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How do I know if my child has a sinus infection?
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How do I know if my child has a sinus infection?

Kristie Rivers, MD, FAAP, Board Certified Pediatrician
Written by Kristie Rivers, MD, FAAP, Board Certified Pediatrician

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there are three main criteria for diagnosing a sinus infection in children over the age of 1:

  • An upper respiratory infection lasting more than 10 days.
  • The severe onset of fever and nasal congestion lasting at least 3 days.
  • A worsening of fever, cough, and congestion after initial improvement.

Don’t be surprised if your child’s pediatrician does not prescribe antibiotics right away. The AAP recommends waiting an additional three days for some children to see if symptoms clear on their own. However, children with a severe onset or a worsening of symptoms should be treated with an antibiotic right away.

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