This is an automatically translated article.
The article was consulted with Master, Doctor Tran Mai Phuong - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.Sinusitis in children is an inflammation of the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses, caused by many different causes such as infections, viruses, allergies. Depending on the progression of the disease, children with rhinosinusitis are divided into three types: acute rhinosinusitis lasting less than 4 weeks, subacute rhinosinusitis lasting from 4 to 8 weeks and chronic rhinosinusitis persisting. at least 8-12 weeks. Sinusitis in children can cause many dangerous complications if not treated properly and thoroughly.
1. What is sinusitis in children?
The sinuses are hollow cavities in the facial bones near the nose. There are 4 types of sinuses:Sinusitis: located in the bridge of the nose between the eyes. The ethmoid sinuses are formed at birth and continue to develop over time. Maxillary sinus: in the cheekbone area. The maxillary sinuses are also formed at birth and also continue to develop over time. Frontal sinus: located in the forehead area. In newborns, the frontal sinuses have not yet formed. The frontal sinuses do not develop until the child turns 7 years old. Butterfly sinus: deep inside the nose. The pterygium does not develop in children but develops in adolescence. There is usually relative humidity in the nasal cavity. When the tissues lining the sinuses become infected, inflammation is called sinusitis.
Colds or allergies can easily lead to sinusitis. Sinusitis is a common condition. Children's sinusitis is divided into 3 types:
Acute sinusitis: Acute sinusitis is a short-term inflammation of the sinuses, lasting no more than 12 weeks. Symptoms of acute sinusitis in children gradually improve with appropriate treatment. Chronic sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis in children is sinusitis that lasts for more than 12 weeks. Chronic relapsing-remitting sinusitis in children: The infection recurs again and again, into 3, 4 episodes of acute sinusitis in a year.
2. Complications of sinusitis in children
Although it does not affect the health of children much, but if not treated thoroughly, sinusitis in children can cause many dangerous complications such as:Encephalitis, meningitis, sepsis, loss of vision or blindness due to damage to the optic nerve Hearing loss due to recurrent otitis media Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis Digestive disorders ...
3. Principles of treatment of sinusitis in children
Some drugs to treat acute sinusitis in childrenAntibiotics: If a child has an infection that leads to sinusitis in children, then using antibiotics will be effective, in order to kill the pathogenic bacteria. If the symptoms of sinusitis in children do not improve after 3-5 days, the doctor will usually change to another antibiotic. Allergy medicine: If your child has allergies that lead to sinusitis, then use antihistamines and other allergy medicines to reduce swelling. Surgical treatment of chronic sinusitis in children:
Surgery is also a method of treatment, but this method is not usually applied to children with sinusitis.
Some methods to support the treatment of children's sinusitis:
Add a lot of vegetables and fruits, drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration, dilute the pus in the sinuses. Rinsing the nose with physiological saline solution is a safe and effective way to help keep the sinuses and nose moist, clear the nose, significantly reduce symptoms of discomfort and itching caused by allergic rhinitis, viruses and bacteria. Nasal spray with essential oils. Using essential oils such as eucalyptus oil to steam the nose and throat is said to have antibacterial effects, clear the airways, and help children with sinusitis breathe easier. Apply a warm compress to relieve sinus pain and relax. Use a warm washcloth or pack on your nose, cheeks, and eyes to relieve pain in areas of your face. Children need to be hospitalized for treatment when they have the following signs:
Cold lasts more than 7-10 days without improvement Colds get worse after 7 days of symptoms Symptoms of sinusitis worsen, including : Pain, tightness in the eyes and in the cheeks Swelling around the eyes Fever Cold symptoms that are worse, although not obvious
4. Prevention of sinusitis in children
When children have sinusitis, they should take them to a doctor and follow the doctor's treatment. Do not arbitrarily give your child medicine or stop taking it without consulting. Do not smoke, do not let your baby close to areas that produce a lot of dust. Have children wear medical masks every time they go out to reduce the risk of inhaling dust and other pollutants. Use physiological saline or deep sea water to clean your baby's nose and sinuses every day. Vinmec International General Hospital examines and treats common nasopharyngeal diseases, head and neck tumors, congenital malformations of the ear, nose and throat area with the most optimal internal and surgical methods for the disease. individuals, both children and adults. Coming to Vinmec International General Hospital, patients will receive a direct, dedicated and professional examination from a team of qualified and experienced medical staff.Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.