Is It a Sinus Infection or a Cold? Tips On How To Tell The Difference…

colds and sinusWhen children have a runny nose, cough and fever, it’s hard to tell if it’s just a cold or something more severe like a sinus infection.

Tips to know the difference…

Sinus Infections are more rare than colds

Fewer than one in 15 children gets a bacterial sinus infection during or after a cold.

Watch the Symptoms

Colds -A runny nose with mucus that starts clear and then becomes cloudy or colored. Colds may include a fever that lasts one to two days, but symptoms improve on their own in 10 days.

3 types of sinusitis

  1. Persistent  – Runny nose, daytime cough (can worsen at night) or both last for 10 days and do not improve.
  2. Severe – Fever over 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit lasts for at least three days in a row. Mucus is thick and cloudy or colored.
  3. Worsening – A cold starts to improve, but fever returns or daytime cough or runny nose gets worse.

Treatment Options

Consult your pediatrician to see if you should medicate your child with persistent sinusitis. Some children with persistent sinusitis should be observed to see if they improve on their own and some could take antibiotics if they are particularly uncomfortable. All kids with severe or worsening sinusitis should take antibiotics to help them recover faster.

Possible Antibiotic Drawbacks

Side effects of antibiotics can include vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, skin rash, allergic reactions or yeast infections.  This is why persistent cases should sometimes just be observed to see if they situation improves on its own.

Contact Us (859-525-8181) if you have any questions!

About Pediatrics of Florence

We believe that children are more than just “little adults.” They have unique personalities, challenges, and life circumstances and we have made every effort to make our offices and care as “kid friendly” as possible. We have an aquatic theme in the waiting rooms (separated for sick and well children) as well as themed examination rooms. All of our physicians are Board Certified Pediatricians and members of the American Academy of Pediatrics and our nurse practitioners are all licensed Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and are available to see both well and sick children.
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