Kids' Colds, Antibiotics & Upper Respiratory Illnesses

When kids have colds, it's common for the runny nose to be many different colors: clear, white, yellow, brown or green. It's not so important what color the discharge is but how long the nose keeps running. If a nose is runny for longer than 10 to 14 days without improvement, there may be a sinus infection. Even then, antibiotics are not always needed.

If your kid has a runny nose, see your pediatrician if any of the following occur:

• The cold or runny nose lasts longer than 10 to 14 days and is not getting better.
• Your child has a headache or facial pain.
• Your child has a fever over 102 F for more than a few days.
• Your child has ear pain.
• Your child is feeling sick (is very tired, loses his appetite, has body aches, etc.).
• Your child has a persistent daytime cough or has fast or labored breathing.