Q: Can chronic sinusitis cause fluctuating low-grade fevers? My child has had a fever and yellow snot for a year despite antibiotics.
- Myeongchan Kim
- Jun 14
- 3 min read
Medically reviewed by Sang Hyun Ahn, MD
Content edited by Myeongchan Kim, MD
This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
Question: My child has been having repeated low-grade fevers, and it seems like their sinusitis has become chronic. For the past year, the symptoms only improved when taking antibiotics and relapsed as soon as we stopped. After taking third-generation antibiotics for two months and steroids for a month without a full recovery, my child developed diarrhea and was in a very poor condition. We stopped the medication and are currently observing them without drugs, hoping for a natural recovery.
However, the severe nasal congestion and yellow discharge persist, and the low-grade fever keeps fluctuating. It doesn't reach 38°C, but goes up to 37.7°C and returns to normal an hour later. During these fever spikes, my child's complexion temporarily looks dark or pale, and returns to normal when the fever drops.
What kind of tests should we get at the hospital? Can sinusitis cause these fluctuating low-grade fevers? Or could it be due to high room temperature? Their baseline body temperature is usually 37.3°C.
Answer: It must have been very exhausting dealing with repeated sinusitis and low-grade fevers for a whole year. It is especially concerning that there has been no significant improvement despite strong antibiotics and steroid treatments.
Current Situation Evaluation
The combination of chronic sinusitis, fluctuating low-grade fevers, and changes in facial complexion requires careful observation.
Regarding the fluctuating low-grade fevers around 37.7°C:
This can indeed be an inflammatory response caused by chronic sinusitis.
Since your child's baseline body temperature is 37.3°C, an increase to 37.7°C is not a massive spike and could be influenced by their baseline.
However, the darkening or paling of the complexion during these fever episodes is a symptom that requires further medical evaluation.
Recommended Hospital Tests
When you visit the hospital, the doctor may recommend prioritizing the following evaluations:
Sinus CT Scan: To accurately check the physical status of the sinuses and severity of the sinusitis.
Blood Tests (CBC, CRP, ESR): To check systemic inflammation levels in the body.
Allergy Tests: To determine if allergic rhinitis is a contributing or compounding factor.
Immune Function Tests: To help identify the underlying cause of these repeated infections.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If:
A fever of 38°C or higher develops and persists.
Severe headaches or facial pain occur.
You notice visual disturbances or swelling around the eyes.
There is worsening generalized weakness or lethargy.
Home Care Management
Maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 60%.
Perform saline nasal irrigation 2 to 3 times a day to help clear the nasal passages.
Ensure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
Keep a daily log of body temperature and symptoms to share with your doctor.
Prolonged use of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut flora, which may temporarily compromise the immune system. It is highly recommended that you consult with a pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist for a comprehensive, in-person evaluation to find the root cause and establish a proper long-term treatment plan.
For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.
