Children and snot

First, it is important to emphasize that a little mucus is healthy because it protects the nose from bacteria, dust and environmental hazards. The problem is when the color changes, the texture changes and prevents the child from breathing, or is associated with other annoying and worrisome symptoms such as fever.

Clear mucus is completely healthy and normal within the range of approximately 1.4 liters per day. Its composition is mostly water, proteins, antibodies and salts and it usually dissolves once it reaches the stomach. This mucus lines the sinuses, lubricating and protecting them from external agents.

There are certain allergies that produce similar mucus such as allergic rhinitis. In this case, the nose exacerbates mucus production as a response to pollen, dust, dust mites or dog or cat fur, commonly.

White mucus could indicate that there is already something else in the child's system, this whitish mucus is thick and can clog the nostrils, making your child feel congested and difficult to breathe. It is the first sign of a cold and is usually accompanied by fever, nasal discomfort, postnasal drip, sore throat, headache and general malaise. The mucus becomes thick because it loses water.

Yellow mucus, on the other hand, is the main alarm signal for parents, it reflects that the child already has a virus infection, however, not everything is bad in this case. The yellowish color reflects that the child's immune system is producing antibodies to attack the discomfort. The white blood cells attack the virus and produce that tone in the mucus, you will be able to prove that the medical treatment is doing its job, as soon as the regular days of medication pass and you observe that the mucus goes from an intense yellow or greenish to a yellow with brownish glimpses.

If the mucus comes with traces of blood, few, streaked, not intense, it may mean that the child hurt himself blowing his nose or that the mucus could be very dry from so much wiping. The doctor will prescribe an ointment or special drops to improve this symptom. If your child has an abrupt nosebleed and is under two years old, it is important to take him/her to the emergency room to rule out any injury.

If your child suffers from any disease associated with sinusitis, it is key to watch for any change in their mucus, especially if it turns black, it could indicate that something more serious is happening and may require surgery.

In any of these scenarios it is key to teach your children to check the tissue or paper with which they have blown their nose, to inform you of any change in color and not to feel disgusted by their mucus, detecting a change in mucus in time can save us from future illnesses. If you have any doubts, be sure to consult your pediatrician.