Nasal Drip in Children

Nasal drip in children, especially those who attend daycare and school, is a common occurrence. Nasal drip in children is usually not a serious medical issue but if left untreated can lead to serious medical conditions such as ear infections and sinus infections. Home treatments such as increased liquids, use of vaporizers and over-the-counter decongestants and expectorants are usually sufficient for clearing up nasal drip, but if necessary your pediatrician can prescribe prescription strength medications to treat the problem.

Symptoms

• Children with nasal drip may have symptoms of a runny nose and sniffle frequently. Their runny nose may drip constantly or run excessively. Nasal drip in children may also lead to a sore throat and swelling of the tonsils and throat tissue, leading to difficulty swallowing and eating. Children with nasal drip may also have a decreased appetite. Children who have nasal drip may also show increased distraction or irritability and experience restlessness and difficulty sleeping.

Causes

• Nasal drip in children may be the result of a variety of illnesses such as respiratory infections, the common cold and allergies. Serious infections such as pertussis, bronchitis, chickenpox, rubella and roseola infections can also cause children to have nasal drip.

Home Treatment

• Saline nose drops may used to treat children with nasal drip to thin mucus and promote healing. Children who have a sore throat due to nasal drip may benefit from warm soup broths and mildly carbonated drinks such as ginger ale. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus secretions and prevent dehydration. Use your bathroom to create a steam room by closing the door and allowing the shower to run for 10 to 15 minutes. The steam will help your child blow out or cough up congestion and mucous in the nose and chest by thinning and loosening stubborn mucous. Lift the head of your child's mattress to promote easier breathing during sleep. Use a hot steam vaporizer along with lavender or eucalyptus oils to promote faster healing of cold symptoms and nasal drip. Over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and expectorants may also provide relief for nasal drip symptoms.

Professional Treatment

• Professional treatments will vary according to the underlying reason your child is experiencing nasal drip. Your pediatrician may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections that may be causing cold symptoms and nasal drip complications. Prescription strength decongestants may also be recommended to thin mucus and clear congestion. Your pediatrician may also recommend the use of expectorants to loosen thick mucus, making it easier for your child to cough up.

Considerations

• Children with allergies tend to experience more colds, ear infections and sinus infections in comparison to other children and, as a result, may suffer increased bouts of nasal drip. Preventing allergy reactions may promote prevention of nasal drip. Check with your pediatrician for possible prescription-strength allergy medications and antihistamines to prevent allergy infections and increased chances of developing nasal drip.