Running nose

You Don't Go to the Pediatrician Just for a Runny Nose…

Let me explain the title of this article, and at the same time, offer it as a guide for caring for a child's nose – from birth to adulthood.

We'll skip unnecessary anatomy and physiology for now and get straight to the point.

Runny noses are an inseparable part of childhood. In the vast majority of cases, they are caused by viral infections. In infants and toddlers, teething can also contribute to the appearance of a runny nose.

When to Contact a Doctor:

• If there's a fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) lasting more than 48 hours

• If the runny nose is accompanied by both fever and cough

• If the child is lethargic, weak, overly sleepy, or refusing food

• If the child has ear pain or discharge from the ear

When NOT to See the Doctor:

• If there is only a runny nose without fever

• If the child has a nighttime cough due to mucus dripping down the throat – this usually improves within a few days if the following home care measures are taken

• If the child is drinking, peeing, eating, pooping, and has a runny nose

• If the child is teething and is a bit irritable, has temporarily reduced appetite, but is otherwise tolerable, has a runny nose, and the fever does not exceed 38°C (100.4°F) for more than 48 hours

How to Treat a Runny Nose in Children Who Cannot Yet Blow Their Nose:

1. Suction with a vacuum-powered nasal aspirator (you cannot harm the child with vacuum suction!!!) as often as needed – sometimes 3x a day is enough, sometimes every 30–60 minutes. Mouth suction aspirators are NOT enough.

2. After suctioning, spray a generous amount of hypertonic seawater solution (e.g., Sterimar, Physiomer) into both nostrils over a sink or bathtub. You'll know it's enough when excess water flows out the other nostril, often bringing mucus with it that the suction couldn't reach. It's not pleasant, and children don't like it (just like the aspirator), but it's necessary. At this stage, the child is on their tummy, in the parent's arms, face down toward the sink/tub.

3. After 1–2 minutes, suction out the remaining water and loosened mucus.

4. Finally, apply Nasivin nasal drops or spray:

• For children under 1 year: 0.01% concentration

• Ages 1–6 years: 0.025%

• Over 6 years: adult dose, 0.05%

Use Nasivin 4x a day (2 drops or 1 spray per nostril, allow 2 minutes to absorb while lying down). Maximum duration: 7 days. If symptoms persist after 7 days, Nasivin can be replaced with Euphorbium (a natural, non-addictive alternative).

A More Affordable Option & Intermediate Step:

Between nasal sprays and a neti pot, the NASALINE JUNIOR system (a syringe-based nasal rinsing system) can be effectively and safely used from about 3 months of age. The concept of syringe rinsing will become clear after watching a demonstration video.

To Support Immunity & Speed Up Recovery, I recommend over-the-counter remedies:

• Kaloba and Sinupret for colds

• Bronchipret in case of cough

For Children Over 3 Years, Allergic Children, or Those with Sinus Issues:

They greatly benefit from using a neti pot, which I strongly recommend and use myself at home.

For nasal rinsing during illness, use a hypertonic saline solution (made by adding 2 scoops of sea salt to the pot's volume of water). You'll find practical guidance and many useful tips on specialized "neti pot" websites (link referenced in original).