Image Credit: babycenter.com
Kids sinus problems is as common as sinus problems in adults. But the crisis is, children who are suffering from sinus infections might find it difficult to verbalize their discomfort. This is why parents must be very keen in observing any abnormalities in their child’s behavior. If their children would present irritability associated with their nasal discomforts, then parents should be alert to watch out for sinusitis symptoms.
Sinus infection in children is commonly precipitated by a common cold with symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, and cough (which is due to post nasal drip). Symptoms get worst if your child will develop influenza. Apart from the above mentioned signs and symptoms, the child may also experience headache, facial pains (specifically surrounding the eyes), joint pains, and fever. Because of this illness, the immune system of the child will be weakened, thus the simple cold may develop into a sinus infection.
If your child already developed a sinus infection, nasal congestion will persist, and this is where the problem lies in children suffering form sinusitis. Ventilation is very important for children suffering from sinus problems. Air must be kept moisturized as to avoid inhaling dry air which causes irritation to the mucosal lining which aggravates the symptoms of sinusitis. If the nasal congestion is not relieved early on, the accumulated secretions can become a very healthy ground for bacteria to grow. If this is the case, the sinus infection can soon progress into a bacterial sinus infection. You can determine if your child’s sinus infection has progressed to a bacterial sinusitis through the color of his mucous discharge. If the discharge which was then clear and opaque in color have turned into a bright color or yellowish green, then it is certain that your child has developed bacterial sinus infection.
If sinusitis in children is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. One of the major complications of sinusitis in children is Eustachian tube dysfunction or ETD. This is because children specifically those who are under 6 years old has a very narrow Eustachian tube. Aside form that the anatomical structure of the Eustachian tube in children differs from that of the adults. In children, the tube is horizontal rather than sloping downward from the middle ear. This difference in the anatomical structure increases the risk of the bacteria to spread from the nose to the middle ear. There is also a risk of developing meningitis if the sinus infection is left untreated. This is because the membrane which separates the sinuses from the brain is very thin; bacteria can penetrate through it which can cause meningitis (the inflammation of the membrane that envelope the brain).
So you see, common colds should not be taken for granted especially if it hits the young ones. Remember that an illness, no matter how plain and simple it is can progress to a serious complication if no appropriate treatments are applied.
By: Michael Corben
Children ENT Problems 