Runny nose in a newborn: what to do and how to treat?

A runny nose in newborns is a problem that many mothers face and it brings a lot of trouble to the child at this age. The peculiarities of the newborn baby's nutrition do not allow him to eat normally if the nose does not breathe. Then the general condition of the child is disturbed and such a small problem can become a serious pathology. It is necessary to treat this condition, because the baby can lose weight due to such a small problem.

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Epidemiology

The epidemiology of runny nose in newborns depends on the season. In spring and winter, the incidence is very high. In newborns, runny nose in 98% of cases leads to difficulty breathing, and this also complicates the process of feeding the child. Etiologically, runny nose in 87% of cases is caused by rhinovirus. Complications of runny nose occur only in 55% of cases, but despite this, just one runny nose can greatly affect the general condition of the baby.

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Causes runny nose in a newborn

A newborn baby is a baby in the first 28 days after birth. This period of a child's life is distinguished separately, since at this time the child has functional features of internal organs and adapts to environmental conditions. Therefore, any disease during this period is very serious for the child, because he encounters such conditions for the first time. The immune system of a newborn baby is not developed enough to resist various infections. The baby receives a certain amount of antibodies from the mother from mother's milk, but they may not be enough to eliminate all pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, a simple viral infection poses a threat to the child - he can easily get sick. Newborns also have features of the respiratory system. The child's nasal passages are narrow and have a good blood supply, the cilia of the epithelium of the respiratory tract are poorly developed, the child's bronchi are narrow, the volume of the lungs is not large enough to provide sufficient oxygenation in conditions of illness. All these anatomical and functional features lead to the fact that if a virus gets on the mucous membrane of the nasal passages, the newborn's immune system cannot kill this virus. Therefore, a local inflammatory process occurs, which is accompanied by the expansion of blood vessels and the release of a large amount of plasma and intercellular fluid. Considering that there are many vessels in the nasal cavity of a newborn, there is also a lot of secretion. Narrow nasal passages lead to the fact that even a slight runny nose greatly complicates breathing. Such features of the structure of the respiratory tract of a newborn child underlie the pathogenesis of the development of a runny nose and serious breathing difficulties because of it.

The causes of runny nose in a newborn baby are, in most cases, infections. Upper respiratory tract diseases are caused by viruses, so the main cause can be considered a viral infection. Among the possible pathogens are adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, but the causative agent of runny nose is most often rhinovirus. The pathogenesis of the development of symptoms is that when the pathogen gets on the mucous membrane of the nose, it begins to multiply. Local antibodies react to the penetration of a foreign microorganism and, in the process of an immune reaction, they dilate the blood vessels. This leads to the secretion of intercellular fluid, which accumulates in the nasal passages. This is how a runny nose occurs in a child. The incubation period for rhinovirus infection is from several hours to several days. Therefore, symptoms in a child appear immediately after contact with a sick person.

Allergic rhinitis in newborns is extremely rare, which is associated with the immaturity of the immune system. At this age, allergic reactions cannot occur with a sufficient immune response, so allergic reactions of this type are not typical for newborns. The only reason for such a runny nose in a newborn is considered to be the mother's reaction. If the mother has a serious allergic disease such as bronchial asthma or hay fever, then the child may have manifestations of allergic rhinitis. This happens if the mother breastfeeds the child at a time when the allergic factor acts at this time, for example, during the flowering of ragweed or other flowers. The mother's body is sensitized by this allergen, which can cause allergic manifestations in the child of various natures. Any factors, even food products, can be harmful to the child if the mother breastfeeds him. This is worth remembering for women who have a predisposition to allergies, because this is a serious risk factor for the child.

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Risk factors

Risk factors for the development of a runny nose in newborns are contact with a sick person or an infectious carrier. Often, the mother is the source of infection, since she is in closest contact with the child. Even age itself is considered a risk factor, since this is the period when the child is most vulnerable. Sometimes children are born with congenital malformations of the respiratory tract or with congenital immunodeficiency conditions, then this is a very serious risk factor for the development of a runny nose with further more serious complications.

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Symptoms runny nose in a newborn

Symptoms of a runny nose in newborns can be a manifestation of a serious respiratory infection, but it can also be the only manifestation of rhinitis. The disease begins acutely, when the child becomes restless and soon mucous liquid discharge appears from his nose. The child refuses to breastfeed, because when breastfeeding, he has nothing to breathe with. Thus, the baby does not get enough to eat, so he begins to be capricious. Nasal discharge can be the only symptom of acute rhinitis. But such a strong runny nose in a newborn can even create a feeling that the child is "grunting". This indicates significant difficulty breathing, which requires immediate cleaning of the nasal cavity, because all the mucus is swallowed into the stomach and can even initiate diarrhea. The child sleeps most of the time, and this contributes to the fact that viruses enter the stomach and disrupt the microcenosis. Therefore, a frequent manifestation of a runny nose in newborns can be diarrhea, which the mother will pay special attention to.

A runny nose without fever is the most common occurrence in newborns. This is due to the fact that local inflammation in the nasal cavity is not capable of initiating a systemic reaction with an increase in body temperature.

A runny nose and fever in a newborn baby indicate a good local defense mechanism. The body temperature does not rise above 38.5 degrees, then we can consider that this is a manifestation of rhinitis. If the temperature is higher, then we can think about the appearance of complications or a more serious pathology than a runny nose.

When a child sleeps at night, the horizontal position contributes to the fact that mucus flows to the back of the throat. This can reflexively cause a cough, so the child can cough because of such a runny nose. Therefore, at night, such a child hardly sleeps, and for his safety, it is better to monitor him and carry him in an upright position. After all, the protective mechanisms of the larynx are not perfect, so mucus can easily get into the respiratory tract with the risk of aspiration. If a cough in a child appears against the background of a runny nose after a few days, then you can think that the inflammatory process has descended to the lower respiratory tract. Such a cough has a deep character and is expressed throughout the day. It is very difficult for a mother to distinguish a cough of a newborn baby from crying, because it is not as pronounced as in adults. However, at the slightest doubt, you need to consult a doctor. Sometimes a cough may not be so pronounced in a newborn, as wheezing, which is heard from a distance. This symptom appears on the third day after the onset of a runny nose and may be a manifestation of obstructive bronchitis or even pneumonia.

Allergic rhinitis in newborns is not a common occurrence, but the first signs of such a runny nose appear precisely against the background of allergic manifestations in the mother. Such a runny nose is not accompanied by strong mucous discharge, but is more often manifested by simple nasal congestion. The mother notices that the baby's voice changes and he does not latch on well. There may be allergic manifestations on the skin.

Physiological runny nose in newborns occurs against the background of a post-term pregnancy, when the child has swallowed amniotic fluid. Then, immediately after birth, you can notice that the child has difficulty breathing through the nose. But such phenomena quickly pass and by the time of discharge from the maternity hospital there is nothing like this.

A runny nose may be the only manifestation of rhinitis, but if other symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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Complications and consequences

A consequence of a runny nose that is not diagnosed in time may be the child's refusal to breastfeed, since he cannot eat normally. This may lead to weight loss in the child, and even a loss of half a kilogram is dangerous for such a small child. If the process is caused by a virus, then inflammation of the bronchi and lungs can develop very quickly, with the subsequent addition of bacterial flora. A common complication of a runny nose in newborns is the development of otitis, which at this age even threatens hearing loss.

If a runny nose is not treated, mucus from the back of the throat can flow down the esophagus into the stomach, which easily causes diarrhea in newborns. This dehydrates the baby's body and can cause serious problems in the future, including death.

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Diagnostics runny nose in a newborn

Diagnosis of a runny nose is not that difficult, because all the symptoms are very clear and obvious. The main task in diagnosis is to carefully examine the newborn baby and exclude complications from the bronchi and lungs. To do this, it is necessary to carefully collect anamnesis. It is necessary to clarify with the mother when the runny nose began, how the child sleeps and whether he refuses the breast. It is also necessary to find out whether the child has a cough and whether the body temperature has risen.

During the examination, you can see that the nasal discharge is abundant and interferes with the baby's breathing. If it is mucous and transparent, then the runny nose has just begun, and if the discharge is thick and green or yellow, then the rhinitis is coming to an end. Next, you need to listen to the child's lungs to determine the condition of the lower respiratory tract. Under normal conditions, if the child only has a runny nose, then vesicular or puerile breathing will be heard in the lungs during auscultation. If diffuse moist rales are heard, then complications in the form of acute simple bronchitis have appeared. If the wheezing is dry and whistling, then acute obstructive bronchitis has developed. Localized moist rales or crepitation indicate pneumonia. Therefore, it is very important not just to look at the child and state rhinitis, but to fully examine him and listen to him.

It is also necessary to conduct auscultation of the heart, because if bronchiolitis develops against the background of a runny nose, then there may be a reaction from the heart. Percussion will also help to determine the diagnosis, and if we are talking about a simple runny nose, then there will be a clear pulmonary sound.

Lastly, you need to examine the child's throat. It is difficult for a newborn to look into the pharynx, so it is necessary to use a spatula. There may be no changes if it is a simple runny nose. But there may also be hyperemia of the back wall of the pharynx and mucus may flow from the nasopharynx into the oral cavity. Such changes must be taken into account when treating a runny nose.

It is quite difficult to conduct tests on a newborn child. Therefore, in the case of simple rhinitis, no additional tests are performed, since the intervention is invasive and does not justify the goal. If there is a suspicion of pneumonia or obstructive bronchitis, then a general blood and urine test is performed. Pneumonia is indicated by leukocytosis and a shift in the formula to the left.

Instrumental diagnostics of rhinitis can be performed only if complications in the form of pneumonia are suspected. Then it is necessary to perform an X-ray of the lungs to confirm the diagnosis. In order to minimize the radiation dose for such a small child, an ultrasound examination can be performed in the future to monitor the condition and determine the effectiveness of treatment. This method allows you to see the condition of the bronchi and lungs and determine the remnants of the inflammatory process.

Other methods of instrumental examination in such small children are not recommended; preference is given to physical examination methods.

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Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics of a runny nose in a newborn should be carried out with other more serious diseases. Otitis is an inflammation of the ear, which is accompanied by severe anxiety of the child, an increase in temperature and the appearance of such symptoms against the background of a runny nose. At first, a runny nose begins in a child, but after three or four days the temperature may rise and the child will become very capricious. Then you just need to press on the auricle and if the child screams, then we are talking not only about a runny nose, but about otitis.

It is also necessary to differentiate a runny nose, as a symptom of rhinitis, from nasopharyngitis and bronchitis. If the inflammation spreads to the pharynx, then in addition to rhinitis there will be hyperemia of the pharynx, and with bronchitis, a cough and wheezing in the lungs already appear.

Timely diagnosis of a runny nose in a newborn baby is very important, since complications develop very quickly in a baby of this age, in a matter of hours. Therefore, for proper treatment, you need to pay great attention to any symptoms.

Treatment runny nose in a newborn

Treatment of a runny nose in a child of such a young age should aim to eliminate symptoms so that the child can breathe calmly and take the breast. It is very important to remember that the use of even symptomatic medications can be harmful to the baby, so the approach to treatment should be reasonable.

Most often, local treatment in the form of vasoconstrictor drops is used in the treatment of rhinitis. But if such treatment is relevant for older children, then for babies such treatment should be used under certain conditions. To restore nasal breathing, it is necessary to eliminate the discharge that is in the nasal passages. For this, there are special devices for evacuating mucus from the nose. They work on the principle of a "vacuum cleaner" and use air to remove mucus from the nasal passages. This is the first step in the symptomatic treatment of a runny nose. Next, it is necessary to rinse the nasal cavity with saline solutions. They reduce the drying of the child's nasal cavity and the amount of mucus. Such rinsing should be used several times a day, up to seven times a day for newborns. For this, saline solutions have a convenient form in the form of an aerosol, which is injected into the nasal cavity and gets to the entire length of the mucous membranes. After such rinsing, breathing becomes easier. Saline solution for a runny nose in newborns is also widely used instead of saline solutions. It has the same properties as saline preparations, but its cost is much lower. Using a saline solution allows you to rinse the nasal cavity, because such a solution is not absorbed.

In order for the child to sleep well at night, the third stage of local treatment of the runny nose is the use of vasoconstrictors. The conditions for using such drugs are their single use only at night, because they are highly addictive. Thus, the child will sleep at night without significant discharge that interferes with breathing.

Symptomatic treatment of a runny nose involves the use of antipyretic drugs when the body temperature rises. For newborns, a body temperature above 37.5 is already considered dangerous, so it must be reduced. In children, only drugs of the paracetamol and ibuprofen group are allowed to be used.

1. No-sol is a drug used to rinse the nasal cavity of a newborn. The active ingredient of this drug is sodium chloride, which moisturizes the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and prevents it from drying out. The drug is available in the form of drops and spray. The dosage for newborns is one drop and one spray in each nasal passage four times a day. For children over one year old - two drops. Side effects are not common, since the drug has an exclusively local effect.
2. Marimer is a nasal drop containing a solution of purified sea water. The drug helps improve the normal condition of the nasal mucosa and enhances the discharge of viscous secretions. The dosage of the drug is one drop three times a day. Side effects may occur only in case of individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
3. Aquamax is a preparation for washing the nasal cavity based on a physiological solution. The use of the preparation helps to liquefy the secretion and its rapid removal. Method of application - one drop in each nasal passage. Side effects are not expressed, since the absorption of the drug does not occur.
4. Noxprey is a drug that constricts blood vessels in the nasal cavity and dries the mucous membrane, making breathing easier. The main active ingredient of the drug is oxymetazoline. When it gets on the mucous membrane, the drug acts on the adrenergic receptors and constricts small arterioles. This leads to a decrease in swelling and improved breathing. This effect lasts for ten hours. Therefore, the method of using the drug to treat a runny nose in newborns is to use it only at night once, the effect should last all night. Sometimes you can use the drug before feeding for better breathing of the child. The dosage of the drug for a newborn is once at night. Precautions - do not use often, as the drug is addictive. Side effects can be local in the form of burning and soreness in the nose, as well as systemic reactions - increased heart rate, breathing, drowsiness.
5. Panadol baby is an antipyretic drug in the form of a suspension to reduce the temperature of children with a runny nose. The main active ingredient is paracetamol. Five milliliters of suspension contains one hundred and twenty milligrams of the substance. Method of administration of the drug - a single dose inside, the dose can be repeated no earlier than four hours later. The dosage is 10-15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per dose. For newborns, the dose is from one to two milliliters depending on the weight of the child. Side effects - the effect on the liver can lead to cytolysis, there may be inhibition of the formation of blood elements, laryngeal edema, decreased sugar levels. Precautions - cannot be used more than six times a day.
6. Bofen is a suspension used to reduce a child's body temperature against the background of a runny nose. The active substance is ibuprofen. The dosage is 5-10 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per dose. Five milliliters of suspension contains one hundred milligrams of the substance. Therefore, for newborns, the dose is from one to three milliliters, depending on the child's weight. Side effects occur in the form of digestive disorders, allergic reactions, and anemia.
7. Laferobion is a drug that contains recombinant human interferon, which increases the activity of antibodies in the fight against viral infections. The drug can be used in the first three days of treatment of a viral infection, even in newborns. The dosage of the drug for children under one year is 150,000 IU twice a day in the form of suppositories. Treatment is carried out for three or five days. Side effects are possible: itching at the injection site, redness, and allergies.

Vitamins are not used to treat runny nose in newborns, because any medications and food supplements other than breast milk are prohibited for the child. The use of vitamins in the mother's diet is decided on an individual basis.

Folk remedies for runny nose in newborns

Traditional methods of treatment can be used for both the child and the mother to increase the level of antibodies that are transmitted with milk to the child. For this, you can use many infusions and herbal teas, as well as immunomodulatory agents for the mother. In the treatment of a child's runny nose, nasal drops are also used, which can be prepared at home.

1. Milk with honey has long been known as a remedy that increases the body's immune system. Therefore, a mother can drink this remedy to improve the body's defenses, unless of course she is allergic to honey. To prepare the medicine, you need to boil the milk and add two teaspoons of honey, twenty grams of butter and a few drops of olive oil to a cup of milk. It is better to drink milk at night and no more than once a day, since a nursing mother should consume a minimum amount of dairy products.
2. During pregnancy, a mother is recommended to use a tincture to prevent viral infections, which can also be used after the birth of the child if the mother is breastfeeding. To prepare this medicine, you need to take two lemons, wash them thoroughly and grind them with a blender. Add two tablespoons of honey and grated ginger root. As a result, you need to mix everything and leave for several days. A thick mass is formed, which should be taken one tablespoon on an empty stomach. Ginger has a direct antiviral effect, so its use promotes the entry of antibodies with breast milk into the fetus's body.
3. To rinse the nose of a newborn with a runny nose, you can prepare a saline solution at home. To do this, boil half a liter of water, cool it a little and add half a tablespoon of sea salt. Salt can be bought at a pharmacy, it should be without any dyes and not cosmetic. You can take plain salt, but it is not so purified and can cause allergies. The warm solution should be dripped into the child's nose using a pipette four times a day, one drop at a time.
4. The use of aloe or Kalanchoe in newborns is not recommended. However, given the properties of such a medicine, it can be used once at night. To do this, you need to wash the aloe leaf and squeeze out fresh juice from it. Before instillation, you need to dilute the juice in half with water, as it is highly concentrated.

Using herbal teas helps to enhance the effect of medicinal methods and speeds up recovery. Many herbs have natural flavonoids that act on viruses and kill them. But herbs should be used with caution, as they have a very high allergenicity of the newborn's body.

1. A decoction of coltsfoot and marshmallow herbs has high antiviral activity. These herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect and thin the nasal secretion. For the decoction, you need to take 30 grams of each herb and make tea. Given the small age, you first need to make tea from coltsfoot and take it throughout the day, taking into account the child's reaction. If there are no allergic reactions, then the next day you can add marshmallow.
2. A decoction of ivy leaves can be used to wash a child's nose. To do this, you need to infuse thirty grams of ivy leaves in one hundred grams of boiled water. After that, you need to drip one drop of the solution into the child's nose three times a day. This solution liquefies mucus well and improves nasal breathing.
3. During a viral infection in a child, an adequate water regime is a very important element of treatment, which promotes the release of viral particles. Therefore, it is recommended for the mother to drink a sufficient amount of alkaline liquid. You can make tea from ginger, lemon or dried fruits. The main thing is that the huge number of herbs does not affect the composition of breast milk.

Homeopathy in the treatment of runny nose in a newborn can be used mainly for the mother. Nasal drops in newborns based on homeopathic remedies can also be used in complex therapy.

1. Allium cepa is an organic homeopathic preparation that includes herbs. It is used to treat a runny nose, which is accompanied by strong mucous discharge and lacrimation. The method of administration of the drug is oral in the form of granules for mothers or in the form of nasal drops for children. The dosage for drops is one drop twice a day. The preparation of the medicine should only be done by an experienced homeopath, because dilutions may vary depending on the weight of the child. Side effects may include increased salivation and nausea. Precautions - do not use in combination with honey.
2. Gepar sulfur is a homeopathic preparation from the group of inorganic preparations. It is used to treat a child's runny nose, which is accompanied by the formation of purulent crusts with an unpleasant odor. The method of using the preparation is in the form of drops of a certain dilution. The dosage in case of taking drops is one drop once a day. Side effects are not common.
3. Sabadilla is a homeopathic remedy of natural plant origin based on herbs. The drug can be used for a runny nose, which is of an allergic nature for both mother and child. The method of using the drug is the use of a homeopathic solution in ampoules, dissolving them in clean water. Dosage is five drops per glass of water for the mother, and for the child one drop should be dissolved in a glass of warm boiled water, then you need to drip the nose. Side effects can be in the form of insomnia in the mother or stool disorders with diarrhea in the child
4. Sambucus is a homeopathic remedy of natural plant origin, which is recommended for use specifically for infants. This plant is primarily a systemic remedy for the treatment of rhinitis, which is accompanied by dryness and nasal congestion with severe fever. The method of using the drug is in the form of drops, dissolving them in clean water. Dosage is three drops per fifty grams of water. Side effects can be in the form of increased pressure, tachycardia, insomnia. Stool disorders in the form of diarrhea are often observed. Precautions - cannot be used if there is an allergy to coniferous trees in the family.
5. Arum triphyllum is a homeopathic remedy of inorganic origin. This remedy works by improving the regeneration of the epithelium of the nasal mucosa and normalizing the function of the cilia. It is used in the treatment of rhinitis, which is accompanied by the formation of bloody dense crusts. The dosage of the drug is two drops in each nasal passage in the morning. Side effects are possible in the form of local itching and burning. Precautions - the drug cannot be used in acute otitis.

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Prevention

Prevention of runny nose in a baby is non-specific. Since the child's body is easily exposed to infections, it is necessary to avoid contact with sick people, especially a nursing mother. If there are older sick children in the family, then antiviral drugs based on interferon can be used for the mother. For the baby, suppositories or drops with interferon can also be used for prevention.

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Forecast

The prognosis for recovery for a child with rhinitis is favorable, in case of correct and timely treatment. But in any case, rhinitis lasts at least a week, so it is important to use symptomatic treatments during this period to improve breathing and the general condition of the child.

A runny nose in a newborn is a symptom of nasal congestion or abundant mucous discharge, which can even lead to a rise in temperature. This is a manifestation of an acute viral infection in a child. In order to improve the child's condition and normalize the process of feeding and sleep, it is necessary to use symptomatic treatment methods. It is important to remember that the body of a newborn child is very vulnerable, so it is necessary to prevent any diseases.

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