The most common symptom of sinusitis is a headache, according to The American Academy of Otolaryngology. Depending on your child's age, it may be difficult to tell if the pain they are experiencing is from sinus pressure of some other ailment. See your pediatrician to determine the cause of the pain in the sinus region. Home remedies to provide sinus pain relief in children can complement doctor's recommendations.
Humidity
Use a humidifier to maintain proper air moisture in your child's room while he is asleep. Kids Health, a website sponsored by the Nemours Foundation, recommends keeping your child's room at around 45 to 50 percent humidity to prevent dry air from irritating the sinuses. Especially during winter months when the heat is running, the air can be come extremely dry leading to inflamed sinuses and an infection. When using a humidifier, also clean the tank after each use and maintain a clean filter, otherwise mold and other bacteria may grow in the humidifier, causing greater harm. You can also have your child sit in the bathroom and run a hot shower, allowing the steam to fill the room to help relieve the sinus pressure and pain.
Hot and Cold Compress
Ask your child to pick out her favorite sock and fill it with rice. Tie off the top of the sock and place it in the microwave for about a minute. Place the sock on your own face or arm to ensure it is not too hot for you child. Have your child lie on his back and place the warm sock over his eyes and nose region. Keep the warm compress on his face for 30 minutes. Take the warm compress off and place a cold compress (frozen peas will do) for 30 seconds. Repeat this process three times, up to six times a day.
Saline
Saline spray or drops may be used for a child of any age, including newborns, according to Little Noses, a manufacturer of natural children's products. Using saline drops helps to moisten, crusty and dry sinus cavities in children. It also helps to loosen any excess mucus and cleanse the sinus cavity. If the child is very young, place her on her back and place two to three drops in each nostril as needed. If the child is older than 2, you can spray saline nasal spray up each nostril as needed. Wash the tip of the saline spray bottle after each use with soap and water to prevent the spread of infection and do not share the bottle between children.
Member Comments
Concerned_Mom March 28
Directed Humidification seems to be a new way to help children (and adults) with sinus relief. It directs warm, soothing mist deep into the sinuses to loosen mucous and moisturize. Until today I had my son use a hot shower, but that was a major problem and only somewhat effective.
Now, I have just purchased MyPurMist and it works great. In 5 minutes or so my son is breathing fine. It is all natural and he can use it anytime. Check it out at www.mypurmist.com.
Theresa B.