Recognizing Sinus Infections in Children

Most parents mistake sinus infections in children for common cold. This is because the symptoms of coughs, sneezing and a red nose look quite similar in both cases. However the main difference between an attack of common cold and a sinus infection is that a sinus attack lasts longer. Sinuses are air spaces present on both the sides of the child's nose and they are present to make the head lighter. The sinuses develop in the fetus and grow until the child reaches twenty years of age. Normally the sinuses are empty and are filled with air and contain mucus membranes that normally produce a little sticky mucus to trap dust and germs.

During a sinus infection the child's sinuses get infected and membranes become inflamed and irritated and produce more mucus. This condition is known as sinusitis. If it continues for over two weeks it is known as acute sinusitis and when it continues for over three months it is known as chronic sinusitis. In children the symptoms of sinusitis are continuous discharge from the nose, bad breath, mild fever, puffy eyes and cough during the day. Some children may also experience general headaches, frontal headache, low energy levels, fatigue, pain in the eyes and cheeks. They may also become cranky and irritable.

Symptoms of sinus disease can also vary with age. A runny nose and chromic cough are usually observed in younger children whereas in older children a post nasal drip and chronic sore throat are generally observed. In older children headaches are common whereas in younger children mood swings, irritability and resting of the face over a cold surface to get relief from the facial pain are more common symptoms.

Sinus attacks can be extremely distressing for the child as well as for parents. Sinus problems if left unattended may become recurrent and chronic and may also lead to other complications. Therefore it is necessary to consult a doctor whenever sinusitis is suspected. The doctor will properly check the ears, nose and throat of the child for possible infection. Also the sinuses will be checked for infection. In normal cases of bacterial infection the doctor will prescribe antibiotics and necessary probiotics to counter the adverse effects of the antibiotics.

The antibiotics should be continued till the full course is complete even if there is relief earlier. Stopping the antibiotics midway makes the bacteria immune to them over time. To relieve the distress experienced by the child the doctor may also prescribe a decongestant or nasal spray. If the problem becomes recurrent the doctor may order a CT scan for the child to evaluate whether surgery is needed. For sinus problems in children pediatric endoscopic surgery for the sinus is done under general anesthetics.

Source: The Sinus Sourcebook by Deborah Rosin, Publisher: McGraw-Hill.