Sinus Infection in Children: Symptoms, Causes and Effective Treatment Options

Children’s sinusitis, also known as rhinosinusitis, might seem different than adult sinusitis. Children more frequently develop a thick yellow-green nasal or post-nasal drip, cough, bad breath, irritability, low energy, and puffiness around the eyes.

What Are Sinuses?

Around the nose, in the facial bones, are moist air spaces called sinuses. In the forehead, between the eyes, behind the eyelids, and in the nasal passageways, there are four distinct sets of sinuses. Under the eyes and beneath the cheeks are the maxillary sinuses. Above the eyes, behind the forehead, are the frontal sinuses. The sphenoid sinuses are situated behind the brain and behind the nose, while the ethmoid sinuses are honeycomb-shaped sinuses situated between the eyes. Each of these sinuses is a closed area that empties into the nose through an ostium. They have the same mucous membranes lining them as the nose and airways.

What is sinusitis?

An infection of the sinuses close to the nose is called sinusitis. These infections typically follow an allergic reaction or a cold. Four varieties of sinusitis exist:

Acute- With the right care, the symptoms of this kind of infection go away in less than four weeks.

Subacute- The symptoms of this kind of illness continue four to twelve weeks and do not improve with early treatment.

Chronic- Recurrent acute infections or conditions that were not properly managed in the past can result in this kind of infection. These symptoms persist for at least 12 weeks.

Recurring acute- Acute sinusitis at least four times a year.

What is the cause of sinusitis?

A sinus infection can occasionally follow a typical cold or upper respiratory infection (URI). A sinus infection can arise from the inflammation of the nasal passages caused by a URI, which can also obstruct the opening of the paranasal sinuses. Because allergies cause the nasal tissue to enlarge and produce more mucus, they can also induce sinusitis. The following are additional potential conditions that may impede the regular passage of secretions out of the sinuses and result in sinusitis:

Abnormalities in the nose’s structure

Infection of the teeth

Injury to the nose

Foreign objects stuck in the nose

Cleft palate

GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease

It is possible for germs to proliferate when the sinuses’ secretion flow is obstructed. This results in sinusitis, or an infection of the sinuses. Acute sinusitis is most frequently caused by the following bacteria:

Pneumococcal infection

The influenzae Haemophilus

Moraxella catarrhalis

Different bacteria, such as pseudomonas (gram-negative rods), must be the focus of treatment for chronic sinusitis because they are more frequently the cause.

What Symptoms and Indications Indicate a Sinus Infection?

The symptoms of a sinus infection, like a runny or stuffy nose or a cough that worsens at night, can mimic those of a common cold. However, a cold and the accompanying viral sinus infection typically resolve on their own in 7–10 days.

A bacterial sinus infection may be the cause of symptoms that worsen a week or more after the cold first appears. Children who have a bacterial sinus infection may also experience:

• A fever that appears after their cold symptoms have improved
• Bad breath
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Pain or pressure in the face (which can also be felt in the ears, teeth, or throat)
• In teenagers, headaches or pain behind the eyes. Headaches from a cold in younger children are usually not sinus infections because the sinuses in the forehead and behind the eyes start developing around age 7 and aren’t fully formed to get infected until the early teen years.

In rare cases, a bacterial sinus infection can develop suddenly, causing a high fever and stuffy nose for 3–4 days in a child who appears very unwell.

How Are Sinus Infections Treated?

Most sinus infections are caused by viruses and usually clear up without medical treatment. To help ease discomfort, apply warm compresses to the affected area and give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. Never give aspirin to children with a viral illness because it can cause Reye syndrome, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

Over-the-counter saline (saltwater) sprays or rinses are safe and can help clean the nose and reduce congestion.

If a doctor suspects the infection is bacterial, they may wait a few days to see if it improves on its own or prescribe antibiotics if needed.

Can Sinus Infections Be Prevented?

Not all sinus infections can be prevented, but you can reduce the risk of developing one by treating symptoms of allergies early and preventing colds. Educate children to:

•Avoid contact with people having a cold

•Wash hands frequently and thoroughly

•Refuse to share towels, glasses, or cutlery with an individual having a cold

•Never use or touch someone else’s tissue

Using a humidifier in winter can help keep indoor humidity between 45%–50%, preventing dry air from irritating the sinuses. Be sure to clean the humidifier regularly to avoid mold growth.

When Should You Call the Doctor?

Contact your doctor if your child:

• Develops a fever 7–10 days after cold symptoms start
• Has a cold lasting more than 7–10 days without improvement
• Has a cold that worsens after a week of symptoms
• Has allergy symptoms that don’t improve with usual medicines