Sinusitis Symptoms in Children

Near the nasal passage are air filled pockets called sinuses. These are four sets of spaces in the cheek bone, forehead, at the back of nasal passage and deep inside the brain. Just like the nasal passage, sinuses are lined with mucous membrane. When the sinuses near the nose get infected, the resultant problem is termed as sinusitis. The infection often occurs after a child has developed cold or allergic inflammation. Sinusitis is of three types:

Acute sinusitis occurs quickly and improves as the patient is treated.
Sub acute sinusitis type does not improve with treatment and lasts for three months.
Chronic sinusitis type of sinusitis repeats when the infection is not adequately treated and can last for longer than 3 months.

Sinusitis is caused by an infection of sinus after the child has upper respiratory infection, or even common cold could be a cause of sinusitis. The inflammation of the nasal passage blocks the openings on sinuses resulting in infection. Allergic reaction can also cause swelling of nasal tissues and production of mucus increases. These factors result in blocking of normal flow of secretion from sinuses and leads to growth of bacteria and nasal infection which leads to sinusitis.

Symptoms

• Running nose which lasts for more than 10 days at a stretch. The discharge is usually green or yellow and thick. In certain cases it can be clear.
• Cough at night time and occasionally at day time.
• Swelling around nose, worst in the morning.
• Fever with sore throat.

Diagnosis

When a child suffering from sinusitis is taken to the doctor he will examine the child and recommend certain tests to be done to ascertain the problem. The tests are:

• Culture of sinus fluid to ascertain bacteria present and medicine which will be most effective.
• X-ray of sinus.
• In extreme cases where the patient gets repeated sinus attacks, the doctor may also recommend CT or CAT scan.
• Blood test.

Treatment

When the cause has been ascertained it will be easy for the doctor to proceed with treatment. Treatment of sinusitis may include the following:

• Being a disease caused due to bacterial action, antibiotics are very effective to control. The doctor will prescribe the dose to be given to the child. A full course of antibiotics ranging between 10 to 14 days or still longer may be required to fully eradicate the problem.
• To reduce pain and discomfort suffered by the child due to sinusitis the doctor may recommend SOS dose of acetaminophen.
• To make the child comfortable a cool a mist humidifier may be installed in the room of the child. This will make breathing easy.
• In case of stuffed nose the doctor will recommend nasal drops. These will help reduce stuffiness and make the child comfortable.

Ensure to teach the child to keep hands clean and maintain proper hygiene. The attendants of the child should also wash hands properly using some anti bacterial soap before coming in contact with the child or before providing feed or food to the child.