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Pediatric Sinusitis

Pediatric Sinusitis

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
Pediatric Sinusitis
Sinusitis in Adults
Acute sinusitis is often present with cloudy or colored drainage from the nose lasting up to four weeks and in combination with the following:
  • Stuffy nose, congestion
  • Pain, pressure in the face, head, or around the eyes
  • Cold symptoms that drag on
  • If, within ten days of getting sick, symptoms don't improve or initially get better, then worsen again

An ENT specialist may also need to schedule a CT scan to check for polyps, pus, or thickened mucous in the nose and fully diagnose chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms:

  • Congested or blocked nasal passages
  • Pain and pressure in the face, head, or around the eyes
  • Thick nasal drainage
  • Losing a sense of smell