Sinusitis in children is an inflammation of the nasal passages. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located near the nostrils. They are mucous membrane coated. There are four types of sinuses:
The ethmoid duct. Located around the nasal bridge. This duct is present at birth and grows over time.
The duct of the maxilla. It is found around the cheekbones. This duct is also present at birth and grows over time.
The frontal duct. Located on the top of the cranium. This duct does not appear until around the age of seven.
Sinus of the sphenoid. It’s deep behind the nostril. This duct does not appear until the adolescent years.
These illnesses are most commonly associated with a cold or allergies. Sinusitis is classified into three types:
Short-term (acute) (acute):- The symptoms of this type of infection last less than 12 weeks and improve with proper therapy.
Long-term (chronic) (chronic):- These symptoms linger for more than a year.
Recurrent:- This suggests that the infection will reoccur. It indicates three or more bouts of acute sinusitis in a calendar year.
Who is at risk for getting sinusitis in children?
A sinus infection can occur after an upper respiratory infection or a typical cold. The cold produces swelling, which can obstruct the sinus opening. This can result in a sinus illness. Allergies can also induce sinusitis due to swelling and increased mucus production. Other diseases that can cause sinusitis include:
The snout has an abnormal shape.
Infection caused by a molar
Injured nose
Object lodged in the nostril
A birth deformity characterized by an abnormality of the roof of the mouth (cleft palate)
The issue with gastric acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD)
What causes sinusitis?
When the sinuses are blocked with discharge, bacteria may begin to grow. This leads to a sinus infection, or sinusitis. The most common bacteria that cause acute sinusitis include:
Streptococcus pneumonia
Haemophilus influenzae
Moraxella catarrhalis
What are symptoms of sinusitis in children?
The following are the most common symptoms of sinusitis:
The symptoms of sinusitis can be similar to other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Sinusitis in children
How can I treat sinusitis in children?
The treatment will be determined by your child’s symptoms, age, and overall health. It will also rely on the severity of the condition.
Acute sinusitis:- Severe sinusitis may improve on its own. If it does not, your child’s doctor may prescribe:
Antibiotics:- Antibiotics are given to your kid if his or her sinuses are infected with bacteria. If your child’s symptoms do not better after three to five days, your doctor may prescribe a different antibiotic.
Anti-allergy medications:- Antihistamines and other allergy medications can decrease swelling in sinusitis caused by allergies.
Note: Don’t use over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays without checking with your child’s healthcare provider. These sprays may make symptoms worse. Recurrent sinusitis is also treated with antibiotic and allergy medicines. Your child’s healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for testing and treatment.
Chronic sinusitis:- Treatment for chronic sinusitis may include:
ENT specialist visit. Your child may be referred to an ENT specialist.
Antibiotics. Your child may need to take antibiotics for a longer time. If bacteria aren’t the cause, antibiotics won’t help.
Inhaled corticosteroid medicine. Nasal sprays or drops with steroids are often prescribed.
Other medicines. Nasal sprays with antihistamines and decongestants, saline sprays or drops, or medicines to loosen and clear mucus may be prescribed.
Allergy shots or immunotherapy. If your child has nasal allergies, shots may help reduce his or her reaction to allergens such as pollen, dust mites or mold.
Surgery. Surgery for chronic sinusitis is an option, although it is not done very often in children.
Care may include:-
Fluids may also be administered as part of the care. Every hour or so, drink a container of water or juice. Fluids help thin mucus, making it easier to clear. Fluids also aid in the prevention of exhaustion.
Wash with saline. This aids in keeping the sinuses and nostrils moist. Inquire with your child’s healthcare provider or nurse for specific directions.
Compresses that are warm. To help alleviate pain in the face, place a warm, moist towel over your child’s nose, cheeks, and eyes.
How can I prevent sinusitis in children?
There are some things you can do to help your child prevent sinusitis. They are as follows:
Use saline sprays, washes, or both on your kid. Use these frequently to keep the nostrils moist.
In dry indoor settings, use a humidifier.
Keep cigarette and cigar smoke away from your kid.
Keep your child away from items that trigger allergic reactions.
Never push water into your sinuses. Your kid, for example, should not dive into water.
Spending too much time in chlorinated pools can irritate the nostrils and sinuses.
Maintain proper hand cleanliness.
Maintain your and your child’s vaccination records.
Stay away from individuals who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.
Key points
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses.
When discharge from the nose is blocked, bacteria may start to grow. This leads to a sinus infection or sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis may get better on its own. But if it doesn’t, medicine can be prescribed.
For chronic sinusitis, the healthcare provider may refer your child to an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) for testing and treatment.
To help prevent sinusitis, have your child use saline sprays or washes to keep the nose moist. Use a humidifier in dry inside areas.
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