Sinus infections

What is sinusitis?

The sinuses are the cavities in bones around the nose, eyes and in the forehead. Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. The inflammation occurs because of a bacterial infection. Inflammation causes swelling. Sinusitis is more common in children over 10 years old.

Sinuses

Signs and symptoms of sinusitis

Symptoms may include:

• nasal discharge that persists for five to six days and then worsens
• daytime cough that can be worse at night
• new onset of fever many days into an illness
• thick yellow-green mucous coming out of the nose for at least three days
• facial pain
• swelling around the eye and over the sinuses
• headache that worsens when bending forward

Causes

Sinus infections almost always start from a viral infection. Even when the sinus infection is caused by a bacterial infection, the infection often clears up on its own in a week or so.

If symptoms last longer than 10 days, symptoms start to improve and then worsen, or are very severe, the sinus infection could be getting worse and may be caused by bacteria. In this case, your child may need antibiotics.

What your child's doctor can do for your child with sinusitis

Physical examination

Your child's doctor will examine your child. Usually reviewing signs and symptoms is enough to make a diagnosis. Imaging of the sinuses with X-rays or CT scans are usually not required.

Treatment

Once diagnosed with bacterial sinusitis, your child’s doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. The infection should start to improve within 48 to 72 hours.

Complications of sinusitis

Sometimes sinus infections can cause skin infections or spread into the area around the eye or into the bones of the face. Severe infections can also cause infections in the brain. These complications are very rare, and symptoms may include:

• swelling or redness of the skin around the eye
• pain with eye movements or limited eye movements
• decreased vision
• seizures
• very severe headache
• photophobia (pain when looking at light)

How you can help your child

Monitor the fever and complete the antibiotics

The fever usually improves 48 to 72 hours after starting antibiotics. Complete the course of antibiotic therapy as prescribed. This is important to prevent a recurrence, antibiotic resistance and complications of the disease. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used to treat fever or pain.

Offer your child liquids, often

Give plenty of liquids. Sipping with a straw or sippy cup may help.

When to get medical assistance

See a doctor or visit the nearest Emergency Department right away if:

• your child has a high fever and a bad headache
• your child has swelling around their eyes, has a change in their vision or has trouble moving their eyes