Yellow-green discharge alone does not diagnose sinusitis in a child. Duration, improvement pattern, fever and examination are assessed together.
Illness that persists without improvement, starts severely or worsens after initial improvement may need assessment for bacterial sinusitis. Distinguishing it from a simple cold matters; CT is not routine for every child. Treatment reflects age and severity; do not give leftover antibiotics. Swelling around the eye, painful eye movement, reduced vision, severe headache or worsening general condition needs emergency care.
Diagnosis uses symptom duration and examination; endoscopy and CT are selected when needed. Saline, appropriate nasal medicines and sometimes surgery may form an individual plan. Not every sinus complaint needs antibiotics.
Seek emergency care for swelling around the eye, reduced vision, severe unusual headache or neurological symptoms. Use sterile, distilled or previously boiled and cooled water in nasal irrigation devices.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment