<s>[INST] My 9 year old has, what looks to be a cold coming on, appears to be swallowing much of the mucus, and has recently had a clear mucus-like discharge after taking a bowel movement. Should I be concerned, or is this probably just due to the mucus in his nose? [/INST] Dear parent,your concern is right. But at this stage my suggestion is wait and watch. In the mean time give her warm water to drink, keep her well hydrated, give her plain steam and help her do warm saline gargles. If she gets clinically ill take her to a doctor. Other wise she shall do OK with this. </s>