Pediatric Sinusitis
Sinusitis (rhinosinusitis) in children can look different from sinusitis in adults.
Children often present with a cough, smelly breath, fussiness, and lethargy. They also have swollen eyes and a thick yellow-green discharge or drippy nose.
Children are often diagnosed with a viral upper respiratory infection, in which case the provider will treat the symptoms. Antibiotics could be an option if a bacterial sinus infection is present.
A child's sinuses do not fully develop until later in adolescence. Sinusitis in adults or children can be a challenge to diagnose due to other problems, such as a viral illness or allergy, which may also cause symptoms.
Symptoms of Pediatric Sinusitis
The symptoms listed below may suggest that a sinus infection
- Colds lasting longer than 10 to 14 days
- Low- or high-grade fever
- Thick yellow-green sinus drainage for three or more days in a row
- Post-nasal drip, sometimes with a sore throat, a cough, poor-smelling breath, vomiting, or nausea
- Headache, common in children aged six or older
- Irritability or fatigue
- Swelling around the eyes
rgb(255,255,255)