Sinusitis in Children


Sinus infections commonly known as sinusitis is an inflammation or swelling of the sinuses tissue lining. The symptoms can show up in both children and grown ups as colds or allergies. The sinus are located in the behind the forehead, cheeks, and eyes in the skull. They are airfilled spaces that help lighten the weight of the skull. They produce the required mucus to keep the nose moist. They also act as filters and clean the breathed in air.

What are the sinuses present in children?


In children, not all sinuses are present at birth. Some of them are present as airfilled cavities located within the bones of the skull and face. Various sinuses develop at different rates and become fully formed by late adolescence. The core sinuses in children are:
  • Maxillary Sinuses are present in the cheek area, on either side of the nose.
    • At birth they are very small and are well developed by age 4.
  • Ethmoid Sinuses are located between the eyes behind the bridge of the nose. These sinuses are present at birth and are fully developed by age 12.
  • Sphenoid Sinuses are located behind the ethmoid sinuses, near the center of the skull. Not presented at birth they begin developing around age 3–5, and are fully developed by the adolescence age of 12–15.
  • Frontal Sinuses are located in the forehead, above the eyes. They are not present during the birth and start developing when the child reaches the age of 6 and are fully formed by the late adolescence age of 15–20.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for sinusitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes of sinusitis in children?


Sinusitis is the inflammation of the air-filled cavities within the skull and nasal passages(sinuses). Sinusitis can be cured within a short span or can last for a long period. The various factors causing sinusitis are:
  • Viral, bacterial, fungal Infections
  • Allergies
  • Anatomical obstruction
  • Lack of immunity
  • Environmental factors
  • Lifestyle factors

1. Infections

  • Viral Infections are the most common cause for acute sinusitis. The virus inflames the tissue of the sinus linings. Due to inflammation of the sinus linings the drainage pathways are swollen and blocked. The most common viruses causing sinusitis are rhinovirus, adenovirus, and coronavirus.
  • Bacterial infections grow after the viral infection because the mucus gets trapped. In the trapped mucus, bacteria starts to grow. Bacterial growth causes more serious complications than a viral infection. The bacteria that could grow are:
    • Streptococcus pneumoniae
    • Haemophilus influenzae
    • Moraxella catarrhalis
  • Fungal infections are often seen in children with lower immunity. They are much more serious than the above two but occur rarely. The most common fungi affecting the sinus are:
    • Allergic fungal sinusitis is seen in people with allergies
    • Invasive fungal sinusitis seen in children with lower immunity and is dangerous and aggressive

2. Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)

  • Allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can trigger inflammation in nasal passages.

3. Structural Abnormalities


Physical blockages or narrow sinus drainage pathways can cause sinusitis. The most common structural abnormalities are:
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Soft growths inside nasal passages known as nasal polyps
  • Enlargement of the adenoids

4. Environmental Irritants:


In sensitive individuals these irritants cause chronic irritation and inflammation
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Air pollution
  • Strong odors or chemicals

5. Cystic Fibrosis:

  • It is a genetic disorder due to which there is thick, sticky mucus in the airways and sinuses. Such children suffer from chronic sinusitis and recurrent respiratory infections.

6. Barotrauma:

  • Barotrauma means a pressure change that affects the sinus drainage. Barotrauma is common during flying or scuba diving. If the sinuses were already partially blocked it can cause inflammation or infection.

What are the risk factors for sinusitis in children?


  • Frequent cold
  • Frequent upper respiratory infections
  • Exposure to secondhand smoke
  • Untreated nasal allergies
  • Asthma
  • Swimming/diving in chlorinated water
  • Constant exposure to polluted environments

For expert pediatric care and treatment for sinusitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of sinusitis in children?


Sinusitis in children is not the same as that of adults. For better recovery early diagnosis and proper treatment are required. The symptoms of sinusitis in children are:-
  • Nasal blockage
  • Yellowish or greenish thick nasal discharge
  • Cough and it will be more at night.
  • Pressure or tightness in the forehead
  • Headaches
  • Fever ranging from low to high
  • Fatigue along with irritability
  • Postnasal drip
  • Pain and the pressure in the ear
  • No smell or taste.
  • Snoring
  • Swollen eyes in the morning

When to See a Doctor for Sinusitis in children?

  • If the fever is > 102°F (39°C)
  • If the above symptoms last for more than 10 days.
  • Symptoms re-appear after initial recovery
  • Redness around the eyes
  • Severe headache neck stiffness
  • Dizziness or fainting

For expert pediatric care and treatment for sinusitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How is sinusitis in children diagnosed?


Dr.Swathy Talishetty gives a lot of prominence to the accurate diagnosis of sinusitis in children. The diagnosis is a combination of physical examination, clinical history, and in severe cases imaging tests. Here’s how healthcare providers typically diagnose it:

1. Clinical History and physical examination:


The pediatrician will ask for the history of colds, allergies, and irritants of the child. They will also look for the following symptoms:-
  • Duration and the degree of fever.
  • The colour of the nasal congestion and its thickness by taking a nasal drip.
  • Cough duration and if it is dry or a wet cough
  • The general condition of the child, their activity levels and appetite.

2. Imaging:

  • CT scan of the sinuses is done rarely and only in severe cases. If the symptoms are not coming down and the child is weakening day by day.

3.Tests

  • Nasal swabs and culture is done if the child is resistant to the antibiotic.
  • Allergy testing is done if the cause of sinusitis is allergic rhinitis.

What are the treatments available to cure Sinusitis in children?


Treatment modalities are based on the severity and the symptoms exhibited by the child. The treatment varies based if the cause is a viral or bacterial infection. Although viral infections may cure on their own but the bacterial ones will require medication. Here’s a breakdown of the treatment options:

1. At home care:


The first line of treatment is always at home care which is very effective for viral and mild bacterial infections. The below are the various at home care methods:-
  • Saline nasal spray clears the nasal passages
  • Nasal suctioning in young children removes the mucus
  • Regular application of warm compresses reduces the sinus pressure and reduces the headache and facial pain.
  • Keep the child hydrated so that the mucus will be thin so that it can be easily drained.
  • The doctor recommended over the counter medication to reduce pain and fever.
  • Use a humidifier in the room where the child is sleeping to moisten the surrounding air and helps reduce nasal congestion

2. Medication:


Antibiotics are used if the cause of the sinus is a bacterial infection and for the following symptoms:-
  • If the symptoms are not improving even after 10 days
  • If high fever, facial pain, and purulent nasal discharge last for more than 3 days.
  • If the symptoms resurface after reducing. This is double sickening and could be very serious. The antibiotics might work within the 5–7 days.

3. Advanced treatments for Recurrent or Chronic Sinusitis


If the symptoms of sinusitis are persistent for more than 3 months or if the child has at least 4 episodes/year then advanced treatments are tried such as:-
  • Intranasal corticosteroids that reduce inflammation in allergic or chronic cases
  • Full and complete allergy management
  • In rare cases Adenoidectomy or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS)

For expert pediatric care and treatment for sinusitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics is located at convenient location in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Pediatric Care

  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management.
  • Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and treatment for sinusitis, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care!

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