What Are Sinuses?
The sinuses are air filled spaces in the bones of the face that surround and drain into the inside of the nose. At birth these sinuses are very small. They continue to enlarge throughout childhood, and are not fully developed until late adolescence. There are four paired sets of sinuses:
1. Maxillary sinuses - are large spaces located behind the cheek between the upper teeth and the eyes.These are present at birth and enlarge as the child grows.
2. Ethmoid sinuses - are a series of small cavities between the eyes. These are also present at birth and enlarge as the child grows..
3. Frontal sinuses - are in the forehead, and do not develop until the child is 7 years of age.
4. Sphenoid sinuses - are deep inside the head, at the back of the nose and only develop at adolescence.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection of the sinuses. These infections usually occur after a cold or after an allergic inflammation. There are four types of sinusitis:
•Acute - Symptoms last less than four weeks and get better with the appropriate treatment.
•Subacute - This type of infection does not get better with treatment initially, and symptoms last four to eight weeks.
•Chronic - This type of infection happens with repeated acute infections or with previous infections that were inadequately treated. These symptoms last eight weeks or longer.
•Recurrent - Three or more episodes of acute sinusitis a year.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sometimes, a sinus infection happens after an upper respiratory infection or common cold. This causes inflammation of the nasal passages that can block the opening of the sinuses, and result in a sinus infection. Allergies can also lead to sinusitis because of the swelling of the nasal tissue and increased production of mucus. There are other possible conditions that can block the normal flow of secretions out of the sinuses and can lead to sinusitis including the following:
•Abnormalities in the structure of the nose ie; deviated nasal septum, turbinate enlargement.
•Enlarged adenoids
•Diving and swimming
•Infections from a tooth
•Trauma to the nose
•Foreign objects stuck in the nose
•Cleft palate
•Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
•Secondhand smoke
What Are The Symptoms Of Sinusitis?
The symptoms of sinusitis depend greatly on the age of the child. The following are the most common symptoms of sinusitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Younger children
•Runny nose which lasts longer than 7 to 10 days
◦Discharge is usually thick green or yellow
•Nighttime cough
•Productive cough
•Swelling around the eyes
•Usually no headaches in children younger than 5 years of age
Older children and adults
•Runny nose or cold symptoms lasting longer than 7 to 10 days
•Drip in the throat from the nose
•Headaches
•Facial discomfort
•Bad breath
•Cough
•Fever
•Sore throat
•Swelling around the eye, often worse in the morning
How Is Sinusitis Treated?
Treatment for sinusitis depends on the severity. Addressing potential triggers or contributing factors is a key first step in the management of sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis. In this acute event, nasal decongestant drops or sprays are given over a period of no longer than 1 week. This is accompanied with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. With treatment, the symptoms usually disappear within the first few days but it is important to complete the antibiotics given.
Chronic sinusitis. To reduce congestion due to sinusitis, you will be started on intranasal steroidal sprays with saline irrigation and oral decongestants. An antihistamine may be recommended for the underlying allergies.
The sinuses are air filled spaces in the bones of the face that surround and drain into the inside of the nose. At birth these sinuses are very small. They continue to enlarge throughout childhood, and are not fully developed until late adolescence. There are four paired sets of sinuses:
1. Maxillary sinuses - are large spaces located behind the cheek between the upper teeth and the eyes.These are present at birth and enlarge as the child grows.
2. Ethmoid sinuses - are a series of small cavities between the eyes. These are also present at birth and enlarge as the child grows..
3. Frontal sinuses - are in the forehead, and do not develop until the child is 7 years of age.
4. Sphenoid sinuses - are deep inside the head, at the back of the nose and only develop at adolescence.
What Is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis occurs when there is inflammation and infection of the sinuses. These infections usually occur after a cold or after an allergic inflammation. There are four types of sinusitis:
•Acute - Symptoms last less than four weeks and get better with the appropriate treatment.
•Subacute - This type of infection does not get better with treatment initially, and symptoms last four to eight weeks.
•Chronic - This type of infection happens with repeated acute infections or with previous infections that were inadequately treated. These symptoms last eight weeks or longer.
•Recurrent - Three or more episodes of acute sinusitis a year.
What Causes Sinusitis?
Sometimes, a sinus infection happens after an upper respiratory infection or common cold. This causes inflammation of the nasal passages that can block the opening of the sinuses, and result in a sinus infection. Allergies can also lead to sinusitis because of the swelling of the nasal tissue and increased production of mucus. There are other possible conditions that can block the normal flow of secretions out of the sinuses and can lead to sinusitis including the following:
•Abnormalities in the structure of the nose ie; deviated nasal septum, turbinate enlargement.
•Enlarged adenoids
•Diving and swimming
•Infections from a tooth
•Trauma to the nose
•Foreign objects stuck in the nose
•Cleft palate
•Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
•Secondhand smoke
What Are The Symptoms Of Sinusitis?
The symptoms of sinusitis depend greatly on the age of the child. The following are the most common symptoms of sinusitis. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Younger children
•Runny nose which lasts longer than 7 to 10 days
◦Discharge is usually thick green or yellow
•Nighttime cough
•Productive cough
•Swelling around the eyes
•Usually no headaches in children younger than 5 years of age
Older children and adults
•Runny nose or cold symptoms lasting longer than 7 to 10 days
•Drip in the throat from the nose
•Headaches
•Facial discomfort
•Bad breath
•Cough
•Fever
•Sore throat
•Swelling around the eye, often worse in the morning
How Is Sinusitis Treated?
Treatment for sinusitis depends on the severity. Addressing potential triggers or contributing factors is a key first step in the management of sinusitis.
Acute sinusitis. In this acute event, nasal decongestant drops or sprays are given over a period of no longer than 1 week. This is accompanied with antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. With treatment, the symptoms usually disappear within the first few days but it is important to complete the antibiotics given.
Chronic sinusitis. To reduce congestion due to sinusitis, you will be started on intranasal steroidal sprays with saline irrigation and oral decongestants. An antihistamine may be recommended for the underlying allergies.
