An infection in the sinuses caused by bacteria.
The chances of getting a bacterial sinus infection may be influenced by a virus like a cold or other upper respiratory infections (URIs), allergies, and being around irritants and pollutants such as tobacco smoke.
Show All- Cold or URI symptoms that do not get better after 10 days
- Stuffy and runny nose that may be thick or thin, or clear to green
- A cough that lasts a long time and may be worse at night
- Other things you may see are a low fever, sore throat, low energy, bad breath, a puffy face or eyes, and/or pain in the face, ear or teeth
- Colds may be like a sinus infection but usually start getting better by 10 days
- Sinus infections are usually diagnosed by cold symptoms that DO NOT get better after 10 days (see above for symptoms), and the child seems sicker than with a usual cold or URI
- The color of the nasal drainage does not tell the difference between a cold and a sinus infection
- Blood work and x-rays are not usually needed
If it is decided that the child has a sinus infection and not a viral infection, antibiotics may be given.
If antibiotics are needed, the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will explain exactly how and for how long to give the medicine. It is important to use all of the medicine. It is important not to use old medicine you may have at home.
Medicine may be administered to reduce fever and may be given for the child's comfort. Never give aspirin without talking to the doctor first. Cough medicine and decongestants are not usually recommended and should be used only when agreed on by the child's doctor/nurse.
Other ways to make the child comfortable may include rest and fluids. The child may be more comfortable in a cool room. But, every child is different, and you probably know best what makes your child comfortable.
Hand washing will help stop spreading germs to other family members.
Smoke is very irritating especially for someone with sinusitis. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke near a child with sinusitis. Keep smoke out of your home.
- You should feel free to call anytime you are worried and want to talk to your child's doctor
- Call your doctor back if your child has not improved or worsens within 72 hours
- Call your doctor if you notice redness or swelling around the eyes
- Call your doctor for a severe headache, high fever or the child seems much sicker
- Although your child may begin to improve in 1-3 days, some symptoms may last for several more weeks
- Some children may need a change in antibiotics if they are not improving in 2-4-days
- Every infection is different, so be sure to ask your doctor/nurse what to expect with your child
- Talk to your doctor/nurse about when to send your child back to day care or school
Antibiotics may not be given if your doctor/nurse believes your child's illness is due to a virus. Using antibiotics when they are not absolutely needed may cause them not to work the next time they are used.
