[Medical Q&A] Is it rhinitis or a cold that your child has repeated nasal congestion and runny nose? How to deal with it?

Planner: Chinese Medical Association

Reviewer: Niu Chao, deputy chief physician, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Chongqing Medical University

Colds are usually acute upper respiratory tract diseases caused by viral infections. When children have a cold, in addition to nasal congestion and runny nose, they are often accompanied by fever, cough, sore throat, headache, general fatigue and other symptoms. Generally, they can heal themselves in about a week.

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucosa, which can be divided into acute rhinitis and chronic rhinitis. The initial symptoms of acute rhinitis are similar to those of a cold, with dryness, burning sensation, itching, sneezing, followed by nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge, loss of smell, and obstructive nasal sounds. However, chronic rhinitis is mainly manifested by repeated or persistent nasal congestion, mucous runny nose, which is sometimes difficult to blow out, and generally without systemic symptoms such as fever.

If the child has a cold and the symptoms are mild, you can let the child rest more, drink more water, keep the indoor air circulating, and avoid crowds. If the fever exceeds 38.5℃, you can use antipyretics as prescribed by the doctor. If there is a bacterial infection, you can use antibacterial drugs as prescribed by the doctor.

If your child has rhinitis, you must first identify the type of rhinitis. For allergic rhinitis, try to avoid your child's contact with known allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, etc. You can use normal saline to clean the nasal cavity to reduce inflammation and secretions of the nasal mucosa. When the symptoms are severe, use nasal glucocorticoids, antihistamines and other drugs under the guidance of a doctor. For non-allergic rhinitis, nasal irrigation can also be used. If there is a bacterial infection, antibacterial drugs may need to be used, but you must strictly follow the doctor's advice.