This reader is concerned about her friend’s 15-month-old son, who constantly has thick mucus streaming from his nose – even though he doesn’t have a cold.  The mucus is an opaque, whitish-green colour and is causing a rash on the child’s face.  The mother has tried cutting dairy from his diet and is consulting a homeopath, but so far there has been no change.  Do readers have any other ideas?

One reader thinks cranial osteopathy is worth a try, as it’s very effective for upper respiratory tract congestion.  Saline hot baths just before bedtime are also beneficial, according to Heidi.  Another reader’s advice, however, is to stick with homeopathy.  “Homeopathy can take time but it's usually very effective in such cases,” she says. 

On the other hand, the symptom may well be due to an allergy or sensitivity.  One reader recommends contacting the British Institute for Allergy and Environmental Therapy (www.allergy.org.uk), who will be able to determine the likely cause and treat it.