Managing Your Baby's Runny Nose: When to Seek Medical Advice

Runny nose

Hello, my child is 11 months old.
He has been experiencing a runny nose for about a week now.
We are very concerned and want to take him to see a doctor, but my mother-in-law believes that this is common in children and that frequent medication can lead to a weakened immune system, making it easier for them to catch colds again.
Could you please advise me on how to handle this situation? Is it true that frequent medication can weaken immunity and make it easier to catch colds? If the runny nose persists, could it have any impact on my child? He does not have a fever, but he is drinking very little milk, about 90cc every two hours.
His current weight is 8.6 kg.
Is this normal? Thank you!

Mei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/12/22

Dr. Lin Huizhen reply Pediatrics

Dear Ms.
May,
It sounds like your little one may have a mild cold.
Generally, after six months of age, infants start to become more susceptible to cold symptoms as maternal antibodies decrease.
Whether to medicate your child for a runny nose should depend on the severity of the symptoms.
If it is just a mild runny nose, you can either monitor the situation or administer some medication.
However, if there is severe nasal discharge or significant nasal congestion, I recommend taking your child to a pediatrician for evaluation.
Typically, for a simple cold, the medications prescribed by pediatricians are symptomatic relief medications and should not affect your child's immune system.
The development of a child's immunity primarily comes from exposure to pathogens in the environment, which stimulates the production of antibodies, along with balanced nutrition.
Therefore, administering medication will not hinder the development of immunity, so there is no need to worry too much.
Your child is 11 months old and weighs 8.6 kg, which is within the normal range.
At this age, many children can consume a variety of solid foods, and milk is no longer the primary source of nutrition.
If your child maintains the same appetite, there is no need for concern.
However, if you notice a significant decrease in appetite, it would be best to have a pediatrician check them.
Wishing you good health and all the best!

Reply Date: 2004/12/22

More Info

When it comes to managing your 11-month-old baby's runny nose, it's understandable to feel concerned, especially when it persists for about a week. The first thing to note is that a runny nose in infants is quite common and can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, allergies, or environmental irritants. In many cases, it is a natural part of their immune system developing and may not necessarily require medical intervention.

Your concern about frequent medication leading to decreased immunity is a common belief among many parents and caregivers. While it's true that overuse of certain medications, especially antibiotics, can lead to antibiotic resistance and may affect the body’s natural defenses, not all medications have this effect. For instance, over-the-counter medications for symptomatic relief, such as saline nasal drops or humidifiers, can be safe and effective without compromising your child's immune system.

In your case, since your baby has been experiencing a runny nose for a week without fever, it may be a viral upper respiratory infection, which typically resolves on its own. However, there are certain signs that warrant a visit to the pediatrician:
1. Persistent Symptoms: If the runny nose continues for more than 10 days without improvement, it could indicate a bacterial infection that may require treatment.

2. Change in Color: If the nasal discharge changes from clear to yellow or green and is accompanied by other symptoms like cough or difficulty breathing, it may be time to consult a doctor.

3. Decreased Appetite: You mentioned that your baby is drinking less milk (90cc every two hours). While some decrease in appetite can occur with a cold, significant changes in feeding patterns can lead to dehydration, especially in infants.

4. Difficulty Breathing: If you notice any wheezing, stridor (a high-pitched sound when breathing), or if your baby seems to be working harder to breathe, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Fever: If your baby develops a fever, especially if it exceeds 100.4°F (38°C), it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Regarding your baby's weight of 8.6 kg (approximately 19 pounds), this is generally within the normal range for an 11-month-old, but growth patterns can vary widely. It's essential to monitor not just weight but also overall development, including milestones like crawling, standing, and social interactions. If you have concerns about your baby's growth or feeding habits, discussing these with your pediatrician can provide reassurance and guidance.

In summary, while a runny nose is often a benign symptom in infants, monitoring for additional signs and symptoms is crucial. If you have any doubts or if your baby's condition changes, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician for advice. They can provide the best recommendations based on your child's specific health needs. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child's health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Your Baby's Runny Nose and Skin Reactions: A Pediatric Guide

Hello, doctor: I have a question. My baby has been experiencing a runny nose for the past two days, but there is no fever or cough. Does this count as a cold? Should I take the baby to see a doctor? For the past two days, every time the baby drinks milk, he/she vomits everything,...

Dr. Chen Rongtai reply Pediatrics
The letter mentions that the baby has been experiencing a runny nose for the past two days. Is this a cold? With the recent fluctuations in temperature, we are seeing a common trend in outpatient visits for symptoms such as cough, runny nose, hoarseness, respiratory distress, vom...

Should You Consider Allergy Testing for Your Child's Persistent Symptoms?

Dr. Lin: Continuing with that question! Every time we go to the doctor, everything seems fine, but we are always told that the throat is red! There has also been a persistent issue with nasal congestion and runny nose! (Sometimes it looks fine, but a large amount of mucus is suct...

Dr. Lin Wenxian reply Pediatrics
Dear Ms. Wei, Greetings from Dr. Lin Wen-Hsien, Pediatrician at Tainan Hospital, Department of Health. From your letter, it is evident that you are quite anxious. In my opinion, there is no need to be overly stressed about caring for your baby; most babies can be considered he...

Understanding Sneezing and Runny Nose in Infants: When to Seek Help

Hello, I would like to ask about my son who is almost three months old. He often sneezes, at least two to three times a day, and has nasal mucus. When he cries, the mucus is watery, and sometimes it is sticky. I have to clean his nasal discharge almost every day. This situation h...

Dr. He Ciyuan reply Pediatrics
1. If nasal discharge is severe and the nose is congested, some individuals may snore. Children may also sneeze when they have difficulty breathing, and adults can experience the same. For older children, such as those aged 3-4 years, frequent sneezing should raise the suspicion ...

Managing Allergic Rhinitis in Young Children: Tips for Parents

My child is one year and one month old, and the doctor diagnosed him with allergic rhinitis. Whenever he frequently moves between air-conditioned rooms and normal temperature environments, his nose runs non-stop. Even after seeing the doctor and taking medication, his nasal sympt...

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology
Hello Ms. Cat: You can try using oral medication along with a topical spray for your child's issue.