How To Identify And Treat Types Of Phlegm In Children? – Being Parents

Snot casting is very common in babies and children up to 5 years old. Indeed,  the  phlegm is the body’s defense mechanism against  infections.

When a virus comes into contact with the airways and inflames them, the response is to produce this gelatinous material. Thus, it traps germs in order to expel them to the outside of the body.

It is important that parents are well informed about this disease and its treatments. This will help them know what to do if the child loses his appetite, becomes tired and feels choking. Of course, slime does not necessarily represent a serious problem in itself. However, it could be a sign of a possible more complex disease.

What types of mucus are present in children?

Among the types of mucus in children we find:

• Clear and abundant mucus. It goes up and down the throat and some children swallow it. It is a sign of a cold that is accompanied by constant sneezing. It can last between 2 and 4 days.
• Thick and abundant. When the common cold persists, the throat begins to fight with this mucus. It therefore makes the mucus descend with a greater thickness. Although there is not much mucus left in a child’s nose, when he goes to bed he begins to cough frequently.
• Greenish yellowish. This color is the indicator that the white blood cells have started to fight the infection.
• Greenish. It is thick and usually appears in the morning. It also often appears in the eyes. It is a symptom that blood cells are at war with infection.
• Mucus accompanied by a persistent cough and a feeling of suffocation. If the child has difficulty breathing at night and coughs a lot, it may mean that he has bronchitis.

• Thick with fever. It could be a sign that the child has a more serious infection. For example, ear infection or pneumonia.

Should we treat glanders in children?

Most pediatricians do not prescribe medicines for children under 2 years old to fight mucus. It is considered preferable to treat it with simple mechanisms in order to be able to expel it.

However, it  can be treated with medication if it is abundant.  Or if it prevents the child from breathing well or if the child has a high fever.

What methods can we use?

There are different treatments you can use to remove mucus from children.

• Moisturize it well. Giving it plenty of water will make the mucus more fluid. This will also allow him to expel it by coughing.
• A ventilated environment. The room must be well ventilated and maintained in order to prevent the formation of fungi.
• Nasal clips. They are used to remove dry mucus in babies.
• Nasal washes. They should be done by first laying the baby with the head to the side. Then a syringe with serum is applied in each nostril. This serum can be physiological, hypertonic or a saline solution.

Apart from these, you can also resort to home remedies. For example:

• An infusion of wild mallow with lemon juice and honey.

• Carrot and orange juice every morning,  for its strong vitamin A and C power.
• Chicken broth,  to reduce inflammation of the respiratory tract, thanks to the cysteine ​​compound.

In case of high fever, the pediatrician may prescribe other medicines, such as:

• Antihistamines.
• Antibiotics.
• Mucolytics.
• Nebulizations.

When is it necessary to take the child to the pediatrician?

In the event that the child exhibits any of the following symptoms, do not hesitate to take him to the doctor:

• A very persistent cough that causes suffocation. If this happens, he may have bronchitis.
• If the child is  generally unwell and has a high fever,  this may be a sign of ear infection or pneumonia.

In conclusion, the  snot in children is very common and not always harmful.  Indeed, they are a defense mechanism against infections.

However,  if you notice that your child has a lot of mucus, coughs continuously, and sleep is interrupted, take the necessary preventive measures. If you see that he has other symptoms as well, take him to the pediatrician immediately.