Sinusitis is the inflammation and infection of the sinus cavity. It causes the sinuses to swell and become congested and may cause a slight fever in a child who has the infection for more than three days. Pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene states that sinusitis is common in children and typically begins as a cold or the affects of allergies. He also says that children who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to develop a sinus infection. See a pediatrician if your child shows the common signs and symptoms of a sinus infection.
Types
Three types of sinus infections can affect children: bacterial, viral and fungal. Most sinus infections affecting children are bacterial, lasting for less than four weeks. Some pediatricians may treat bacterial sinusitis with antibiotics immediately, while others may allow the body to kill the infection naturally. Viral sinusitis is the result of the common cold; the virus settles in the sinus cavity. Antibiotics are ineffective with viral sinus infections. A doctor may recommend using various over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to treat the symptoms. Fungal sinusitis is rare and is found in children who have a severe allergy to mold and mildew.
Time Frame
A sinus infection lasting less than four weeks is considered acute sinusitis. Subacute sinusitis is any sinus infection lasting more than four weeks but less than 10 weeks, and chronic sinusitis is a sinus infection lasting for more than 10 weeks, according to Dr. Greene. Each type of sinus infection can have a different cause and treatment.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a sinus infection in children may appear as the common cold.
See a doctor to confirm the presence of a sinus infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, common symptoms of sinusitis are nasal discharge that is yellowish-green in color, headaches, nasal congestion, lack of smell and taste, a cough due to postnasal drip and tenderness around the eyes, nose and cheek region.
Treatment
Treatment for children is subject to the child's pediatrician. Depending on the child's age and the type of sinus infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics (typically amoxicillin) for 10 days to kill the bacterial infection. If the sinus infection is the result of a virus, AskDrSears.com suggests using a humidifier, allowing the child to rest and drink plenty of clear liquids (water, juice, iced tea). It is not advisable to use OTC medications without a doctor's recommendation, as many have not been found safe to use in children under age 4.
Complications
Sinus infections in children may lead to complications if not properly diagnosed and treated. These may include meningitis (brain infection), ear infections and an eye-socket infection. A child suffering from sinusitis should remain under a pediatrician's care for the duration of the infection.
