Sinuses are air-filled spaces located behind a child's brain. These spaces are lined with mucus membranes and usually drain, which allows air to circulate freely in the open space. When a child's sinuses are blocked, however, it allows bacteria to accumulate, which causes infection. Sinus infections can cause children intense pain and discomfort. Fortunately, once you've identified the problem, there are many treatment options.

Symptoms of Sinus Infection

Children who have a sinus infection may experience drainage of green or yellow discharge from the nose, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pain and pressure may also be felt in the child's nose, forehead or cheeks. A child may also complain about pain in the jaw and teeth, accompanied by a cough, which gets more intense in the evening hours. Pain in the ears, fever and irritability are also signs of a sinus infection in children. The child may seem irritable and complain of sore throat or feeling nauseous.

Causes of Sinus Infection

According to the Mayo Clinic, a sinus infection occurs when the mucus membranes in the sinus, throat and nose experience inflammation. This swelling prevents the drainage of mucus, which causes symptoms of sinus infection in your child. The majority of sinus infections occur during a viral infection, such as the common cold. However, if a child has a bacterial infection in the respiratory tract, this can also cause a sinus infection. Health conditions such as allergies or hay fever can boost the chances of a child getting a sinus infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Treatment Options

Before prescribing antibiotics, your child's doctor will likely recommend using a saline nasal spray. This substance is sprayed directly into the child's nose to rinse out the nasal passages and is applied several times a day. Over-the-counter nasal corticosteroids may also be recommended. These products, such as Nasonex or Flonases, reduce inflammation in the sinuses. When sinus infection doesn't respond to over-the-counter treatment options, your child's doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, such as amoxicillin or sulfamethoxazole. Antibiotics must be taken as directed, even if your child starts feeling better. Discontinuing antibiotics too early can cause the infection to come back, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Source:

Medline Plus: Sinusitis

Mayo Clinic

Nose and Paranasal Sinuses