Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer : This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, as...
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What are the sinuses?
- Sinuses are moist air spaces in our bones around the nose
- We have sinuses in the cheekbones, forehead, between the eyes and behind the eyes and nasal passages
- Your child’s sinuses grow until they are in their teenage years
What is a sinus infection?
Irritation and inflammation of the sinuses, also called sinusitis
What can cause a sinus infection?
- Allergies that keep the sinuses clogged for a prolonged period
- Cold viruses that lead to a bacterial infection
- recurrent smoke exposure causing a constant irritation of your child’s sinuses
What are sinus infection symptoms?
- Cold symptoms that last longer than 10 days
- (may include: sore throat, nasal discharge, cough or ear pain)
- Your child may have a fever beyond day 5 to 6 of symptoms
- Your child’s appetite maybe down
- Your child’s activity and energy level maybe decreased
- Your child might tell you that light bothers them
- Your child may complain of a headache at times
- Your child may say they feel dizzy
- Parts of your child’s face may look swollen
- Even with good oral hygiene, your child’s breath may continue to smell
How is a sinus infection treated?
- Your child’s provider may encourage sinus rinses with nasal saline
- Encourage your child to rest as needed
- Encourage your child to drink lots of fluid
- Your child’s provider may prescribe antibiotics
- Your child’s provider may encourage supportive measures alone, as some sinus infections will resolve with time
How can I prevent my child from having a sinus infection?
- Encourage regular hand washing
- Minimize any exposures that you know trigger your child such as allergies and smoke
- Avoid others who are sick
- Be sure to give your child any medications as prescribed
When do I call my child’s provider?
- If your child is not improving in two to three days with medication prescribed
- If your child’s symptoms get worse
- If your child is not drinking fluids well
- If your child is having any trouble breathing
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org and Rady Children’s Hospital Website
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 07/2023