What is Acute Sinusitis?
Sinusitis is swelling and inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses. The condition is sometimes known as a sinus infection.
Sinuses are air-filled spaces located in different areas of the face. Usually they’re empty.
When a child gets a cold, the lining of these spaces becomes irritated and starts making fluid. Most of the time this process gets better on its own and the discomfort is short-term.
But if the fluid in these spaces sits there long enough or can’t drain, they can become infected with bacteria. This process usually takes 7 to 10 days.
Signs and symptoms of acute sinusitis include:
At least 10 days of cold symptoms that don’t improve
Headache or sinus pressure
Thick nasal discharge
Dark circles/bags under the eyes
How to Treat Acute Sinusitis
Sinus pain with a cold is common. It gets better on its own. If symptoms last for 10 days or more, then a bacterial sinus infection becomes more likely.
Bacterial sinus infections are treated with antibiotics and symptoms usually begin to improve within 2 to 3 days.
Other supportive care you can offer your child includes:
Sinus pain
Tylenol or ibuprofen
Warm compresses over the sinuses as often as your child likes
Nasal congestion
Drink plenty of fluids to thin the congestion
Use saline (salt water) nose drops or spray to loosen up the dried mucus. If you don’t have saline, you can use a few drops of bottled water or clean tap water.
Run a hot shower to create a steam-filled bathroom where your child can sit to help clear stuffiness
For children 8 years of age and older, saline sinus irrigation can provide better relief of congestion.
Cool-mist humidifier. Make sure to clean daily to avoid bacteria and mold growth. Warm-mist humidifier not recommended.
See a doctor in person if…
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child develops a worsening headache especially if it’s in one specific area
Swelling redness around the eyes
Sensitivity to light
Your child is not drinking well
Your child develops unusual lethargy/tiredness
Your child’s symptoms don’t improve or worsen after 48-72 hours on antibiotics