Understanding Sinus Infections in Children: A Parent’s Guide

Sinus infections are a common condition in children. They often develop as a side effect of a cold. On average, children will catch between 6 and 10 colds each year. Out of that amount, a few could turn into sinus infections. 

How do you know if your child has a sinus infection? What causes sinus infections? How are they treated? Learn the answers to these questions and more in this parent’s guide to sinus infections. 

What is a Sinus Infection?

A sinus infection occurs when there is a buildup of mucus in the sinuses. Sinuses are pockets of air in the face that exist around the nose, eyes, and forehead. When the sinuses fill up with mucus and become congested, meaning the mucus is not draining out, it can lead to a viral or bacterial infection. 

Symptoms of Sinus Infections 

The symptoms of a sinus infection include many typical cold symptoms, such as: 

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Mucus draining into the throat
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Headache

When the following symptoms are also present, it may indicate that the child has developed a sinus infection: 

• Fever
• Facial pain in the sinus area
• Cold symptoms that last more than 10 days
• Severe headache

Causes of Sinus Infections 

Sinus infections may be caused by the following: 

• Colds. The common cold leads to excess mucus in your nasal passages, which often moves into your sinuses. As the nose becomes congested, the mucus can get trapped in the sinuses along with viruses and bacteria, resulting in an infection. 
• Allergies. Allergies have many of the same symptoms as a cold, such as excess mucus production, which can lead to a sinus infection the same way a cold can. 
• Dry air. Extremely dry air can cause the nasal passages to become dried out, which makes the body produce extra mucus to moisturize the nose. This can cause a buildup of mucus in the sinuses and congestion can trap it, causing an infection. 
• Dehydration. Being dehydrated can lead to a sinus infection, especially when in combination with a cold or allergies. Drinking water helps flush out mucus before it builds up in your sinuses. Being well hydrated also thins out mucus, helping it drain more easily out of the sinuses and nasal passages. 
• Flu. Influenza, which has many symptoms in common with colds, such as excess mucus production, can lead to a sinus infection. 
• Strep throat. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that develops in the throat but has a tendency to spread to other parts of the ear, nose, and throat area, including the sinuses, resulting in a sinus infection. 
• Bacteria. Bacteria can enter the sinuses through other ways, such as children putting their fingers in their noses without washing their hands. 

How is a Sinus Infection Treated?

Sinus infections can sometimes clear up on their own. But in some cases medication can be helpful. In cases of bacterial sinus infections, antibiotics are the typically most effective treatment option. But for viral infections there are other medications that can help treat the symptoms of a sinus infection, such as decongestants, antihistamines, and saline nasal rinses. It can also help to drink plenty of fluids. If symptoms don’t subside after more than 10 days, steroids may be prescribed. 

When To Call Your Pediatrician

It can be difficult to tell when a cold or allergies develop into something more severe. Fever is a telltale sign of an infection in the body. If your child develops a fever that lasts more than a few days and is accompanied by nasal congestion and significant pain in the sinus area, call your Phoenix pediatrician. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, rule out other illnesses, and prescribe medication if necessary.

Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group provides medical services for children from birth through early adulthood. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule an appointment.