Chronic Sinus Infection in Children

Chronic sinus infections in children have a variety of causes, from infection to the presence of nasal polyps. Although sinusitis may be common, it is characterized as chronic when it lasts longer than eight weeks or recurs frequently.

Facts

• The sinus is a small cavity filled with air located inside the cheekbones and forehead. Sinuses produce mucus that drains into the nose. Chronic sinus infections in children occur when cavities in the child's nasal passages become inflamed. When this happens, a buildup of mucus occurs because it is not easily drained.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of a chronic sinus infection in children include the discharge of thick and greenish mucus from the nose or back of the throat. This mucus can also obstruct the nasal passages, making it difficult for the child to breathe. Coughing, which tends to worsen during the night or cold weather, is also common. Children with a chronic sinus infection also tend to complain of pain around the face and even the teeth. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and bad breath.

Causes

• One of the most common causes of chronic sinus infections is an allergic reaction, which can trigger fungal infections in the sinuses of children. Existing medical conditions such as colds and cystic fibrosis can cause a nasal blockage. When this happens, the probability of the growth of bacteria can result in a chronic sinus infection. Chronic sinus infections can also be the result of injury or deformity. When a bone in the face is deformed, such as in the case of a deviated nasal septum, the nasal passage may be blocked. Finally, tumors and other unusual growths may trigger the condition as well.

Treatment

• All treatments of chronic sinus infection focus on reducing the inflammation of the nasal passages. Once this is done, drainage of the mucus can occur normally, reducing the risk of infections. Usually, this would have to mean the elimination of the underlying cause of the blockage. Some of the methods used to relieve chronic sinus infection in children include saline nasal spray, corticosteroids and decongestants. Children should not be given pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen because it can result in Reye's syndrome, a disease that can cause inflammation of the liver or swelling in the brain.

Prevention

• One way to prevent a chronic sinus infection in children is to reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections by minimizing contact with people who have colds. Washing the hands regularly can also kill the pathogens that cause infection. Allergies should be properly managed by either avoiding irritants or using a prescribed medicine. Using a humidifier can improve the quality of air that the child breathes in, decreasing the risk of infection.