Sinus Infection
Sinus Infection Symptoms You Should Look For
During their formative years, you, as a parent, want to protect them from everything that you can. We all know that it can be challenging to protect them from illnesses, but we do the best we can. A cold is one thing that will always come home with your child, and can be miserable to deal with. But can you tell the difference between a cold, and something more difficult, like sinusitis, otherwise known as a sinus infection? We will show you how to recognize the signs of sinusitis, as well as when to take your child to the doctor for treatment.
Does your child’s cold seem to be more than just a cold? It may be a sinus infection. Call us at Pediatric Partners for an appointment today and our caring professionals will help your child on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
What is Sinusitis?
A sinus infection is usually caused by either a bacteria or virus that has the end result of inflaming the sinus passages, blocking off any air, leaving the sufferer feeling stuffed up, just like a cold. The difference between sinusitis and a cold is that after it sets in, the sufferer finds it difficult to breathe, can be nauseated, and has fits of coughing and sneezing, with a watery nasal discharge.
A cold will ease off after three to four days, while an attack of sinusitis can last for a week or more. After three days, a younger child will develop a fever, as well as a cough and upset stomach. In older children, they may feel pain in their teeth, ears and sinuses, have a persistent dry cough, feel a tenderness or throbbing around their sinuses, and in some cases, may feel pain behind their eyes as pressure continues to develop.
When to See the Doctor
A cold will normally run its course within two to three days, and sinusitis in children should be on the mend within seven days. If their symptoms persist or worsen past the seven day mark, it is a sign that their immune system is not capable of dealing with the infection on its own. You should take your child to see his or her pediatrician before the week is up, just to be safe, in case it is more than just a bad cold.
In order to diagnose your child’s condition definitively, your pediatrician may run additional tests, to rule out a bacterial or viral infection like sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, early asthma development, or allergies. Once the source of the distress is determined, then proper treatment can begin.
Sinusitis Treatment
Generally, in the case of a sinus infection, your pediatrician will prescribe oral antibiotics and nasal decongestants for your child, so that the infection can be fought off and the symptoms brought under control. Any pain can be treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as it can be dangerous to give young children aspirin for any reason.
Sinus Infection
Sinus Infection Symptoms You Should Look For
During their formative years, you, as a parent, want to protect them from everything that you can. We all know that it can be challenging to protect them from illnesses, but we do the best we can. A cold is one thing that will always come home with your child, and can be miserable to deal with. But can you tell the difference between a cold, and something more difficult, like sinusitis, otherwise known as a sinus infection? We will show you how to recognize the signs of sinusitis, as well as when to take your child to the doctor for treatment.
Does your child’s cold seem to be more than just a cold? It may be a sinus infection. Call us at Pediatric Partners for an appointment today and our caring professionals will help your child on the road to recovery as soon as possible.
What is Sinusitis?
A sinus infection is usually caused by either a bacteria or virus that has the end result of inflaming the sinus passages, blocking off any air, leaving the sufferer feeling stuffed up, just like a cold. The difference between sinusitis and a cold is that after it sets in, the sufferer finds it difficult to breathe, can be nauseated, and has fits of coughing and sneezing, with a watery nasal discharge.
A cold will ease off after three to four days, while an attack of sinusitis can last for a week or more. After three days, a younger child will develop a fever, as well as a cough and upset stomach. In older children, they may feel pain in their teeth, ears and sinuses, have a persistent dry cough, feel a tenderness or throbbing around their sinuses, and in some cases, may feel pain behind their eyes as pressure continues to develop.
When to See the Doctor
A cold will normally run its course within two to three days, and sinusitis in children should be on the mend within seven days. If their symptoms persist or worsen past the seven day mark, it is a sign that their immune system is not capable of dealing with the infection on its own. You should take your child to see his or her pediatrician before the week is up, just to be safe, in case it is more than just a bad cold.
In order to diagnose your child’s condition definitively, your pediatrician may run additional tests, to rule out a bacterial or viral infection like sinusitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, early asthma development, or allergies. Once the source of the distress is determined, then proper treatment can begin.
Sinusitis Treatment
Generally, in the case of a sinus infection, your pediatrician will prescribe oral antibiotics and nasal decongestants for your child, so that the infection can be fought off and the symptoms brought under control. Any pain can be treated with ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as it can be dangerous to give young children aspirin for any reason.