Snotty-nosed kids: what can we do to help?

Abstract

• A snotty nose in a child is a common presentation to the GP, and the problem is usually chronic. The most common causes are 'the two As': adenoids and allergy. • Chronic rhinosinusitis may exist alone or in combination with adenoid hypertrophy or allergy. • A clinical history and examination are the cornerstones of diagnosis, appropriate treatment and exclusion of atypical causes. • Treatment for allergy is conservative, involving allergen avoidance as well as use of intranasal saline and/or corticosteroids and nonsedating antihistamines. Appropriate courses of antibiotics are given when infective rhinosinusitis is suspected. • Referral to an ENT specialist is appropriate for children with likely adenoid enlargement, recurrent or chronic rhinosinusitis that has failed medical treatment, or unusual clinical findings.