The catarrhal child

Catarrhal children, those with anterior or posterior rhinorrhoea, are highly prevalent. There are multiple causes for this problem, ranging from structural nasal defects, foreign bodies, recurrent viral upper respiratory tract infections, through allergy to innate or acquired immune deficiency. Each child needs careful assessment, including history and examination, a few need further tests and some require specialist referral.This article explains the possibilities and suggests a logical approach to diagnosis and management of such children and their parents/carers.