|  | Conditions Treatments | Cold Flu

Green Mucus in Children

Children can easily become sick because their immune system has not yet been exposed to bacteria, viruses and other foreign objects long enough to prevent sickness. During sicknesses, mucus in the form of runny noses is a common occurrence. When referring to green mucus, there are times that parents should become concerned and there are times when the mucus is not a problem.

  1. Green Mucus From Nose

    • Green mucus that shows up on a child's nose is very common near the end of a cold or flu. This is when the mucus on the nose dries up and children end up with a stuffy nose. In most cases, green mucus from the nose will dry up and go away within a few days. When it lasts 10 days or longer, parents should take the child to the doctor to check for infections. In most cases, infections will not occur and it will clear up on their own. Parents should encourage older children to blow their nose regularly to prevent infections. Always take the child to the doctor if the mucus in the nose is accompanied by a high fever.

    Green Mucus From Cough

    • When children have a cold or flu, they often start to cough. Other sicknesses, infections and problems like asthma can also cause coughing. When children start to cough up green mucus or phlegm, children should go to the doctor. Green mucus from coughing is usually a sign of an infection. Doctors might suggest waiting a few days to see if the mucus and cough clear up, especially if it has just started, but if it comes with a high fever doctors will usually proscribe medicine.

    Green Mucus in Stool

    • Green mucus in stool is a sign of an infection. This is more common in babies and young children than in older children. In most cases, the only sign of infection is the mucus in the stool and it shows malabsorption in the intestines. In most babies, this will go away after a few days. Parents should pay attention to the number of days and the consistency of mucus in the stool. If it lasts for a week or if it seems to get worse, take the child to the doctor. Also watch for blood in the stool, which should come to a doctor's attention immediately as it is a sign of bleeding in the intestines or rectum.

Cold Flu - Related Articles