Ear infections, sinusitis and pneumonia may be complications of a cold. All green noses do not mean infections which need antibiotics. Sometimes, they have a fever, foul breath, fussiness and headaches. One way to diagnose this is by obtaining a sinus x-ray. Infants under one year of age do not have well-developed sinuses and are not as prone to getting sinusitis.
Treatment involves antibiotics and topical nasal steroid sprays.
They do not shorten the course of the cold and they may not prevent ear infections. They are recommended when the child is very miserable and having difficulty drinking or sleeping. Please discuss with your doctor during office hours about their philosophy and recommendations for these medications, because this may vary according to your doctor. Milk does not necessarily need to be eliminated with a cough or cold, unless milk allergy is suspected. Fluids do need to be encouraged and solid foods are not as important.