Runny/stuffy noses are a common symptom of allergies and colds and are typically not a serious problem. Sneezing in an infant is their normal way to clear their noses. There are things to do that help runny/stuffy noses in all ages.

How To Help Your Child

Do

  • Clear the nose:

    • Especially helpful for feeding or sleep
    • Flush the nose with saline nose solution – with or without suction

  • Elevate head of the bed

  • Vapor rub on chest

  • Steamy shower or hot bath. Even if they do not get in, running the shower in a closed door bathroom and then hanging out in there while it’s steamy can be helpful.

  • Humidifiers – make sure they are clean and well maintained

When to Worry

Contact us by portal, texting or calling 503 400 3852 option 2

  • Some viral illnesses can start with lots of runny nose and cough.  Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human Metapneumovirus, Covid, can cause lots of congestion and/or clear runny nose.  This is more concerning for infants under 4-6 months of age.  Preterm infants who are not yet to their due date are the most susceptible to complications from these infections.

  • Some vaccine preventable diseases will start with lots of runny nose.  If there has been exposure to whooping cough or measles before the symptoms began, send a portal message, text or call us.

  • Some vaccine preventable diseases will start with lots of runny nose.  If there has been exposure to whooping cough or measles before the symptoms began, send a portal message, text or call us..

  • Runny nose or congestion in older kids may be a sign of allergy.  If there is sneezing, consider starting cetirizine (generic of Zyrtec).

This advice about symptom relief is intended to equip you to help your child at home. If you have continued concerns please contact our office. If this is a medical emergency, please call 911 and us. We can also help during an emergency.

If you are not a Small Town Pediatrics family, please contact your child’s medical office or click Accepting New Patients to register your child with us.