A child's sinuses do not develop until they are juvenile, although two smaller sinuses, the maxillary and the ethmoid, are present at birth. Unlike adults, it is difficult to diagnose a sinus infection in children as it can be caused by allergies or other problems such as a viral infection. Here is some information in this article about sinusitis in children and how it can be diagnosed and treated.
What is sinus?
The air filled passage or cavity near the nasal track is known as a sinus. There are four types of sinuses found in children:
1. Ethmoid Sinus
This sinus is present at birth and continues to grow as the baby grows. The ethmoid sinus is located on the side of the face near the bridge of the nose.
2. Maxillary Sinus
This sinus is located on the inside of the face, near the cheeks. It is present at birth and continues to grow.
3. Frontal Sinus
This sinus does not develop until the child is 7 years old. This sinus is located in the forehead area.
4. Sphenoid Sinus
This sinus is located deep in the face, just behind the nose. The sphenoid sinus does not develop until the child is older.
What is sinusitis?
Infection of the sinuses near the nose or forehead is known as sinusitis. Sinusitis usually occurs when your child has inflammation or a cold due to allergies. In children this is called pediatric sinusitis. Sinus infection is a common problem in young children.
Types of sinusitis
Sinusitis is classified on the basis of the duration of the infection.
1. Acute Sinusitis
This type of sinusitis lasts for 7-10 days, and gets cured if treated properly.
2. Subacute Sinusitis
Symptoms of subacute sinusitis can be observed for four to eight weeks. Initially, there is no improvement with its treatment, so continuous treatment is needed to get better results.
3. Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic infection affects a child when he has regular acute sinusitis or if the previous infection is not treated properly. Symptoms of chronic sinusitis in children last for six to eight weeks or longer. It can be recognized by post nasal drainage and excessive congestion in the nasal passage.
4. Recurrent
When a child has three or more attacks of acute sinusitis, it is called recurrent sinusitis.
Causes of sinusitis in children
A cold or an upper respiratory infection (URI) can cause sinus problems in children. During a URI, the nasal passage swells, which closes off the paranasal sinuses and leads to sinus infection.
Sinusitis in children can also have the following causes:
Malformation of nose
Dental infection
Nose injury
Swollen adenoids (throat glands)
Passive smoking (breathing in second hand smoke)
Cleft palette
Swimming or diving
Signs and symptoms of sinusitis-
Your child's age is the most primary criterion for symptoms of sinusitis. But these symptoms are different in every child. These symptoms include the following:
Small children:
Swelling around the eyes
Runny nose for 7 to 10 days
Nasal discharge that is yellow or green
Cough at night
Occasional cough during the day
Headache in children over the age of five
Teenagers and Adults:
Fever
Sore throat
Headache
Nose to throat drip
Running nose
Cold symptoms lasting more than a week
Bad breath
Facial pain or discomfort
Cough
Swelling near the eyes that gets worse in the morning.
A sinus headache in a child is usually related to a migraine because it often causes pain in the front of the face and a lot of pressure under the eyes. If there is no nausea or vomiting, take your child to the doctor to find out about treatment.
Diagnosis of sinusitis in children
Based on the initial physical examination and the child's symptoms, the doctor will diagnose sinusitis. Sometimes, some other tests are also needed to confirm the treatment. These include the following:
CT or CAT scan- Known as computed tomography, this scan is actually a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to create an excel image (slice-like image) of the body. This scan is much more detailed than an X-ray, allowing doctors to clearly see bones, fat, organs and muscles.
Sinus X-ray- This is a diagnostic test that uses electromagnetic energy beams to produce photographic images of bones, tissues and organs on a film. This is mostly done to help treat and confirm the problem.
Sinus culture- This is a kind of lab test that looks for the growth of bacteria or microorganisms, which helps to confirm the treatment.
Sinusitis treatment in children-
To ease sinus pain in children, your child's doctor will start the line of treatment after analyzing the following points:
Age, medical history and current health of the child
Type and severity of infection
Child's choice in therapy, medicines or medical procedure
Your choice or opinion about the treatment
Treatment for sinusitis for children includes the following-
Antibiotics that have to be taken for two weeks
Medicines such as acetaminophen that help reduce pain
Nasal spray to prevent inflammation
Endoscopic sinus surgery
Surgery to remove adenoids
Medicines for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
Home remedies for sinusitis-
There are a number of home remedies that can help relieve sinusitis in a child.
1. Humidifier
When sinusitis is on the rise, put a humidifier in the child's bedroom. This will make it easier for the baby to breathe. This will enable the child to sleep soundly which will help him in fighting the disease.
2. Saline Nasal Spray
Saline Nasal Spray helps to thin the mucus and open the nasal passages. The baby may not like it at first, but gradually he will feel relief as its use softens the mucus and clears up the congestion easily. Use it twice a day with the baby lying down or as directed.
3. Steam
Steam proves to be very helpful in reducing stiffness. This softens the sinus passages and mucus. Open the hot shower in the bathroom and let the steam build up until the baby is comfortable. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the baby's bath tub to reduce excessive congestion.
4. Tea Tree Oil
If the child is not able to rest due to sinusitis, then you can try some harsh home remedies. Mix a drop of tea tree oil with coconut or almond oil and apply it on the baby's nose with cotton. The anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties of tea tree oil help your child fight off infections and thus prove to be an effective sinus treatment as well.
5. Hydration
To keep your child's body hydrated, give him water and fresh juices throughout the day. This will help to loosen the mucus and heal the sinus problem in a natural way.
6. Warm Washcloth
Dip a clean washcloth or soft towel in a bowl of warm water. Make sure it is not too hot when you place it on your baby's face. Applying it helps in the release of mucus and gives some relief from discomfort.
Can sinusitis in children be prevented?
Sinusitis can be prevented with these simple tips-
Make sure your child gets vaccinated and that no vaccinations should be missed.
Keep pets away from his bed and, if possible, from the bedroom as well.
Avoid smoking when the child is around.
If you have a lot of dust in your house, use a HEPA filter.
Wash carpets and sheets regularly to avoid dust mites.
While dealing with sinusitis in children, keeping all the sources of infection away can help in reducing this problem in the child. Remember, a newborn's body is very delicate and it takes time for it to adjust to the world around it. Make sure you consult your doctor if the child's symptoms persist for more than two weeks.
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