Excessive mucus may cause your child to be uncomfortable, irritable and have trouble sleeping. This excessive mucus may be a sign of acute sinusitis, bronchitis or cystic fibrosis. If your child is showing discomfort due to mucus you should consult with your doctor to see what, if any, medications your child should take.
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis occurs when you child's nasal passages become swollen and inflamed. The mucus builds up in the nasal passage and cannot drain properly. Acute sinusitis is often caused from a cold but may also be caused by bacteria or allergies. Symptoms of sinusitis include thick yellow or greenish drainage from the nose, congestion, pain and swelling around your eyes, reduced sense of smell and coughing. According to the Mayo Clinic, most cases of acute sinusitis do not need to be treated, but in some cases, your doctor may recommend a saline nasal spray, nasal corticosteroids or a decongestant.
Bronchitis
Another cause of excessive mucus in children may be acute bronchitis. Acute bronchitis develops from a respiratory infection and usually improves within a few days. Symptoms of acute bronchitis include cough, production of either clear, white, yellowish-gray or green mucus, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort, fatigue or low fever. Treating bronchitis includes rest, fluids, taking an over-the-counter cough suppressant or acetaminophen. If this does not cure your bronchitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or cough medicine.
Cystic Fibrosis
Excessive mucus in children may be a sign of cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes lung damage and nutritional deficiencies. It affects the cells that produce sweat, mucus and digestive juices. Normally, these secretions are slippery, but in cystic fibrosis, they become thick and sticky and plug up your child's ducts and passageways. According to the Mayo Clinic, cystic fibrosis occurs in 1 out of every 3,000 births. Symptoms vary from child to child and may worsen or improve over time. In some cases, symptoms begin during infancy, but others may not develop symptoms until adulthood. Signs of cystic fibrosis include a higher than normal amount of salt in the child's sweat, persistent cough, lung infections, sinus infections, wheezing, poor weight gain, intestinal blockage or foul-smelling stools. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but treatments may ease the symptoms and reduce complications. Treatment includes antibiotics, mucus-thinning drugs and bronchodilators.
