How is sinusitis treated?
In general, our doctors do not treat cold symptoms that have lasted fewer than 10 days with antibiotics because viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Also, unnecessary use of antibiotics can cause antibiotic resistance. In some cases, the doctor may treat your child with antibiotics if symptoms get worse during the first 10 days of illness.
Acute sinusitis is treated with an antibiotic. If there is significant nasal congestion, your child's doctor may also recommend a topical nasal decongestant.
How is chronic sinusitis treated?
Chronic sinusitis is more difficult to treat. Primary treatment includes:
- Antibiotics (generally at least for 20 days)
- Nasal saline washes
- Nasal steroid sprays
Children with chronic sinusitis that does not respond to antibiotics may need antral irrigation (washing out the maxillary sinuses) with targeted antibiotic therapy and adenoidectomy. An adenoidectomy is surgery to remove the adenoid. The adenoid is lymphoid tissue located behind the nose. It helps build up the body's immunity by trapping viruses that enter through the mouth. Enlarged adenoids can cause chronic sinusitis or sleep issues, and no longer provide health benefits.
In older children and children with cystic fibrosis, endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended. Some children may develop eye or intracranial medical problems from sinusitis that can be quite serious. Hospital admission for intravenous antibiotics (given through an IV) and emergent surgical procedures may be required.
Can sinus infection symptoms be treated at home?
Sinusitis should only be diagnosed by a pediatric or ENT healthcare provider. Your child may have sinusitis if they have symptoms associated with sinusitis that continue beyond 10 days or symptoms that rapidly get worse during a short period of time. Make an appointment to find out if your child has sinusitis and get recommendations for the best treatment plan.
Home treatment may be helpful for nasal symptoms that less than 10 days or for symptoms that are not getting worse. The following may be helpful:
- Gentle nasal irrigation/suctioning for nasal secretions
- Short-term use of nasal topical decongestants (generally four days or less)
- Acetaminophen/ibuprofen for fever control
Why choose Children's Colorado for your child's sinusitis?
The Sinusitis Clinic at Children's Colorado has been operating for over 20 years. It is staffed by a pediatric otolaryngologist, an infectious diseases specialist and an allergist/immunologist. This group of specialists has an interest in this disease and expertise in this field.