Sinus infection, also known as acute sinusitis, is an infection of the nasal passages of the nose. When this happens, the sinuses get overly inflamed, swollen, and clogged, resulting in a stuffy nose. However, unlike a typical stuffy nose, sinus infections linger and feature other symptoms. Most commonly, children with sinus infections also have pounding headaches, pain and swelling on the face, and other flu-like symptoms.
Sinus infections can occur as a standalone condition, or they can accompany other things, such as the flu or the common cold. While most sinus infections eventually go away on their own, medications and treatment can help speed up the process. There are also home remedies you can implement to help with the uncomfortable symptoms of sinus infections.
The most common sign of a sinus infection is that you’ll have a stuffy, clogged nose that refuses to clear up. However, because of where your sinuses are located, inside your face and forehead, there are other symptoms as well.
In most cases, these symptoms last for 7 to 10 days before they finally start to go away. Symptoms are usually at their worst in the first few days of the infection and gradually get better. If your child continues to display symptoms of a sinus infection for more than 10 days, you should strongly consider seeing a medical professional. It’s possible that the infection has led to something else or that it isn’t a sinus infection at all.
A sinus infection happens when your sinuses, which are normally filled with air, are suddenly filled with fluid instead. This can happen as a result of a bacteria or fungus, but it’s most often the result of a viral infection such as the common cold. While no one is exempt from a sinus infection, some children are more prone to them than others.
If your child falls into any of these categories, you should be extra cautious about sinus infections.
Sinus infections are extremely common, and most healthcare providers can diagnose them with little difficulty. For starters, they will ask your child about their symptoms and recent health history to determine if they have one of the risk factors. Next, your doctor will perform several tests to determine whether or not your child has a sinus infection.
A fluid sample from a nasal swab can be tested to see if you have a viral infection indicative of a sinus infection.
Imaging tests are often overkill and not necessary for diagnosis. However, in extreme cases, a CT scan may be necessary.
A sinus endoscopy will give your doctor a good view of your child’s nasal passages to see if they’re full of fluid or air.
In most cases, your child’s sinus infection will resolve on its own within seven to ten days of the initial infection. However, with serious infections or to speed up the healing process, there are several things that can help.
Rinsing the nasal passages is important to keep them clear and drained.
Antibiotics can kill the virus causing the infection and speed up the healing process.
Medications can help ease the painful symptoms of a sinus infection.
It’s also important to get plenty of rest if you have a sinus infection, and to keep your nasal passages moist and clear.