How to know if a child has acute rhinosinusitis?

The article was written by MSc Nguyen Vinh Toan - Ear - Nose - Throat Doctor, Interspecialty Department - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose and paranasal sinuses. This inflammation often occurs after an upper respiratory tract infection or allergy. Children are born with ethmoid and maxillary sinuses, from 5-7 years old, the sphenoid sinuses begin to form, from the age of 9 the frontal sinuses begin to form, the sinuses gradually complete until the age of 19. Most children have sinusitis and ethmoid sinusitis.

Acute sinusitis : Symptoms last less than 4 weeks Subacute sinusitis : Symptoms last 4 to 12 weeks Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms persist for more than 12 weeks Recurrent sinusitis: Repeated infection , 3 or more repetitions of acute inflammatory episodes per year

The two main causes of sinusitis in children are: Sinus infection often occurs after an episode of upper respiratory tract infection or cold leading to swelling of the mucous membranes, blockage of the openings of the sinuses leading to a condition called sinusitis. Conditions of infection and allergies cause mucosal swelling, increased mucus secretion.
Other causes include: + Structural abnormalities of the nose such as deviated septum, overgrowth of the nose, overblown VA block
+ Infection from the teeth
+ Nose trauma
+ Nasal foreign body
+ Congenital abnormalities birth as cleft palate
+ Gastroesophageal reflux

Children with stuffy nose must breathe through their mouth Green-yellow nasal discharge Bad breath Fever Headache Cough Postnasal drip Loss of smell Baby fussy Pain around sinus location

Sinusitis in children that is not treated can cause many complications:
Otitis media leading to hearing loss, impaired language development and learning Lower respiratory tract infection: Pneumonia, bronchitis Orbital complications: Children with high fever, swelling of the inner corner of the eye, blurred vision, double vision, eyelid abscess, inflammation of the lacrimal sac. Severe infections can lead to vision loss or even blindness. Intracranial complications: Meningitis, epidural, subdural, brain abscess, cavernous sinus thrombophlebitis

Depending on the condition of sinusitis, the cause, the combined factors that choose different treatment methods. Antibiotics are often indicated when sinusitis persists, worsens, and there is a risk of complications. For children with allergic factors: Treatment for allergic conditions such as antihistamines, steroids when necessary Nasal irrigation combined with vasoconstrictor drugs helps to clear secretions, eliminate bacteria, clear antigens and environmental factors that affect the treatment of accompanying factors such as: Reflux syndrome, abnormality sinus structure, curettage of the VA when the inflammation is repeated many times.

Use saline spray to moisten the nasal mucosa for children In a dry environment, a humidifier should be used. Avoid active and passive tobacco smoke Keep children away from allergenic objects or pets Avoid contact with people with upper respiratory tract infections Good hand hygiene Limit swimming time in chlorinated pools because chlorine irritates the lining of the nose and sinuses. Treatment of underlying diseases such as: Immunodeficiency, reflux syndrome.. Drain the VA when necessary. 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.

To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact Vinmec Health System nationwide, or register online HERE.
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