Sinus Infection

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Sinus Infection 〰️

Care Plan

What to expect

Sinus infection symptoms can resemble those of a simple cold, such as a stuffy or runny nose and a cough that worsens at night. Generally, a cold and the accompanying viral sinus infection improve on their own within 7–10 days.

However, symptoms that persist longer or worsen about a week after the cold begins might indicate a bacterial sinus infection. Children with a bacterial sinus infection may experience:

- A fever that starts after their cold symptoms have improved

- Bad breath

- Nausea and poor appetite

- Pain or pressure in the face, which can also be felt in the ears, teeth, or throat

- In teens, a headache or pain behind the eyes (cold-related headaches in young children usually aren’t sinus infections, as the sinuses in the forehead and behind the eyes don’t fully develop until around 7 years old and aren’t formed enough to get infected until the early teen years)

In rare cases, a bacterial sinus infection can begin suddenly, with a high fever and stuffy nose lasting for 3–4 days in a child who appears very ill.

  • How to prevent?

    Not all sinus infections can be prevented, but some can be avoided by managing allergies and taking steps to avoid catching colds. Teach kids to:

    - Avoid people who are sick.

    - Wash their hands thoroughly and frequently.

    - Avoid sharing towels, drinking glasses, or eating utensils with someone who has a cold.

    - Not pick up used tissues from others.

    Additionally, using a humidifier during the winter can help maintain home humidity at 45%–50%. This prevents dry air from irritating the sinuses, making them less susceptible to infection. Be sure to clean your humidifier regularly to prevent mold growth..

How to care for a sinus infection?

Many sinus infections are caused by viruses and typically resolve without medical treatment. To alleviate pain, you can apply warm compresses to the affected area and give acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if allowed). Avoid giving aspirin to children with a viral illness, as it is associated with Reye syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Over-the-counter saline (saltwater) solution is safe and can help wash out the inside of the nose and relieve congestion.

If doctors suspect a bacterial cause for the sinus infection, they may wait a few days to see if it clears up on its own or they may prescribe antibiotics.