June 2010 Dr. Mama Question
Dear Dr. Mama,
We have a 10-month-old Angels baby who has been with us since he was a month old. He’s a happy, smiley little guy who enjoys everybody and everything – except when he has a cold.
We’ve been through a few of them now, but this latest (and it isn’t completely gone yet) is really a whopper. Cough, congestion, and a runny nose that just won’t stop. We took him in to see his pediatrician, who says we just have to ride it out.
I know he’s too young for any of the cold medicines, but what can I do about the endless flow of mucous from his nose? Sometimes it’s clear, but sometimes it’s yellowish-green. He’s at the age where he fights and screams if I try to come at him with a tissue, and the crying just makes more mucous. Forget the nasal aspirator (I read a past issue of Dr. Mama where you mentioned that) – he’s not having it.
When we’re at the market or the park the other moms look at us like “why don’t you wipe that child’s nose?” I’m really mortified and feel like I’m falling down on the job.
Is there anything I can do about the snot?
Embarrassed in Eastlake
Dear Embarrassed,
Don’t be! Every mother has struggled with the snot monster, and I’ll bet they’re empathizing, not judging. At least they should be.
It can be frustrating to see your little guy with all that mucous flowing, and not be able to help. It looks so uncomfortable. To us, anyway. You just want to pull out that Kleenex and say “BLOW”. But your kiddo doesn’t necessarily feel that way. To him it just feels like a wet nose. No big deal. And in reality it’s the body’s way of flushing out that cold virus so he can get better. Give up the fight, it’s not worth it.
You’re right about the cold medicines. We no longer recommend them for children under age 4. The only over-the-counter exception is Benadryl, which is still considered safe as long as you follow dosing directions carefully. It may help dry up some of the flow, though it can have side effects and may make your guy sleepy OR more wakeful and cranky.
There are some other remedies that may help. Try running a cool mist humidifier in your little guy’s room during naps and overnight. This will keep things moist and flowing, which may not sound like what you want to do, but it will help things resolve sooner. Also, make sure he’s getting plenty of fluids. Your mother was right, it really does make a difference.
The color of the mucous isn’t all that significant, it’s more related to his hydration than anything. Well-hydrated mucous tends to be whitish or clear. Less hydrated may look more yellow or green. We often think it relates to a viral vs. bacterial cause, but that’s rarely it. Viruses cause colds. We only worry about bacterial infection if symptoms are worsening, last more than 10 days, and are accompanied by fever.
Small children will often swallow the bulk of their mucous when a cold hits. Since they can’t blow yet, sucking it down is often the easiest way to get rid of it. Don’t worry, it won’t do any harm. It’s mostly made up of protein and water, and will be broken down by the GI tract just like anything else. It can sometimes upset little stomachs, though, so if he seems to be barfing more than usual that may be why.
Bottom line, until your little guy gets older and learns how to blow his nose, let it flow. He may get over his trauma about having it wiped sooner than that, but to lower your stress you’re better off adjusting your own attitude. Don’t worry … be happy. And try a little chicken soup. It cures everything.
~ Dr. Mama
