Sorry for the graphic subject...but I don't know how else to describe it! My 21 month DS has green snot...what is the likelihood it's just a bad cold? He gets sinus infections frequently so if I bring him to the doctor they'll automatically prescribe him antibiotics regardless. He is on Nasonnex for allergies. Any thoughts?

Also...I've been able to recover from a mild sinus infection without antibiotics- can children recover from them without antibiotics too? Thanks!

By Ginny~moderator on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 04:30 pm:

I've always understood that if mucus is colored - that is, is other than clear or very pale yellow - it indicates an infection. As to your other question, I don't know and don't want to hazard a guess. I think if your son has frequent sinus infections it may be time to see an ENT, preferably a pediatric ENT.

By Amecmom on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:06 pm:

depends on how long he's had the colored discharge. Helen gets sinus infections frequently, also. She also get cold after cold so it's hard to tell what's what. I usually watch her for real crankiness and sleeplessness. These are usually my tip offs that it's not viral. Also, if it goes on too long. Recently, her doc had us use Atarax to dry her out and help her sleep. It helped, but what we were getting was dry colored stuff. Finally I specifically asked for a 14 day course of Biaxin for her. Biaxin is vile, but it works. Now, for the first time in months, she's totally clear and off all meds, (except Zantac for reflux).
The clinical definition of a sinus infection is colored goop for 10 days, but the problem with kids (as our ENT said) is that they get viral cold after cold and it's hard to tell.
So ... with that loooong story Watch and wait. If it's been more than 10 days, if he had any other signs of an infection, then go see the doc.
Ame

By Yjja123 on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 05:13 pm:

My doctor has always said it was vital to come in if the nose discharge was green in color.
Why not give the doctor a call and see if they think he should come in. Better safe than sorry.

By Tripletmom on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 06:34 pm:

Ditto Yvonne-We were always told green means to go in.I hope your ds is feeling better soon.

By Vicki on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 06:44 pm:

My ped told me that green can also signal the end of a cold?? He told me that unless there were other symptoms such as a fever etc., to let the green go for about three days. If by the thrid day it is still just as thick and green and not clearing up, then it was time for her to be seen. I can remember twice that I let the green go and by the third day there was much less there and it was the end of it. There were also times I took her in, but I can remember at least twice that I didn't and all was fine.

I would call your doctor and talk with them. All doctors have different way of doing things.

By Dawnk777 on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 07:06 pm:

Ditto, on call the doctor and see if you should bring them in.

By Jjb on Monday, February 26, 2007 - 10:17 pm:

Thanks ladies! I'll probaby give the dr. a call and try and wait a few more days. I just don't like to put him on antibiotics unless he really needs them...our dr. prescribes them more than I like. DS has a very high threshold for pain so it's hard to tell when he's hurting. If this is another sinus infection I might add an ENT to our list of specialists (he already sees and allergist and GI spec.).

He never had a sinus infection until we moved to Virginia, and he's had them frequently ever since. I think it may have to do with the carpeting in our house. The previous owners had two dogs and a few cats- both of which we recently discovered he was allergic to. I think DH and I need to seriously think about buying new carpet.

By Dana on Tuesday, February 27, 2007 - 09:26 am:

To my surprise, I was told by a pediatric nurse (and several other women since that time)that clear and green are fine. Yellow is infection. They use this rule of thumb at my Mom's Day Out program as well. They send them home only if yellow.