Another misconception that we hear frequently is that the color of the mucous associated with the cold defines viral verses bacterial infection. This is in fact not the case. A person will go from clear to yellow to green mucous during the duration of the 7-10 days of a cold. Studies have shown that the color of mucous plays no active role in defining virus or bacteria. We do see bacterial sinus infections as complications of the common cold, but most pediatricians would not consider diagnosing a sinus infection unless the symptoms have been present for more than 10- 14 days and are not improving.
Ear infections are another complication of the common cold.
In the pediatric population we see this occurring quite frequently. The same viruses that cause the common cold cause a percentage of ear infections, but because ear infections can also be caused by a variety of bacteria we usually treat them with antibiotics. In this case parents would need to bring their child in to be evaluated for an ear infection and antibiotic treatment would be initiated if necessary. If you feel the same and would like to work with us in this endeavor, you may call for an appointment in either our West Ashley office or our Mt Pleasant office by calling 792-7000. Please take the time to read our disclaimer .