Pediatric sinusitis is an acute sinus problem for children. Sinusitis may present differently in children than adults because children’s sinuses typically do not fully develop until the late teens.
Sinusitis in Children: Get the Facts About Pediatric Sinusitis
Sinusitis affects numerous children, but kids with the following conditions are more likely to acquire sinusitis:
• Youths with nasal cavity and nose developmental issues
• Infected or inflamed teeth
• Cleft palate
• Pediatric GERD
• Nose injuries
• Immunodeficient conditions
• Cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, or other inherited respiratory diseases
Here are the most common types of sinusitis in children and the symptoms and treatment opportunities.
Acute Sinusitis Infections
When the sinuses become obstructed, bacteria may grow, potentially resulting in a sinus infection or sinusitis. Typical symptoms include:
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Greenish-yellow discharge
• Fever
• Headache
• Facial pain around the eyes
• Coughing
• Crankiness and irritability
Treatments
Antibiotics can typically eradicate bacteria in instances of infection. However, acute viral sinusitis should not be treated with antibiotics. Instead, symptomatic medications should be employed. Prompt emergency care is paramount for infrequent complications of acute sinusitis, such as brain or eye infections.
Chronic Sinusitis
The symptoms signifying chronic sinusitis endure for over 12 weeks. In cases where a child’s sinusitis has not responded to earlier treatments, we recommend seeking a meeting with an ear, nose, and throat professional for comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic assessment.
Treatment Options
• Antibiotics prescribed for an extended period
• Immunotherapy or anti-allergy injections may be required for youths who have chronic sinusitis with recurring allergic reactions.
• Topical therapies like saline sprays or nasal rinses may clear the nasal passages.
• Nasal corticosteroid sprays to help diminish inflammation.
• Adenoidectomy is known to alleviate sinusitis when adenoid hypertrophy obstructs the nasal airways.
• Balloon sinuplasty or endoscopic sinus surgery for children with persistent chronic sinusitis not due to adenoid hypertrophy
In Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Research on Rhinosinusitis shows that almost all children with cystic fibrosis have chronic sinus ailments. Patients with cystic fibrosis secrete thick, persistent mucus, leading to mucus stagnation, bacterial infections, inflammation, and mucosal edema. The presence of nasal polyps also contributes to severe congestion. Sometimes, they grow into the sinuses and create serious issues. Conservative therapies can help control CF-induced sinusitis early on, but as the condition advances, surgical intervention often becomes a necessity. Pediatric sinusitis is usually diagnosed with the help of CT scans or X-rays of the sinuses and examinations of cultures taken from the patient.
If your child is experiencing symptoms of sinusitis and you need to consult with an expert, contact us today.