room, give copious drinks). To facilitate breathing, you can use vasoconstrictor drops, while remembering the rules for their use.
The use of vasoconstrictor drops must be agreed with the doctor.
However, in any case, it should be recalled that the second and third of the described types of rhinitis are real reasons to seek medical advice. In no case should you carry out the treatment yourself.