Children's Sinusitis

What is Sinusitis?

Sinuses are the hollow spaces located in the cheekbones, forehead, behind the nasal passages, and deep in the brain. These passages are lined with soft mucus membranes. When your child develops a cold, the membranes will produce excess mucus, which can block the sinus passages. As mucus builds up, bacteria will thrive, and an infection can develop. In addition to colds, there are several other factors that can lead to children’s sinusitis, including:

• Enlarged adenoids
• Allergies
• Cleft palate
• Congenital abnormalities in the nasal passages
• Swimming
• Facial trauma
• Secondhand smoke
• An infected tooth

There are two types of sinusitis: acute and chronic. Acute sinusitis typically lasts less than four weeks, though symptoms can be unpleasant during this time. Chronic sinusitis causes repeated infection, and symptoms typically last eight weeks or more. Children are more prone to acute sinusitis. 

Diagnosing Sinusitis Can Be Difficult

It is often challenging to diagnose children’s sinus infections since the condition is less common in kids than in adults. The sinuses do not finish developing until adolescence, so children’s sinusitis is more likely to affect older kids and teens. In addition, the symptoms of pediatric sinus infections differ somewhat from the symptoms of sinusitis in adults. They can also mimic symptoms of the common cold and allergies.

Though the symptoms of colds and sinusitis are very similar, the effects of a sinus infection will last more than 10 days. To diagnose your child’s condition, our doctors will first begin by evaluating their symptoms. Our doctors will also use an endoscope and other tools to examine your child’s sinuses to recommend the most appropriate treatment. Signs of a sinus infection can include:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Headaches (usually in children older than 5)
• Swelling around the eyes
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Bad breath

Treatment Options for Children's Sinusitis

At Chesapeake Ear, Nose & Throat, we always begin with the most conservative care. Antibiotics are typically the first treatment option. We may combine these medications with a decongestant and mild pain medication. Using a humidifier at night can also help to alleviate your child’s symptoms. In rare cases, we may recommend surgery. Adenoid removal is one of the most common surgical options. In other instances, our doctors may perform minimally invasive endoscopic surgery. Using a small lighted camera, we can widen your child’s sinus passages and improve mucus drainage.

Schedule Your Child's Appointment

If you are concerned about your child's cold that won't go away, and worry that it might be a sinus infection, the doctors at Chesapeake Ear, Nose & Throat can identify and treat this condition. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how we can help treat your child’s sinusitis.