Sinusitis in children is often dismissed as a common cold that will resolve on its own. However, not all symptoms of nasal congestion or runny nose in children can be ignored.
When complaints last longer or become more disruptive, this condition can impact the child's sleep quality, appetite, and ability to concentrate on daily activities.
Therefore, it is important for parents to recognize the symptoms of sinusitis in children early so that appropriate treatment can be carried out immediately and does not interfere with their growth and development.
What is Sinusitis in Children?
Sinusitis in children is an inflammation of the sinus cavities, the air-filled spaces around the nose and face. The function of the sinuses is to help produce mucus to keep the respiratory tract moist and filter out incoming dirt and germs.
This condition usually begins with an upper respiratory tract infection, such as the flu or a cold, that doesn't improve. When mucus builds up and can't be properly expelled, bacteria or viruses can grow and cause an infection.
Sinusitis occurs more frequently in children aged 5–10 years, as the sinus structure begins to develop more fully at this age.
Sinusitis Symptoms in Children That Are Often Ignored
Sinusitis symptoms in children often resemble those of a common cold, so they often go unnoticed. Some sinusitis symptoms in children to watch out for include:
- Blocked or runny nose for more than 10 days.
- Thick, yellow or green mucus.
- Cough and cold that won't go away.
- Bad breath.
- Mild to moderate fever.
- The child appears fussy, tired, or less active.
If these symptoms appear for a long time, parents need to be more alert because they could be symptoms of sinusitis which requires further treatment.
The Impact of Sinusitis on Children's Activities, Growth and Development, and Sleep Quality
The Impact of Sinusitis on Children's Activities
Sinusitis in children not only causes discomfort but also directly impacts daily activities. Children can become tired quickly while playing or attending school.
Discomfort in the head or face can also make it difficult for children to focus while studying. In some cases, children may complain of mild headaches or facial pressure, which can ultimately impact academic performance.
The Impact of Sinusitis on Child Growth and Development
Nasal congestion due to sinusitis can interfere with a child's ability to smell food, which can lead to a decreased appetite.
If this condition persists for a long period of time, the child's nutritional intake can be disrupted. Ultimately, this has the potential to impact the child's overall growth and development.
The Impact of Sinusitis on Children's Sleep Quality
One of the most common effects of sinusitis in children is sleep disturbance.
A stuffy nose makes it difficult for a child to breathe while sleeping, while coughing at night can cause frequent awakenings. Consequently, sleep quality suffers.
Lack of sleep can impact a child's mood , making them more irritable or emotional, and reducing their energy levels during the day. In the long term, this condition can also disrupt healthy sleep patterns.
How to Treat Sinusitis in Children and How to Treat It at Home
Treatment for sinusitis in children can begin with simple home care, especially if symptoms are still mild. Some steps you can take include:
- Ensure your child gets enough rest and adequate fluid intake.
- Using a saline solution (salt solution) to help clean the nasal cavity.
- Inhale warm steam to relieve nasal congestion.
- Maintain humidity in the room, for example with a humidifier .
- Give anti-inflammatory drugs or antihistamines (if triggered by allergies) as recommended by the doctor.
This treatment aims to reduce sinusitis symptoms while speeding up the recovery process in children.
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
Parents should immediately take their child to the doctor if their sinusitis symptoms do not improve after 10 days, or if they worsen after initially subsiding. Other symptoms to watch out for include a high fever (above 38.5°C), severe pain in the face or around the eyes, swelling around the eyes, and very thick and dark nasal mucus. If your child appears very weak, has difficulty eating and drinking, or has a severe cough, especially at night, that interferes with sleep, these conditions also require further medical evaluation.
Furthermore, consulting a doctor is important if symptoms recur frequently or occur repeatedly within a short period of time, as this could indicate other symptoms, such as allergies. A medical examination can help confirm the diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment, including appropriate medication or further testing, if necessary. Prompt and accurate treatment not only prevents complications but also helps restore optimal sleep quality, appetite, and daily activity levels in children.
This article was written by Dr. Bintari Nareswari, Sp. ENT-BKL (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist – Head and Neck Surgery, EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).