Rhinosinusitis/persistent runny nose

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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! Very few children with persistent runny noses require prescribed treatments such as antibiotics.

Symptoms that suggest specific treatment is required include:

Persistent offensive discharge (green or 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:

Becomes pale, mottled and feels abnormally cold to touch
is going blue around the lips
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')

You need urgent help.

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

If your child has any of the following:

Severe pain in eyes
Redness and swelling of the skin around the eyes
Extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Changes in vision including flashing lights (vision can appear blurred or misted because of discharge smeared over the surface of the ye, but this will usually clear on blinking or wiping the eyes)
Severe headache
Persistent vomiting
Babies under 28 days with a red eye(s) or lots of thick pus from their eye(s). 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
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 (dry mouth, sunken eyes, no tears, drowsy or passing less urine than usual)
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
Has extreme shivering or complains of muscle pain
Is under 3 months of age with a temperature about 38°C/100.4°F or 3-6 months of age with a temperature above 39°C/102.2°F (but fever is common in babies up to 2 days after they receive vaccinations)
Continues to have a fever above 38.0°C 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 call NHS 111 - dial 111

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, call NHS 111 – dial 111

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.

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 effect 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
Holding a warm clean flannel over their face for a few minutes several times day
Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids

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

This guidance is written by healthcare professionals from across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.