Rhinosinusitis/persistent runny nose

Advice for Parents and Carers

A runny nose is extremely common in young children. It is usually caused by coughs and colds, which your child can catch repeatedly, especially over the winter months. It is more common in children attending nursery/childcare. A cold typically lasts 7-10 days but when your child catches another infection before they have fully recovered for the first time it can seem like it is going on forever! It is normal for healthy children to get between 10-12 viral infections each year. Very few children with persistent runny noses require prescribed treatments such as antibiotics, and unnecessary antibiotics can lead to resistance.

Symptoms that suggest specific treatment is required include:

  • Persistent offensive discharge (bloody mucus) lasting longer than 10 days
  • Completely blocked nose
  • Pain and tenderness on one side of the face, around the eyes or forehead
  • Headache
  • Fever
When should you worry?

If your child has any of the following:

  • Is going blue around the lips
  • Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
  • Has a fit/seizure
  • Becomes extremely agitated (crying inconsolably despite distraction), confused or very lethargic (difficult to wake)
  • Develops a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the 'Glass Test')
  • Is under 3 months of age with a temperature of 38°C / 100.4°F or above (unless fever in the 48 hours following vaccinations and no other red or amber features) 

You need urgent help

Go to the nearest Hospital Emergency (A&E) Department or phone 999

If your child has any of the following:

  • Is having breathing problems, such as rapid breathing, shortness of breath or laboured breathing (drawing in of muscles below the lower ribs when they breath in)
  • Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy or no urine passed for 12 hours)
  • Is becoming drowsy (excessively sleepy) or irritable (unable to settle them with toys, TV, food or picking up) - especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite their fever coming down
  • Severe pain in eyes
  • Redness and swelling of the skin around the eyes
  • Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia)
  • Changes in vision including flashing lights
  • Severe headache
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Red eye(s) or lots of thick pus from their eye(s) in babies under 28 days old. A sticky eye(s) without redness or swelling is quite common in babies due to blocked tear ducts - this does not require review by a doctor
  • Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
  • Is 3-6 months of age with a temperature of 39°C / 102.2°F or above (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
  • Continues to have a fever of 38.0°C or above for more than 5 days
  • Is getting worse or if you are worried

You need to contact a doctor or nurse today

Please ring your GP surgery or contact NHS 111 - dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

If none of the above features are present

Self care

Continue providing your child’s care at home. If you are still concerned about your child, contact NHS 111 – dial 111 or for children aged 5 years and above visit 111.nhs.uk

Causes of rhinosinusitis

Most cases of rhinosinusitis in children are caused by an infection; your child may also have a sore throat, cough or earache. If you have concerns about cough and colds click here. 

Treatment

Most children with rhinosinusitis do not need treatment with antibiotics - they recover just as quickly without them and can avoid some of the side effects that antibiotics can cause.

If your child has any features of severe infection (amber or red features), they will need to be assessed urgently by a healthcare professional.

You can help relieve symptoms by:

  • Giving your child paracetamol or ibuprofen to help relieve pain
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids

It can take up to 2 weeks for a child to fully recover from rhinosinusitis.

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