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Sinusitis

Sinusitis

The sinuses are a group of four paired, air-filled spaces that surround the nasal cavity. When your child gets a viral or bacterial infection or has problems with allergies, it can cause the sinuses to become inflamed. This is called sinusitis.

Sinusitis often looks and feels like a cold that lasts more than 10 days or a cold that starts to get better but then gets worse.

Symptoms of sinusitis can include:

  • Thick, yellow-green nasal mucus
  • Low-grade fever
  • Postnasal drip (which can cause a cough or sore throat)
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Pressure in the face or around the eyes

There are two main types of sinusitis:

  • Acute sinusitis. Acute sinusitis is a short-term sinus infection.
  • Chronic sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis can last for several months or even years. Usually, it is caused by inflammation or irritation of the sinuses rather than a sinus infection. Common causes of chronic inflammation include nasal polyps, allergies, asthma or problems with the immune system.

Diagnosis of Sinusitis

Your child’s doctor can usually diagnose sinusitis simply by asking about your child’s symptoms and examining the face, nose, mouth and throat. The doctor may order additional tests if he or she thinks your child may have chronic sinusitis. These tests will help your child’s doctor determine the best treatment options. They include:

  • Nasal endoscopy. Nasal endoscopy allows the doctor to see inside the nose. A thin camera is inserted into the nose to see what is causing inflammation.
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan. This imaging test shows the soft and bony tissues of the head so the doctor can check for problems.

Treatment for Sinusitis

Treatment for sinusitis depends on the cause. Your child may need antibiotics if acute sinusitis is caused by an infection.

Treatments for chronic sinusitis include nasal steroid spray and nasal irrigation with salt water. Treatment also includes managing conditions like allergies or asthma that make chronic sinusitis worse.

In some cases, surgery can help if other treatments do not work. Sinus surgery uses a thin camera called an endoscope to examine and open up the passages between the nose and the sinuses. This allows the sinuses to drain better, and it can help medicines, like steroid nasal sprays, work better. Sinus surgery can also remove nasal polyps.

Key Points to Remember

  • Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed due to a cold or allergies.
  • Sinusitis often looks and feels like a cold that lasts more than 10 days or a cold that starts to get better but then gets worse.
  • There are two main types of sinusitis: acute sinusitis and chronic sinusitis.
  • Doctors can often diagnose sinusitis with a medical history and physical examination.
  • Treatment depends on the cause but may include medicines, nasal irrigation with salt water and, in some cases, surgery.

Support Services & Resources

Discover more information about sinusitis by visiting the trusted websites below.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery

Learn more about sinusitis and sinus surgery.

Departments Treating This Condition