What is sinusitis in children?

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses. Inflammation often happens after a cold or with allergies. There are three types of sinusitis:

• Short-term (acute). Symptoms of this type of infection last less than 12 weeks and get better with the correct treatment.

• Long-term (chronic). These symptoms last longer than 12 weeks.

• Recurrent. This means the infection comes back again and again. It means 3 or more episodes of acute sinusitis in a year.

The sinuses are air-filled spaces (cavities) near the nose. They are lined with mucous membranes. There are four different sinuses:

• Ethmoid sinus. Located around the bridge of the nose. This sinus is present at birth and continues to grow.

• Maxillary sinus. Located around the cheeks. This sinus is also present at birth and continues to grow.

• Frontal sinus. Located in the area of the forehead. This sinus does not develop until around age 7.

• Sphenoid sinus. Located deep behind the nose. This sinus does not develop until the teen years.

What causes sinusitis in a child?

The cause of sinusitis varies depending on which type your child has. Acute sinusitis is mainly caused by viruses, but it can also be caused by bacteria. The cause of chronic sinusitis may not be known. Or it may be related to allergies, infections, or nasal polyps.

What are the symptoms of sinusitis in a child?

The most common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Stuffy nose.

• Thick, colored drainage in the nose.

• Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drip).

• Headache.

• Cough.

• Swelling around the eyes.

• Fever.

• Irritability or fatigue.

If your child has any of these symptoms for more than 10 to 14 days, make sure they see their doctor.

Which children are at risk for sinusitis?

A sinus infection sometimes happens after an upper respiratory infection or common cold. The cold causes swelling that can block the opening of the sinuses. This can cause a sinus infection. Allergies can also lead to sinusitis because of swelling and increased mucus. Other possible conditions that can lead to sinusitis include:

• Exposure to secondhand smoke.

• Nose injury.

• Birth defect with abnormality of the roof of the mouth (cleft palate).

• Problem with stomach acids (gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD).

• Cystic fibrosis and immunodeficiency syndromes.

• Large adenoids (tissue behind the nose).

Immune problems or antibody deficiencies are risks for chronic sinus conditions.

How is sinusitis diagnosed in a child?

The doctor will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may also have tests, such as:

• Sinus X-rays. An X-ray exam of the sinuses may help with the diagnosis.

• CT scan of the sinuses. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body. They are more detailed than X-rays.

• Cultures from the sinuses. A swab of discharge from the nose may be taken. The sample is checked for bacteria or other germs.

How is sinusitis treated in a child?

Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

What are possible complications of sinusitis in a child?

In very rare cases, acute sinusitis can result in a brain infection.

What can you do to prevent sinusitis in your child?

There are things that can help prevent sinusitis in your child. They include:

• Support a healthy lifestyle by providing a healthy diet, encouraging good fluid intake, and making time for physical exercise.

• Have your child use saline sprays, washes, or both. Use these often to keep the nose as moist as possible.

• Use a humidifier in dry indoor environments. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine.

• Keep your child away from smoke and the aerosol mist from vaping. Do not smoke or vape around your child or in your house. Avoid being around others who are smoking or vaping.

• Keep your child away from things that cause allergy symptoms.

• Don't force water into the sinuses. For example, your child should not jump into water.

• Limit time in chlorinated pools. The chlorine can irritate the nose and sinuses.

• Teach your child when and how to wash their hands.

• Keep you and your child up-to-date on immunizations.

• Don't have close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.

Key points about sinusitis in children

• Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses.

• When discharge from the nose is blocked, germs may start to grow. This leads to a sinus infection or sinusitis.

• Acute sinusitis may get better on its own. But if it doesn’t, medicine can be prescribed.

• For chronic sinusitis, the doctor may refer your child to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) for testing and treatment.

• To help prevent sinusitis, encourage a healthy lifestyle and have your child use saline sprays or washes to keep the nose moist. Use a humidifier in dry inside areas.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s doctor:

• Know the reason for the visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions the doctor gives you for your child.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed and how it will help your child. Also know what the side effects are and when they should be reported.

• Ask if your child’s condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if your child does not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your child’s doctor after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.