When your child struggles with chronic congestion, sinus infections, or constant nasal drainage, it may be more than just allergies or a cold. Pediatric sinus procedures can help relieve these symptoms by addressing the underlying cause, improving breathing, and preventing future infections.
At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, our experienced pediatric ENT specialists provide safe, compassionate care using the latest techniques to help your child breathe easier and feel better.
What is Sinusitis?
Sinusitis refers to inflammation and pain in the nasal cavities in the nose and around the eyes. This inflammation can be acute, also known as a sinus infection, that typically lasts two to four weeks and can be treated with antibiotics. If the infection or discomfort has not subsided in 12 weeks, your child’s condition may be chronic and require intervention from our team.
Progression of Sinusitis in Children
There are three main stages of infection in children. These are:
Symptoms of Sinusitis in Children
Children’s sinuses do not fully develop until age 20, and while the maxillary (behind the cheek) and ethmoid (between the eyes) sinuses are present at birth, they are very small. Sinusitis can occur both in children and adults, but it is more difficult to detect in children, as symptoms are more subtle and the causes can be more complex. The following are common signs and symptoms of sinus infections in children:
Evaluation and Diagnosis
If you suspect that your child has an acute or chronic sinus infection, we will perform a detailed evaluation of your child’s sinuses and take CT scans to determine how your child’s sinuses are formed, where the blockage has occurred, and whether sinusitis is an appropriate diagnosis
Sinusitis Treatment Options
Treatment for acute or chronic sinus infections varies from child to child. While some children’s symptoms can be remedied with medication or avoidance of allergy triggers, some children with chronic infections require surgery. There are two main types of surgery that our team typically performs, including:
Adenoidectomy removes adenoid tissue from behind the nose when infection causes sinus blockage and symptoms such as congestion, post-nasal drip, cough, or headache. Most children can return to normal activities the next day.
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery may be recommended if symptoms persist after an adenoidectomy or allergy treatment. Using a thin endoscope, our team gently opens the natural sinus drainage pathways, often through minimally invasive balloon dilation, to improve airflow and reduce infections. During surgery, bacterial cultures can be taken to personalize post-operative antibiotic therapy.
Relieve Your Child’s Sinusitis with Compassionate Care in Richmond, VA
Chronic congestion, facial pressure, and difficulty breathing can make sinusitis uncomfortable and disruptive for your child, but relief is possible. At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, our experienced pediatric ENT specialists are committed to providing gentle, effective care that supports your child’s long-term health and comfort.
Call us today at (804) 484-3700 to schedule your child’s appointment and take the first step toward lasting sinus relief.