Chronic Runny Nose in Toddlers

If your toddler seems to constantly have a runny nose, you are not alone. Chronic runny noses in toddlers are common occurrences and are usually not serious unless they are accompanied by other symptoms.

Allergies

• If your child's runny nose is accompanied by eye rubbing or watering, he may have a common allergy to a household allergen. Pollen, animal dander and dust mites are all common allergens that affect adults and children alike.

Consult Your Doctor

• If you think that allergies are the cause of your child's runny nose, consult her doctor. The doctor will advise you on how to properly administer medications like Benadryl or other anithistamines that are appropriate for your child's age and weight.

Building Antibodies

• Your child's runny nose could also be due to the fact that his body is building up much-needed antibodies to help protect against future infections. Much like the way in which vaccines work, his body might be experiencing mild symptoms as it works to create antibodies that can keep him healthy and strong in the long run.

Mucus

• Once you've ruled out allergies, a runny nose---as long as the mucus is clear and thin---is nothing to worry about. Rest assured that your toddler is building immunity to common illnesses, a natural process that will keep him healthy in the future.

Fevers

• If the runny nose is accompanied by a fever, consult your doctor if the fever doesn't subside within three days.