Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for sinusitis. The sinuses are hollow areas in the bones of the face. They have a thin lining that normally makes a small amount of mucus. When a child has sinusitis, the lining gets swollen and makes extra mucus.
Your child might have sinusitis with or after a cold. Sinusitis usually gets better on its own in 1 to 2 weeks.
Sinusitis is most often caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not help. But some people do need antibiotics. If the doctor gave your child antibiotics, it is very important they finish all the medicine, even if they start to feel better.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Help your child take all their medicines as instructed:
•Give your child non-prescription medicines to relieve pain if needed, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Never give aspirin to a child younger than 18 years old.
•Do not give your child over-the-counter cough or cold medicines. They are not likely to help, and they can cause serious problems in young children.
●Try to thin your child's mucus:
•Offer them plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
•Use a cool mist humidifier.
•Rinse your child's nose and sinuses with salt water a few times a day.
●Wash your and your child's hands often. This helps prevent spreading the infection.
●Do not let your child be in smoke-filled places. Avoid things that can cause breathing problems like fumes, pollution, dust, and other common allergens and irritants.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if you child:
•Has a fever higher than 102.2°F (39°C)
•Has sudden and severe pain in their face and head
•Has trouble seeing, or is seeing double
•Has trouble thinking clearly
•Has swelling or redness around 1 or both eyes
•Has trouble breathing
•Has a stiff neck
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if your child:
●Your child has a fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C), has yellow or green discharge from their nose for 3 or 4 days in a row, and looks sick.
●Your child has had a stuffy, runny, or blocked nose for more than 10 days, and it is not getting better.
●Your child's symptoms are not getting better after 3 days of taking antibiotics.
●Your child's symptoms start to get better, but then gets worse.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Sinusitis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Chronic sinusitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Cough, runny nose, and colds (The Basics)
Patient education: Acute sinusitis (sinus infection) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Chronic rhinosinusitis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: The common cold in children (Beyond the Basics)
