Question
A 7-year-old girl frequently has dizziness and headaches. What could be the cause, and is it serious?
Answer
During the early stages of a cold, patients usually have clear nasal discharge. However, if after several days the nasal discharge does not decrease but instead increases, turning from clear to thick yellow mucus, possibly with an odor, this may be a sign that the child is suffering from acute sinusitis. The accumulation of mucus in the sinuses can lead to headaches in children and may also cause systemic symptoms such as fever and loss of appetite. Some patients may even experience facial swelling and tenderness in the sinus area. If not treated promptly, it may develop into chronic sinusitis. Additionally, some patients may be affected by headaches, impacting their learning. If parents notice that their child has persistent yellow nasal discharge, chronic cough that does not improve despite treatment, or recurrent tonsillitis, they should consider the possibility of sinusitis and seek medical attention promptly.