Why Your Child’s Runny Nose Won’t Go Away
Runny Nose for Two Weeks: What Ontario Parents Need to Know
Your child's nose has been running for two weeks and you're wondering if this is normal. The good news? A runny nose that lasts this long is usually not serious, especially if your child seems well otherwise. Most of the time, it's just your child's body working through a series of minor colds or dealing with allergies.
What's going on?
Young children catch an average of 6 to 12 colds per year, and each cold can cause a runny nose for 7 to 14 days. When kids are in daycare or school, they're constantly exposed to new viruses, so it can feel like one cold rolls right into the next.
Sometimes what looks like a two-week runny nose is actually two separate colds back to back. Your child's immune system is still developing, so it takes time to fight off each virus completely.
Allergies can also cause a persistent runny nose, especially during spring and fall in Ontario. If the mucus is clear and your child has no fever, allergies might be the culprit.
What you might notice
- Clear or cloudy mucus that's been going for weeks
- Stuffy nose that comes and goes
- Sneezing, especially in the morning
- Mild cough from mucus dripping down the throat
- Normal energy and appetite
- No fever or very low-grade fever
What helps at home
Keep your child comfortable while their body does its work. Run a cool mist humidifier in their bedroom at night to help loosen mucus. Saline nose drops or spray can help clear stuffy passages, especially before meals and bedtime.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to keep the mucus thin. Warm liquids like soup or herbal tea with honey (for children over 12 months) can be especially soothing.
If you suspect allergies, try to identify triggers like dust, pets, or pollen. Keeping windows closed during high pollen days and washing your child's hair before bed can help reduce exposure.
When to worry
Head to the emergency room if your child has trouble breathing, seems very unwell, or develops a high fever along with other concerning symptoms.
Call your doctor or text Arlo if the mucus becomes thick and green or yellow for several days, if your child develops ear pain or a persistent cough, or if they seem more tired than usual. Also reach out if you notice the runny nose is only from one side, which can sometimes indicate something stuck in the nostril.
The takeaway
Two weeks of runny nose sounds long, but it's usually just your child's immune system doing its job. You're watching carefully, and that's exactly what good parents do.
You can always text Arlo and talk to a provider in 5 minutes!
References - [Common Cold](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/thecommoncold)
- [When to worry about a runny nose](https://aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=778&language=english)
- [Allergic rhinitis in children](https://caringforkids.cps.ca/handouts/health-conditions-and-treatments/allergic_rhinitis)