Sinusitis in children: symptoms, causes and treatment
Sinusitis in children causes a runny nose, bad breath, and headache. It is common for contagion to happen in school classes and in the winter.
Sinusitis in children is a fairly common complication after a respiratory infection or cold. So much so that it is estimated that almost 10% of children with a cold may have it. Most of the time it is a mild and easy to treat condition. The paranasal sinuses are cavities found in the skull, close to the nose. They are covered by a mucous membrane and the space is filled with air. What happens in sinusitis is that this mucosa becomes inflamed due to an infection by a microorganism.
What are the symptoms of sinusitis in children?
Sinusitis in children can be acute or chronic.The most frequent thing is that this pathology appears between 5 and 7 days after a cold. It usually manifests itself with fever and practically the same symptoms as a cold. For example, it is normal for a child to have a stuffy nose and a lot of runny nose. In addition, there is often a cough that is worse at night. A characteristic symptom is headache. Some children feel pressure behind their eyes or toothache. This happens due to the force that occurs within the sinuses due to inflammation and mucus. Bad breath, loss of smell or even changes in the sensitivity of the face are possible signs.
What is the cause of sinusitis in children?
This seems to be due to the fact that in children, the paranasal sinuses are smaller, and the hole through which the secretions drain is also smaller. Therefore, it is easier to clog and the mucus does not come out properly.
When mucus gets trapped inside the sinuses, germs grow more easily and infection occurs. The obstruction may be due to a deviated nasal septum or polyps at the outlet of the duct. On the other hand, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of sinusitis. For example, children who suffer from allergic rhinitis or who have a weak immune system.
What is the treatment?
First of all, we must say that there are certain ways to prevent sinusitis in children. Using humidifiers at home during winter is a good option. When the air is very dry, it is easier for the mucous membrane to become irritated.
Also, it should be noted that sinusitis is not contagious in itself. What is contagious is the cold that may have caused it. Therefore, when someone has a cold or is sick, it is recommended to avoid contact with children. If the source of sinusitis is a virus, it is not necessary to treat it with antibiotics. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken for pain or saline solutions to clear the nose. When sinusitis in children is bacterial in origin, antibiotics are often prescribed. Sinusitis are benign pathologies, but beware Before any symptom of sinusitis, we must go to the doctor. If it is a child, it will be the parents who will have to be attentive to detect the onset of the condition and act accordingly.
In winter times, and during the school period, respiratory symptoms are more frequent. If the doctor recommends bed rest for the child, it must be strictly adhered to, to prevent the spread of germs and not infect other children
Comments
Post a Comment