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Sinusitis in children Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.

Answers to questions about sinusitis in children

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

My child has sinusitis, what can I do to make them more comfortable?

The best way to make your child more comfortable if he or she has sinusitis is to give them paracetamol or ibuprofen. There are alternative methods that may help, although at the moment, there is no evidence to support them.

Explanation

Sinusitis can be unpleasant for children. Possible symptoms include dental or ear pain, a tender face, a low fever and difficulty eating. Your child may also find it difficult to breathe through his or her nose. This can make your child irritable or tired.

Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help to reduce a fever and relieve pain. Children under 16 should not be given aspirin, and ibuprofen is not recommended for asthmatics. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

If you smoke, make sure that you don't expose your child to your smoke. This is because smoke is one of the irritants that can cause sinusitis.

There are a number of alternative methods that you might like to try. At the moment, there is little or no evidence to support these methods.

  • Saltwater nasal drops or sprays may help to relieve your child's symptoms by thinning the mucous in the nose. These are available from a pharmacy without prescription.
  • A warm compress may help to reduce any facial pain.
  • Helping your child to sleep with his or her head raised, may encourage mucus to drain from the sinuses.
  • Steam inhalation is often recommended to clear the sinuses, but care should always be taken with small children and hot water. If you want to try this method, it's recommended that you sit your child in the bathroom with a hot shower running.
  • There is no evidence that homeopathy, acupuncture, vitamin C, zinc or other supplements can help to reduce the symptoms of sinusitis.

Further information

  • The British Association of Otorhinolaryngology ENT-UK
    020 7404 8373
    www.entuk.org

Sources

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Is sinusitis contagious?

No, sinusitis isn't contagious.

Explanation

Sinusitis isn't contagious, but the cause of it can be. The most common cause of sinusitis is a cold or flu. When you have a cold or the flu virus, your sinuses can get inflamed and this can stop mucus draining properly away from them. This can then lead to a secondary bacterial infection, which can cause further inflammation and swelling.

If you or a member of your family has a cold, try to avoid spreading the virus by:

  • washing your hands frequently and drying them properly
  • covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
  • putting used tissues in the bin straight away

You may also want to discourage your children from sharing toys if one of them has a cold or the flu and wash any toys in soapy water after use.

Further information

  • The British Association of Otorhinolaryngology ENT-UK
    020 7404 8373
    www.entuk.org

Sources

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My child has had sinusitis for a few days and I have noticed the area around the eye is getting red. What should I do?

If your child has an infection in his or her sinuses, it can spread to the eye socket and the surrounding area. This can be a serious complication of acute sinusitis and you should take your child to his or her GP as soon as possible.

Explanation

Mostly sinusitis gets better without any problems, often without any specific treatment. However, more serious problems can develop if the infection spreads to the parts of the face and skull that are nearby, including the eye sockets and brain.

If your child has sinusitis and develops swelling or redness around his or her eye, the eye appears to be bulging, or his or her vision gets worse (such as seeing double), this could be a sign that the area around the eyeball has been infected. If you don't get treatment, it could lead to serious problems, including blindness.

The sinuses are very close to the protective coatings of the brain and infection can spread there. You should seek urgent medical attention if your child has symptoms including:

  • a severe headache with a stiff neck
  • confusion
  • sensitivity to light
  • coordination problems

Further information

  • The British Association of Otorhinolaryngology ENT-UK
    020 7404 8373
    www.entuk.org

Sources

  • Thomas M, Yawn BP, Price D et al. EPOS primary care guidelines: European position paper on the primary care diagnosis and management of rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps 2007 - a summary. Primary Care Respiratory Journal 2008; 17(2):79-89
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: April 2009

 

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