Sinusitis in Children – CT Sinus Center

You don’t often hear about children having sinusitis and that’s because (a) their sinuses don’t fully develop until the late teenage years and (b) the symptoms can closely mirror other conditions such as allergies, colds, ear infections and adenoid infections. This isn’t to say that kids don’t get sinus infections, just that sometimes they are more difficult to diagnose than in adults.

How do I know if my child may have a sinus infection?

According to American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the signs of pediatric sinusitis include:

A cold lasting more than 10 to 14 days, sometimes with a low-grade fever
Thick yellow-green nasal drainage
Post-nasal drip, sometimes leading to or exhibited as sore throat, cough, bad breath,
Nausea and/or vomiting
A headache, usually in children age six or older
Irritability or fatigue
Swelling around the eyes

You may notice that these symptoms are a little different than those of adult sinusitis. The causes, on the other hand, are usually quite similar. With the exception that as small children have a tendency to stick things up their nose, getting an object stuck can cause infections in that age group as well.

Also like adults, children can have either acute or chronic sinusitis, viral or bacterial — all of which receive different treatments. So if you think your child may be suffering from sinusitis, it’s best to go to a doctor such as our expert physicians at CT Sinus Center.

What should I expect when I bring my child to the sinus doctor?

With a gentle bedside manner, the first thing the doctor will do is talk to you and your child about their medical history and symptoms. Depending on the case, the doctor may suggest your child undergo the following tests:

Nasal endoscopy, in which a thin, flexible tube with a fiber-optic light is inserted through your nose.
Imaging studies, in which a CT Scan or MRI can show details images of your sinuses.
Nasal/sinus cultures, though generally unnecessary, which might help pinpoint a bacterial or fungal cause.
Allergy tests recommended if your doctor suspects the condition may be brought on by allergies.

With most sinus infections, rest and/or antibiotics do the trick, and our doctors will find the right treatment for your child’s needs. Make an appointment at one of CT Sinus’s four conveniently-located offices — Kent and Waterbury — by calling 860-BALLOON. Just think of how much better you’ll feel when your child is feeling better.

For more information on sinus-related conditions or treatments, read more about CT Sinus Center and take a look at our blog.