Cold or Sinus Infection?
Studies show that acute bacterial sinus infections occur in only 6-7% of children with acute upper respiratory symptoms. Upper respiratory infections (i.e. colds) manifest in a predictable pattern. Children may experience a low grade fever for a few days accompanied by fatigue, headache, decreased appetite, nasal congestion, and sometimes a sore throat and cough. Nasal discharge typically begins clear, then turns thicker and more colored, then turns back clear over the course of a week. Symptoms typically peak between days 3-5 and usually resolve over 5-10 days. If symptoms don’t seem to be improving by day 10 then you may want to bring your child in to be assessed for a sinus infection.