A runny nose is extremely common in young children. It is usually caused by coughs and colds, which your child can catch repeatedly, especially over the winter months. It is more common in children attending nursery/childcare. A cold typically lasts 7-10 days but when your child catches another infection before they have fully recovered for the first time it can seem like it is going on forever! Very few children with persistent runny noses require prescribed treatments such as antibiotics.
Symptoms that suggest specific treatment is required include:
Persistent offensive discharge (bloody mucus) lasting longer than 10 days
Completely blocked nose
Pain and tenderness on one side of the face, around the eyes or forehead
Headache
Fever
When should you worry?
If your child has any of the following:
Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
Is going blue around the lips
Has a fit/seizure
Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the 'Glass Test')
Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features)
You need urgent help
Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999
If your child has any of the following:
Severe pain in eyes
Redness and swelling of the skin around the eyes
Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Changes in vision including flashing lights (vision can appear blurred or misted because of discharge smeared over the surface of the eye, but this will usually clear on blinking or wiping the eyes)
Severe headache
Persistent vomiting
Babies under 28 days with a red eye(s) or lots of thick pus from their eye(s). A sticky eye(s) without redness or swelling is quite common in babies due to blocked tear ducts - this does not require review by a doctor
Is having breathing problems, such as rapid breathing, shortness of breath or laboured breathing (drawing in of muscles below the lower ribs when they breath in)
Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or no urine passed for 12 hours)
Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) - especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down
Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days
Is getting worse or if you are worried
You need to contact a doctor or nurse today
Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
If none of the above features are present
Self care
Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk
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This guidance was last reviewed 20/12/2024.
Causes of rhinosinusitis
Most cases of rhinosinusitis in children are caused by an infection; your child may also have a sore throat, cough or earache. If you have concerns about cough and colds click here.
Treatment
Most children with rhinosinusitis do not need treatment with antibiotics - they recover just as quickly without them and can avoid some of the side effects that antibiotics can cause.
If your child has any features of severe infection (amber or red features), they will need to be assessed urgently by a healthcare professional.
