|
|
Article: CHILD'S RUNNY NOSE SHOWS BODY'S DEFENSES
- Article from:
- Evansville Courier & Press (2007-Current)
- Article date:
- September 15, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2008 Evansville Courier & Press (2007-Current). Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
Children may be unique individuals with distinct personalities,
but they all exhibit that classic childhood symptom, the perpetually
runny nose. How can one small child produce that much mucus?
A runny nose, also called rhinitis, can be annoying, but it is
actually an important part of the body's defense system. Mucus
glands in the nose and sinuses secrete huge amounts of slimy stuff
every day to moisturize and protect the upper respiratory tract.
When the body is challenged by an infection or allergy, the mucus
production really kicks into high gear.
A frequent cause of runny nose in children is the common cold.
(It's the number one reason for missed school days and doctor
visits.) Research ...