Does your child still have a runny nose? Treat it because the consequences can be serious

One week in a nursery or kindergarten and two weeks at home. A runny nose in children is common and partly means that their immune system is fighting viruses. Babies have no other way to develop immunity other than through constant infections.

However, a persistent, clear, or mucous runny nose that is common may indicate an allergy or sinusitis. It should not be underestimated, because the consequences of an untreated runny nose in children can be very serious.

The consequences of a constant runny nose in a child

Chronic runny nose and residual secretion can lead to otitis media. This is a common complication of untreated or poorly treated rhinitis in children, very painful and manifested by high fever and frequent discharge from the ear. Frequent ear infections can also cause hearing loss and lead to significant hearing loss. This affects the development of the child, may interfere with proper speech or make it difficult to learn.

Another consequence of a chronic runny nose in a baby is sinusitis. Sinus discharge can become permanently inflamed, causing headaches and appearing as a thick, green runny nose.

When should you take your child to the doctor?

Prolonged runny nose, recurrent infections or frequent ear infections are an indication for diagnosis in a child. Allergies may be the culprit. After conducting allergy tests and prescribing appropriate treatment (including taking antihistamines), the runny nose may disappear, and the well-being and comfort of the child’s life may improve significantly.

It also happens that frequent runny noses and ear infections are the result of an overgrown third tonsil in a child. In such a situation, the child should remain under the supervision of an ENT doctor and undergo treatment to reduce the tonsils. If this proves ineffective and the tonsil has grown significantly, surgery may be required. It is worth remembering that after such an operation, most infections disappear overnight and become only an unpleasant memory.