Excess mucus in toddlers often occurs when a cold or upper respiratory infection is present. According to BabyCenter, toddlers often suffer from colds because their immune systems are still developing. A toddler may have difficulty spitting out mucus or blowing his nose. Try a few additional home remedies to decrease mucus in toddlers.
Cause
According to The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, mucus is a normal product and the body can produce up to 2 quarts a day for the average adult. Health conditions causing increased production of mucus include cold, pneumonia, bronchitis, influenza and allergies. When children are healthy, mucus is unconsciously swallowed. However, it is uncomfortable when the mucus can be felt in the back of the throat or cause breathing difficulties in the nose. The lungs may create excess phlegm and mucus when an infection, such as bronchitis, is present.
Medications
Cold and cough medicine is not recommended for children under the age of 2 and strongly discouraged in children under the age of 4, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. These medications may cause serious side effects. Instead, it is suggested to use at-home-remedies first. The medications will not decrease the duration of the illness, but will only treat the symptoms.
Home Remedies
Use over-the-counter saline nasal drops or create your own. Mix together about 1 tsp. of table salt with warm water, until the salt dissolves. Use a small eye dropper, and drop about two drops into each nose. Have the toddler lay on his back for a few minutes. Next, have him lay on his stomach to let the mucus run out of his nose. Use a syringe to suction the nose as needed. Create extra moisture in the air by running a cool-mist humidifier. Offer plenty of liquids for your toddler to drink. Refill his sippy cup every hour and encourage lots of fluid. Avoid or limit milk because it may increase mucus production. Do not give your child any caffeinated beverages. These will cause increased urination leading to dehydration.
Medical Intervention
Medical intervention is necessary if your toddler has a fever reaching 103 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Babycenter.com. If cold symptoms last about two weeks or if the mucus does not improve, it is time to call a doctor. Mucus may turn yellow or even green, indicating a severe infection. If the mucus does not begin to pale in color, returning to white and then yellow, it is time to call a doctor.
