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Howard Levine, M.D.
Mt. Sinai Nasal-Sinus Center, Cleveland, OH
Sinusitis is the inflammation of one or more of the sinuses that drain into the nose. Everyone has four sets of sinuses. In children, the ethmoid sinuses are most commonly affected.
A common cold may start a sinus infection. Also, unusual little things such as a peanut, a raisin or a bead pushed into the nose may cause a nasal infection.
When an infection begins, the lining of the sinuses may become swollen blocking the passage where normal sinus mucous drains. This results in a back up of mucus which can not get out. When this mucous remains in the sinus too long it can become infected.
Many of the signs of childhood sinusitis are the same as the common cold. When the symptoms of a cold last longer than seven or ten days it is time to consider a sinus infection. Common sinus infection symptoms include:
- fever
- yellow or green nasal drainage
- cough
- headache
- facial pain or facial pressure
- congestion
- swelling around the eyes
- sneezing "attacks"
Often your doctor is able to diagnose sinusitis from your description of the problem. Sometimes your physician will need an X-ray (CAT scan) of the sinuses to exactly identify the problem.
Antibiotics are the primary medication for the treatment of sinusitis. Other medications include:
- decongestants to decrease mucous
- mucolytics to thin the mucous
- cortisone nasal spray to reduce nasal swelling
It is very important to finish all of the medication even if the symptoms of the infection seem to have gone away.
Sometimes the medications do not completely clear away the infection. The child then requires a re-evaluation. It is very important for you to keep in contact with your physician. Your child depends on you.
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