Did you know that sinusitis is one of the most common health problems among children, accounting for millions of doctor visits each year? Let's explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for pediatric sinusitis.
What Is Paediatric Sinusitis?
Infections of the sinuses are known as sinusitis. Colds and allergies are common triggers for these infections. There are three types of sinusitis:
- Short term (acute) - When treated correctly, the symptoms of this infection usually subside within 12 weeks.
- Long-term (chronic) - More than a month has passed since the onset of these signs and symptoms.
- Recurrent - This means that the infection recurs over and over again. The term "acute sinusitis" refers to three or more episodes of sinusitis in a year.
Sinuses are air-filled cavities (spaces) located near the nose. They have mucous membranes covering them.
In the human anatomy, there are four distinct types of sinuses-
- Ethmoid sinus - The bridge of the nose is where this is found. Infancy, this sinus is already present and grows.
- Maxillary sinus - Acne is found on the upper lip. Additionally, the sinuses are present at birth and continue to expand.
- Frontal sinus - It is located in the forehead area. As a child ages 7 and up, this sinus begins to form.
- Sphenoid sinus - Deep in the back of the nose. In the teen years, this sinus begins to form.
Are There Any Children At High Risk For Sinusitis?
Children are more likely to develop sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses typically caused by a virus, because their sinuses are not fully developed. If they attend preschool or have a compromised immune system, the risk of infection increases.
Sinusitis can also be affected by-
- A congenital disability characterised by an abnormality of the palate (cleft palate)
- Cystic fibrosis and immunodeficiency disorders
- Foreign object in the nose
- Immune issues or antibody deficiencies cause chronic sinusitis
- Nose injury
- Oral infection
- Stomach acidity issues (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD)
- The unusual shape of the nose
What Causes A Child's Sinusitis?
Bacteria can grow when the sinuses are clogged with mucus or discharge. As a result, the sinuses become infected or inflamed.
Acute sinusitis can be caused by a multitude of bacteria, including:
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Moraxella catarrhalis
- Streptococcus pneumonia
What Are The Symptoms Of Pediatric Sinusitis?
The following signs and symptoms may indicate that your child has a sinus infection:
- A cold that lasts longer than 10-14 days
- Fevers ranging from mild to moderate to severe
- Indignation, frustration, or exhaustion
- Itching and burning in the eyes
- Six-year-olds and older often get headaches.
- Sore throat, cough, foul odour and bad breath are all possible side effects of post-nasal drip.
- Sore throat, cough, foul odour and bad breath are all possible side effects of post-nasal drip.
- Thick yellow-green nasal drainage for at least three days in a row.
How Can I Identify Sinusitis In My Child?
Sinuses don't fully mature in children until they reach their late teens. This means that children are much more susceptible to sinusitis than adults. sinusitis symptoms include-
- A cold or other respiratory illness that got worse but seemed to get better
- More than ten days of chronic nasal discharge
- A three-day fever with dark nasal discharge
How Can A Child's Sinusitis Be Diagnosed?
- Treatment depends on your child's symptoms, age, and overall health, as well as the severity of the illness.
- Acute Sinusitis may improve without treatment, but antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections, and antihistamines for allergies.
- Recurrent Sinusitis can be treated with antibiotics and allergy medications, but consult with your child's healthcare provider before using decongestant nasal sprays.
- Chronic Sinusitis requires consulting an ENT doctor who may prescribe antibiotics for longer periods, inhaled corticosteroid medicine, allergy injections, or surgery (rarely).
- Other treatments for chronic sinusitis include washing with salt, applying warm, moist compresses to relieve face pain, and drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and thin mucus.
What Are The Potential Complications Of Paediatric Sinusitis?
Neurological complications are rare in children with acute sinusitis.
Is Sinusitis Preventable?
Yes, sinusitis risk can be reduced by making simple changes to your lifestyle or home environment. Here are some ways to help prevent sinusitis:
- Use a saline spray, wash, or both on your child frequently to maintain optimal nasal moisture.
- Prevent your child from coming into contact with allergens.
- Maintain immunizations for yourself and your child.
- Maintain hygienic personal hygiene.
- Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments to keep home humidity at 45%–50% to prevent dry air from irritating sinuses and reduce infection risk. Keeping your humidifier clean is essential to preventing mould growth.
- Do not squirt water into your sinuses or allow your child to jump into the ocean.
- Avoid exposing your child to cigarette and cigar smoke.
- Avoid close contact with those who have colds or other upper respiratory illnesses.
Is Sinusitis Contagious?
Sinusitis is not an infectious disease. A cold can quickly spread among family and friends, making it common. To prevent the spread of germs, follow preventive measures.
When Should I See a Doctor?
If your child experiences any of the following:
- non-resolving allergy symptoms even after standard nasal decongestant treatment
- A cold that worsens after 7 days
- a cold that does not improve after 7–10 days
Also, call if your child exhibits any of the following signs of worsening sinusitis-
- fever, a cold that won't go away
- Eye swelling
- ache or strain in the cheeks or around the eyes
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