Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Does Intake Of Augmentin Help In Treating Sinus Infection In A Child?
Question: 19 days ago my 3.5 yr old daughter had a high temp (103.4 rectal) that broke 2 days later but came back 3 days later with a cough and phlegm (yellow and green). The dr prescribed amoxicillin 3xday for 10 days. Her cough and phlegm still continues 5 days after the medicine was finished - all throughout the day and before she sleeps but not while sleeping. The phlegm she spits up is white and yellow. She saw the dr yesterday and he thinks it's a sinus infection not asthma/bronchial infection so he prescribed augmentin for 10 more days 2xday. Since she has allergies he said she can take the dimetapp cold and allergy 2xday along with the augmentin. If phlegm is still yellow we're to call. If still congested, we're to do Flonase and follow up if she's not better.
Since she just finished amoxicillin what are the risks to continue with augmentin? Is it safe? What are the side affects? Should she take the augmentin because she took it last November when she was sick?
The dr also mentioned possibly doing chest X-rays but we're against that since she's so young. What lab tests can be done to rule out if it's viral or bacteria? pneumonia or bronchial asthma? Would a culture on her phlegm be warranted? If so, what kind and what would it test for?
My husband is worried were passing MSSA to each other. He tested moderate for it a few yrs ago and he continues to have occasional breakouts from it as does our daughter. He and I were both diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. Could her illness be the result of the MSSA?
Since she just finished amoxicillin what are the risks to continue with augmentin? Is it safe? What are the side affects? Should she take the augmentin because she took it last November when she was sick?
The dr also mentioned possibly doing chest X-rays but we're against that since she's so young. What lab tests can be done to rule out if it's viral or bacteria? pneumonia or bronchial asthma? Would a culture on her phlegm be warranted? If so, what kind and what would it test for?
My husband is worried were passing MSSA to each other. He tested moderate for it a few yrs ago and he continues to have occasional breakouts from it as does our daughter. He and I were both diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. Could her illness be the result of the MSSA?
Brief Answer:
Seems to be a viral infection. They do not respond to antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Most often respiratory tract infections in children are caused due to viral infections. They do not respond to antibiotics and irrespective of use of antibiotics, it usually takes 5-10 days for such infections to resolve. Rhinitis is infection involving nose. Yellow secretions does not necessarily mean bacterial infection. It is more likely to be due to the dead skin cells. The mainstay of treatment should be steam inhalation. Water in form of vapor reaches deep inside and helps in diluting the cough and thus provides relief.
Augmentin is amoxycillin with another component added. So, they cannot have interactions with each other. I doubt if it is required. However if given, it is unlikely to cause any harm. A raised white blood cell count in blood would indicate bacterial infection. Else, you can assume it to be a viral infection and in such a case antibiotics would not be required. All you need to do is to wait patiently. Other medicines are ok.
Although infection with MSSA is possible, it is less likely. In your case, steam inhalation would be greatly beneficial. In your case antibiotics are unlikely to help since the sinuses have poor blood supply and medicines do not reach there quite well.
Regards
Seems to be a viral infection. They do not respond to antibiotics
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
Most often respiratory tract infections in children are caused due to viral infections. They do not respond to antibiotics and irrespective of use of antibiotics, it usually takes 5-10 days for such infections to resolve. Rhinitis is infection involving nose. Yellow secretions does not necessarily mean bacterial infection. It is more likely to be due to the dead skin cells. The mainstay of treatment should be steam inhalation. Water in form of vapor reaches deep inside and helps in diluting the cough and thus provides relief.
Augmentin is amoxycillin with another component added. So, they cannot have interactions with each other. I doubt if it is required. However if given, it is unlikely to cause any harm. A raised white blood cell count in blood would indicate bacterial infection. Else, you can assume it to be a viral infection and in such a case antibiotics would not be required. All you need to do is to wait patiently. Other medicines are ok.
Although infection with MSSA is possible, it is less likely. In your case, steam inhalation would be greatly beneficial. In your case antibiotics are unlikely to help since the sinuses have poor blood supply and medicines do not reach there quite well.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
