Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis?

The sinuses are air-filled cavities located around the nose, cheeks and forehead. They are lined with mucous membranes that can become swollen when the body is dealing with issues such as an upper respiratory infection or allergies, and mucus production may increase. When the sinuses are blocked with discharge, bacteria may start to grow, leading to a sinus infection.

Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses. There are three main types of sinusitis:

• Short-term or acute sinusitis: Symptoms last less than 12 weeks and responds well with proper treatment.
• Long-term or chronic sinusitis: Symptoms last longer than 12 weeks.
• Recurrent sinusitis: When three or more episodes of sinusitis occur within a year.

Sinus Infection Symptoms

Common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Cough
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of smell
• Pain in the sinuses
• Postnasal drip (drainage down the back of the throat)
• Stuffy nose
• Thick, colored drainage in the nose

In addition to upper respiratory infections, colds and allergies, other risk factors for sinusitis in children include:

• Abnormal shape of the nose
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cleft palate
• Cystic fibrosis
• Enlarged adenoids (tissue behind the nose)
• Exposure to second-hand smoke
• Foreign object in the nose
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Injury to the nose/facial trauma
• Tooth infection

Diagnosing Sinusitis in Children

When diagnosing sinusitis, your child’s healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam and ask questions about your child’s symptoms and medical history. Sometimes additional tests may be ordered, including:

• X-rays of the sinuses
• Computed tomography (CT) scans of the sinuses
• Sinus culture, in which a swab of nasal discharge is tested for bacterial growth in a lab

Sinus Infection Treatment in Children

Treatment for sinusitis will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health, as well as the type and severity of the condition. Acute sinusitis may get better on its own. To care for sinusitis at home:

• Fluids. Staying well hydrated will help thin the mucus to help it drain more easily
• Saline wash. This will help keep the sinuses moist. Your child’s healthcare provider can provide detailed instructions on how to perform a saline wash.
• Warm compresses. Apply a warm damp towel to your child’s nose, cheeks and eyes to ease pain
• Over-the-counter pain medication. You can give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve pain. Make sure to read the label for proper dosing instructions.

If the sinusitis persists, your child’s healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to kill bacteria, and/or allergy medication/antihistamines to reduce swelling.

If your child suffers from recurrent or chronic sinusitis, they may need to see a pediatric ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT or otolaryngologist) specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Treatment options for chronic sinusitis include:

• Longer course of antibiotics
• Inhaled corticosteroid medicine
• Nasal sprays with antihistamines and decongestants, saline sprays or drops
• Medicines to loosen and clear mucus
• Allergy shots or immunotherapy
• Surgery (rare in children)

Sinus Infection Prevention

If your child is prone to sinus infections, there are some healthy habits you can follow to help prevent sinusitis. These include:

• Encourage a healthy diet, fluid intake and regular exercise
• Regular use of saline sprays or washes to keep the nose moist
• Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments
• Avoid exposure to cigarette or cigar smoke
• Avoid triggers if your child has allergies
• Limit time in chlorinated pools
• Practice good hand washing and hygiene practices to avoid getting sick