Sinusitis in Children
Treatment for Acute and Chronic Sinus Infections
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 2 to 4 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. If you suspect your child is experiencing sinusitis, call our team at Virginia Ear, Nose & Throat at (804) 484-3700 to schedule an appointment.
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, schedule an appointment with our team at Virginia Ear, Nose & Throat. 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
Treatment for Sinusitis in Children
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: