Snot in children is one of the most common concerns in parents, when it comes to health. There is a myth or a false belief in much of society, which is to consider that the child has an infection if he has green snot. As a result, many parents think that the best way to treat this problem is through the administration of antibiotics.
This is a big mistake since having green snot is not synonymous with infection. Then we explain to you what is the reason for this color in the snot and the best way to fight and end them.
Snot in children
It is quite normal to see parents go to the doctor when their child has mucus, especially if it is green and thick. Mucus is a defense mechanism that the body has against dangerous microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses. They get trapped in the snot and the child expels them outside when it blows. There is a false belief that swallowing mucus is bad for health, however it has been proven that if the child swallows the mucus it can help strengthen the child's entire immune system.
If the mucus is green, it is because the body releases a type of enzyme that contains iron, causing this color in the mucus. Thanks to this kind of enzyme that the body releases, microorganisms that come from outside such as viruses or bacteria are destroyed and in this way the child is prevented from getting sick.
Should I give my child antibiotics if he has green snot?
Another false belief is that green snot indicates that the child has an infection. If the mucus is green and thick, it is a good sign, since it indicates that the body is doing its job and is eliminating possible viruses or bacteria.
Experts warn that green snot is not synonymous with infection at all and therefore you should not give your child antibiotics. A cold begins with clear, runny mucus and becomes thicker and greener as days go by. This is a sign that the child's immune system is strong. and you are battling such a cold or catarrh.
Given this, the administration of antibiotics to the child should be avoided and wait for the infection to subside as the days go by and the mucus to disappear. Remember also that both colds and flu are viral processes, so antibiotics are totally contraindicated.
What to do if my child has green snot
If your child catches a cold and begins to have abundant mucus that prevents him from breathing, it is advisable to perform nasal washes with the help of physiological saline. This series of washes are perfect when it comes to clearing the nostrils and expelling a good amount of mucus. If you see that you have too much mucus, you can do such washes several times a day. In the event that the child is too young, you can choose to use a nasal aspirator to remove as much mucus as you can. Remember that mucus is produced by a viral process such as the common cold or the flu. In such cases, As the days go by, the child will improve little by little and eliminate the mucus from the nostrils.
Ultimately, the green snot myth is just that, a false belief. If your child has too much green mucus, you should not worry at all since it is not a sign that he has a large infection in the body. The administration of antibiotics is totally discouraged so it is best for the child to drink a lot of water and perform the aforementioned nasal washes several times a day.