Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Chronic Sinusitis (Stable) - Follow-up in Children

Audience: pediatric

Chronic sinusitis in children is a long-lasting inflammation of the sinuses that may cause symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pressure, and cough. When the condition is stable, regular follow-up is important to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Telemedicine can help monitor your child's condition by discussing symptoms and treatment progress with a healthcare provider from home. However, some signs mean your child needs to be seen in person promptly. These include severe headache, swelling around the eyes, high fever, or sudden vision changes. Recognizing these red flags helps ensure timely care. This guide explains when telemedicine is appropriate, what signs to watch for, and how to prepare for and follow up after virtual visits. Remember, telemedicine advice is not a replacement for in-person care when urgent problems arise.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe headache that does not improve with usual measures — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling, redness, or pain around the eyes — go to emergency or urgent care promptly.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) lasting more than three days — see a healthcare provider in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Routine follow-up for stable chronic sinusitis symptoms.
• Medication review and adjustment discussions.
• Advice on home care and symptom management.
• Answering questions about the condition and treatment.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of sudden severe headache or neurological symptoms.
• Assessment of eye swelling, redness, or vision changes.
• Management of high fever not responding to treatment.
• Emergency evaluation for breathing difficulties or swallowing problems.

What is Chronic Sinusitis in Children?

Chronic sinusitis means the sinuses inside the face stay inflamed for 12 weeks or more. In children, this can cause stuffy nose, thick nasal mucus, cough, and sometimes bad breath. It may affect sleep and daily activities. The condition often follows repeated colds or allergies. Treatment aims to reduce swelling and clear mucus to help breathing and comfort.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Stable Chronic Sinusitis

Telemedicine lets you talk with your child's healthcare provider using video or phone calls. For stable chronic sinusitis, telemedicine can be used to:

This helps reduce unnecessary travel and exposure to other illnesses.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean your child needs urgent medical attention in person:

If your child shows any of these, go to an emergency room or urgent care right away.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before the virtual visit:

Being ready helps the visit go smoothly.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

After the appointment:

Keep track of your child’s progress and share updates during future visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note current symptoms and any changes since last visit.
• List all medications your child is taking, including doses.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet or phone connection.
• Have a thermometer ready to report any fever.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the prescribed treatment and medication instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised by the provider.
• Seek in-person care if any red flags or worsening symptoms develop.
• Keep a symptom diary to share during future visits.

FAQs

Can telemedicine replace all in-person visits for my child's chronic sinusitis?

Telemedicine is helpful for routine follow-up and managing stable symptoms. However, it cannot replace in-person visits when your child has urgent symptoms like severe headache, eye swelling, or high fever. These require physical examination and possibly imaging or other tests.

What should I do if my child’s symptoms suddenly get worse?

If your child develops any red flags such as severe headache, swelling around the eyes, high fever lasting more than three days, or vision changes, seek emergency or urgent in-person care immediately. Do not wait for a telemedicine appointment.

How can I help my child feel better at home?

Home care measures include using a humidifier, encouraging fluids, applying warm compresses to the face, and ensuring your child gets plenty of rest. Follow your healthcare provider’s advice on medications such as nasal sprays or antibiotics if prescribed.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for my child’s sinusitis during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, telemedicine helps reduce exposure to other illnesses by allowing you to consult healthcare providers from home. It is safe for routine follow-ups and symptom management when your child’s condition is stable.

Sources

1. Sinusitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Chronic Sinusitis — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Pediatric Sinusitis — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child experiences any urgent symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.