Myth: Green or yellow runny nose? Your child has a sinus infection and needs antibiotics.

Many people believe that a green or yellow runny nose means that your child has a sinus infection and needs antibiotics. This is typically not true. As commonly defined by many pediatricians, a sinus infection means having a green or yellow runny nose that lasts for more than 10-14 days without improvement. However, it is important to note that many other infections caused by viruses can also cause a green runny nose; unlike a sinus infection, however, these infections will not respond to an antibiotic.

Most parents understand the difference infections caused by viruses and bacteria — and that only bacterial infections respond to antibiotics. But many believe the myth that a green runny nose means a sinus infection, which can lead to your child taking antibiotics unnecessarily. This is why taking your child to a pediatrician is so important; a pediatric doctor can help you determine if your child’s infection is viral or bacterial in nature and help determine the best course of action to get your little one back to feeling healthy as soon as possible.

As a “bonus myth”, it’s important to point out that giving your child dairy when they are sick will not affect their mucus production. Giving your child milk when sick is not a problem — unless, of course, your child has a milk allergy. If your child is sick, you can let them eat their normal diet as tolerated. If your child does not want to eat then you can try the typical BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce and toast) along with lots of fluids and then advance their diet as they will tolerate.


About author MacKoul Pediatrics

MacKoul Pediatrics is an amazing local pediatrics office in Cape Coral, FL where caring, compassionate doctors and nurses work with you to keep your children as healthy as possible. MacKoul cares for children from birth to college age, from Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, and beyond.