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Sinus Allergies in Children

Sinus allergies in children are as problematic as nasal allergies and can cause just as many complications such as ear infections and sinus infections. Sinus allergies are triggered by many of the same allergens as nasal allergies, including grass, dust, cigarette smoke, mold and even strong-smelling soaps. Mild cases of sinus allergies in children are often treated with over-the-counter medications while severe cases are usually effectively treated with prescriptions and daily preventative therapy.

  1. Symptoms

    • Sinus allergies in children causes symptoms similar to nasal allergies such as a clear runny nose, sneezing and red, itchy, watery eyes. Sinus allergies may also cause a possible dry cough, sinus congestion, facial tenderness and headaches. Additional symptoms of sinus allergies that may be present in children include dark circles under the eyes, wheezing, recurring colds and ear infections and severe nighttime congestion and coughing.

    Home Treatment

    • Sinus allergies in children are usually successfully treated with over-the-counter allergy medications and antihistamines. To help with sinus congestion caused from sinus allergies, try using a vaporizer at nighttime to loosen mucus and congestion as well as promote faster healing. Try creating a steam room in your bathroom by closing the door, turning the shower on for 10 to 15 minutes and letting your child breath in the steam vapors. The steam will help thin mucus and loosen congestion, allowing them to blow out and cough up persistent congestion and mucus.

    Professional Treatment

    • Chronic sinus allergies in children may require prescription strength allergy medications, decongestants, antihistamines and expectorants. If your child has had a lengthy bout of sinus allergies he or she may have developed a sinus or ear infection that will require antibiotic treatment to clear. Your pediatrician may also recommend saline drops to thin mucus and speed healing.

    Considerations

    • Children who begin to suffer chronic sinus allergies that affect their daily lives should see an allergist to identify specific allergens through skin testing. An allergist will also be able to perform blood testing known as RAST, which identifies antibody level measurements to allergens as well as recommend and prescribe the latest allergy treatments or allergy shots to treat severe sinus allergies.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Finding out what causes your child to suffer from sinus allergies and addressing the problem is the best means of prevention. Pollens, dust, mold and cigarette smoke are allergens that can trigger sinus allergies in children. Pets, grass and cosmetics such as perfume, strong-smelling soaps, hairspray, deodorants and makeup powders are also allergens that may trigger sinus allergies.

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