Does a child with a cold and sinusitis need another prescription for amoxicillin?
Disease description:
My child has had persistent thick nasal discharge and nasal congestion that hasn't improved after catching a cold. I suspect a possible complication of sinusitis. I would like to ask whether it is necessary to prescribe amoxicillin again.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
It is quite common for children to develop symptoms of sinusitis after a cold, especially when the cold virus causes inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to blockage of the sinus openings and secondary bacterial infection. If diagnosed with acute sinusitis caused by bacteria, antibiotic treatment is necessary. Amoxicillin, as a commonly used antibiotic, can be used to treat various bacterial infections, including respiratory infections. However, it is important to confirm the type of infection and the causative bacteria before using amoxicillin, and the medication should be taken under a doctor's guidance.
Parents are advised to take their child to the hospital for a professional evaluation to confirm whether the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection and to assess the severity of the condition. If the doctor determines that the sinusitis is bacterial in origin and the previous antibiotic course was either incomplete or ineffective, a new antibiotic prescription may be necessary. At the same time, the doctor may recommend nasal irrigation, fever-reducing pain relievers, and adequate rest to aid recovery. Parents should closely monitor their child's condition, follow medical instructions for medication use, and avoid deciding on antibiotic use independently to prevent antibiotic resistance and other adverse effects caused by misuse.
