It’s not a cold. It’s not the flu. It’s…a child sinus infection?
A child sinus infection, also called sinusitis, doesn’t get as much attention as some other common ailments. But it’s possible for kids to get them. So if your child comes down with sinus problems, what do you do?
First, some background. Kids with sinus infections might show symptoms like:
- Nasal congestion
- Thick, yellow nasal discharge
- Low-grade fever
- Coughing (mostly in the daytime)
- Lingering bad breath
There are options to Antibiotics for a Sinus Infection
If a pediatrician or sinus doctor diagnoses your child with a sinus infection, there are a few options for treatment. Based on recent changes to the American Academy of Pedriatrics’ treatment guidelines, some doctors are now waiting longer to give out antibiotics.
Old guidelines encouraged docs to prescribe antibiotics for kids with a bacterial sinus infection that lasted a week to 10 days. But now, docs can use a “wait and see” approach and observe kids for up to 72 hours past that 10-day mark before issuing antibiotics.
That means kids with less severe symptoms (symptoms that would usually go away on their own) don’t always have to take medicine.
So what treatment options are left? Besides antibiotics, doctors sometimes recommend nasal decongestant sprays or saline sprays. However, many over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines aren’t recommended for children — and children under age 2 definitely shouldn’t take them.
If it’s chronic, call a doctor
If your child has sinusitis that lasts longer than 12 weeks or has four or more sinus infections in a year, then chronic sinusitis might be to blame. For chronic sinusitis, a sinus specialist might recommend other medicinal or surgical treatments.
Sinus issues are different for every child. If you need advice about your child’s symptoms, give our NY sinus doctors a call for a consultation right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children with sinus infections often exhibit symptoms such as nasal congestion, thick yellow nasal discharge, a low-grade fever, daytime coughing, and lingering bad breath. These signs help differentiate sinus infections from common colds or the flu.
Recent guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a 'wait and see' approach for up to 72 hours beyond the typical 10-day duration of symptoms before prescribing antibiotics. This change aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic use since many sinus infections resolve on their own.
Most over-the-counter decongestants and antihistamines are not recommended for children, especially those under age 2. Instead, doctors may suggest nasal decongestant or saline sprays as safer treatment options for symptom relief.
You should consult a doctor if your child's sinusitis symptoms last longer than 12 weeks or if they experience four or more sinus infections within a year. These are signs of chronic sinusitis, which may require specialized medical or surgical treatment.
Aside from antibiotics, doctors may recommend nasal decongestant sprays or saline sprays to help relieve symptoms. These treatments are often preferred because many sinus infections resolve without the need for antibiotics, reducing potential side effects and resistance.
Chronic sinusitis in children is defined as sinus inflammation lasting longer than 12 weeks or having multiple infections annually. Treatment may include specialized medications or surgical options recommended by a sinus specialist to address persistent symptoms effectively.
Yes, sinus infections in children can have similar symptoms to colds and the flu, such as nasal congestion and coughing. However, the presence of thick yellow nasal discharge, lingering bad breath, and symptoms lasting longer than typical colds may indicate a sinus infection.