For many years, it was said that children cannot get sinus infections because they do not have sinuses. However, children do have sinuses when born, although very small. Sinuses develop quickly, so kids can develop sinus infections by age 1. Most sinus infections begin with a cold or viral upper respiratory infection. However, they can also develop because of allergies.
Symptoms
Your child’s sinus infections will initially be evaluated by their primary care provider. Treatment may include antibiotics, but many sinus infections clear on their own. Determining the difference between a viral upper respiratory infection or cold and a sinus infection is often difficult. When sinus infections become persistent, it may be time to consider evaluation by an ENT specialist.
Our physicians have extensive experience in treating pediatric sinusitis. Evaluation beyond the initial history and physical examination may include telescopic viewing of the nasal cavity, lab testing for allergies, X-rays and a computed tomography (CT) exam.
Based on the information provided by diagnostic testing, our physicians can recommend the best ongoing treatments for:
- A persistent cough that’s often worse at night
- Fever
- Headache or facial pain
- Persistent runny nose, often with colored secretions
- Severe nasal congestion
Balloon Sinuplasty
Surgery may be recommended depending on the severity of the situation. In children with chronic sinus issues, this may include adenoid removal and surgery on the sinuses. In the past, sinus surgery involved the removal of tissue and bone to drain the sinuses. With technological advances, there is now a noninvasive procedure called balloon sinuplasty to drain the sinuses and help prevent future sinus issues.
In this procedure, a small plastic tube is inserted into the sinus opening. A balloon in the plastic tube gently inflates to stretch the sinus opening. The balloon is then deflated and removed. This procedure is noninvasive, safe and very effective in children.
