The sinus cavities are hallow areas in the face found near the bridge of the nose, around the cheeks, behind the nose and in the forehead. Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford (LPCH) explains that the sinuses in the forehead do not develop until about 7-years of age. A sinus infection is the result of infection building up within these cavities. Symptoms of such an infection in a child can be difficult to discern from the common cold.
Runny Nose
Runny nose is considered to be a common symptom of a sinus infection. In younger children, the drainage is typically green or yellow and lasts longer than 7 to 10 days, explains LPCH. The mucus can also be clear.
Coughing
Sinus infections are likely to cause a cough that appears at night or a cough that is persistent. When the sinuses drain, mucus can run down the throat causing a child to choke slightly or produce phlegm when coughing.
Facial Swelling
The tissues of the face can become puffy or swollen from the irritation in the sinuses. This can be seen especially around or under the eyes. The skin might even become darker under the eyes. Swelling can sometimes be worse in the morning.
Pain
Headaches might impact children older than age of 7. They could also experience a sore throat or pain in the ears. An ear infection may accompany a sinus infection.
Other Symptoms
Children might have bad breath from the nasal drainage experienced from the infection. A child may be lethargic or show a diminished interest in playing or interacting. Eating may be another activity a child does not much show interest in as her appetite diminishes. She may become more irritable. Despite fatigue, sleeping may be difficult due to the general ill feelings the child experiences. Some children might also have a low fever from the infection, reports the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.
