Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis in children is a condition where the sinuses remain inflamed or infected for 12 weeks or longer, despite medical treatment. Typical episodes of acute sinusitis resolve within a couple weeks. However, chronic sinusitis can cause ongoing or recurring symptoms that affect a child’s comfort, sleep, breathing and daily functioning. This condition is more common in children with allergies, asthma, enlarged adenoids and with irritant exposure such as secondhand smoke.
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis can include persistent nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, facial pressure or pain, postnasal drip, bad breath, cough and fatigue. Some children may also experience a reduced sense of smell, snoring, or difficulty breathing through the nose. If your child seems to always have a “cold” that doesn’t go away, it may be time to consider a chronic sinus problem.
To diagnose chronic sinusitis, medical providers will start with a detailed medical history and physical exam. In some cases, imaging such as a CT scan of the sinuses may be ordered to assess for inflammation, blockage or structural issues. Allergy testing may also be recommended if environmental allergies are suspected to be contributing. Identifying the underlying cause is key to choosing the most effective treatment.
Initial treatment is usually medical and may include a combination of nasal saline rinses, oral allergy medications, nasal steroid sprays to reduce inflammation and antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. If these treatments do not improve your child’s symptoms over time, or if sinus problems are causing significant disruption in daily life a referral to our specialists at ENT for Kids is recommended.
Our specialist can perform a more thorough examination sometimes using a small camera to look inside the nose and sinuses. In some cases, surgical management may be recommended. This could involve removing enlarged adenoids or endoscopic sinus surgery, which helps open the sinus passages to allow for better drainage and reduce the risk of future infections. With appropriate treatment, most children can get relief and return to normal, symptom-free breathing.
If you’re concerned about your child’s nasal and sinus health, please reach out to us to arrange a consultation.