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.