When Should Antibiotics Be Used for Pediatric Sinus Infections?

When to use antihypertensive medications?

My daughter is ten months old and tends to catch a cold approximately every month and a half, usually accompanied by fever, cough, and runny nose, which leads to yellow nasal discharge (sinusitis).
Each time, the doctor prescribes Keflor for about seven to ten days.
I've noticed that it seems her nasal discharge doesn't improve without Keflor.
I'm concerned about the possibility of dependency or antibiotic resistance.
What line of antibiotics is Keflor? Additionally, when should antibiotics be used? Is yellow nasal discharge always an indication for their use?

Ya Qi, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/04/03

Dr. Zhang Jinglong reply Pediatrics

Dear Parent,
Your daughter is now ten months old and tends to catch a cold approximately every one and a half months, usually presenting with fever, cough, and runny nose, which can lead to yellow nasal discharge (sinusitis).
Each time, the doctor prescribes Keflor for about seven to ten days.
I have noticed that it seems her nasal discharge does not improve without Keflor.
You are concerned about the possibility of dependency or antibiotic resistance.
I would like to know what line of antibiotics Keflor is classified as and when antibiotics should be used.
Is it necessary to use antibiotics for yellow nasal discharge?
1.
Infants aged 6 to 12 months typically experience upper respiratory infection symptoms about once every one to one and a half months.
Most of these symptoms will resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days.
2.
Sinusitis is rare in young children; during a common cold, clear nasal discharge often changes to yellow or green for a few days.
3.
If upper respiratory infection symptoms persist for more than 7 to 10 days, acute sinusitis should be considered, with about 50% of cases potentially developing into otitis media.
In such cases, antibiotic treatment should be considered.
Generally, antibiotics are indicated for acute sinusitis in young children when accompanied by acute illness (such as irritability, crying, refusal to eat, and decreased activity) or high fever with productive cough.
4.
Antibiotic treatment is intended for bacterial infections and is based on medical necessity; it does not cause dependency.
5.
Currently, Keflor is classified as a second-line antibiotic in most hospitals, used as needed based on the clinical situation.
6.
If you have further concerns regarding your child, you may consult a pediatric specialist at a nearby hospital or clinic.
Pediatricians are generally well-trained and should be able to provide satisfactory answers and treatment.
Wishing you health and safety.

Reply Date: 2002/04/03

More Info

When it comes to pediatric sinus infections, particularly in young children like your ten-month-old daughter, the use of antibiotics should be carefully considered. It's important to understand that most upper respiratory infections, including those that lead to symptoms like fever, cough, and nasal discharge, are caused by viruses rather than bacteria. In fact, the majority of these infections will resolve on their own within a week to ten days without the need for antibiotics.

In your daughter's case, experiencing a cold every month and a half is quite common for infants and toddlers. The presence of yellow or green nasal discharge does not necessarily indicate a bacterial infection. In many cases, this change in color is simply a result of the body's immune response and does not require antibiotic treatment.
Antibiotics, such as Keflor (which is a brand name for cefaclor, a second-generation cephalosporin), are typically reserved for cases where there is a clear indication of a bacterial infection, such as acute bacterial sinusitis. According to pediatric guidelines, antibiotics should be considered if:
1. Symptoms persist for more than 10 days without improvement.

2. Symptoms are severe, such as a high fever (over 102°F) accompanied by facial pain or swelling.

3. Symptoms worsen after an initial improvement (this could indicate a secondary bacterial infection).

If your daughter is experiencing recurrent episodes of upper respiratory infections, it may be beneficial to consult with a pediatrician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can evaluate whether her symptoms are indeed due to bacterial sinusitis or if they are part of a viral illness.
Regarding your concern about antibiotic dependence and resistance, it is valid. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, which makes it harder to treat infections in the future. It is crucial to use antibiotics only when necessary and as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Keflor is considered a second-line antibiotic for certain infections, meaning it is used when first-line treatments are not effective or appropriate.

In summary, yellow nasal discharge alone does not warrant the use of antibiotics. It's essential to monitor your daughter's symptoms and consult with her healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. If her symptoms persist or worsen, further evaluation may be necessary to rule out bacterial infections or other underlying issues. Always prioritize open communication with your child's healthcare provider regarding any concerns about medications and treatment plans.

Similar Q&A

Concerns About Antibiotic Use for Sinus Issues in Children

My 5-year-old daughter has had a runny nose since March. Initially, we thought it was an episode of allergic rhinitis, so we consulted an allergist, but her condition did not improve. We then visited an otolaryngologist and she has taken two different antibiotics. The first antib...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection, the use of antibiotics is necessary. It is recommended to combine this with warm compresses on the nose followed by nasal irrigation to enhance local treatment. Typically, after one course of treatment and symptom improvemen...

Do Children with Acute Sinusitis Need Follow-Up After Antibiotics?

Dr. Pei, if a 3-year-old child has been diagnosed with acute sinusitis and prescribed a 7-day course of antibiotics, should they return for a follow-up appointment after completing the antibiotic treatment?

Dr. Pei Rensheng reply Pediatrics
Hello: In principle, the total duration of antibiotic treatment should be 10 days. However, if symptoms do not improve after 2-3 days of antibiotic use, it is recommended to switch to a different antibiotic and restart the 10-day count. Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely...

What to Do When Your Baby Has Sinusitis and Persistent Symptoms?

My son is currently just four months old and has caught a cold for the first time. His symptoms include a runny nose and cough, and the doctor diagnosed him with sinusitis. He was prescribed antibiotics, and after completing a three-day course, his cough improved, but his nose is...

Dr. Xiao Kaiwen reply Pediatrics
The diagnostic criteria for acute sinusitis generally include the presence of purulent nasal discharge (or post-nasal drip, which may sometimes present as productive cough) lasting more than one week. If sinusitis is "confirmed," a course of antibiotics for seven to ten...

The Impact of Sinusitis Medications on Children: Risks and Concerns

Due to long-term nasal allergies in children, they have recently developed sinusitis, which recurs every two months. I would like to ask the doctor why this has progressed to sinusitis. Generally, doctors treat sinusitis with antibiotics; could this have adverse effects on childr...

Dr. Hu Kexin reply Otolaryngology
Hello: If nasal allergies are not well controlled, it can easily lead to swelling of the nasal mucosa, causing blockage of the sinus openings and resulting in sinusitis. If you have sinusitis, it is recommended that you consult an otolaryngologist for diagnosis and treatment. Oto...