Runny nose? Stuffy nose? Post-nasal drip? Or could it be a sinus infection? It’s not always easy to tell the difference. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about sinus infections, what symptoms to look out for, and how to help your kid overcome it and feel their best.

What is a sinus infection?

A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is inflammation of the mucosal membrane that lines your sinuses. It’s usually caused by viral or bacterial infections. Sinus infections usually develop after a cold when the tissues inside the nose and sinuses swell and produce extra mucus. When the drainage pathways get blocked, fluid builds up in the sinuses. That trapped fluid creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, which can lead to a sinus infection.

Sinus infections aren’t actually very common in children. “The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that fewer than 1 in 15 children with a common cold will develop a true bacterial sinus infection during or after the illness” says Dr. Marcy Borieux MD, FAAP, Pediatrician at Summer Health. “Only about 6–7% of children with respiratory symptoms meet criteria for acute bacterial sinusitis.” 

Some children may be more prone to sinus infections if they have:

• Frequent viral upper respiratory infections

• An immature immune system

• Adenoid hypertrophy (enlarged adenoids) 

• High exposure to germs in daycare or school settings

What causes sinus infections?

While sinus infections are most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, they can also be caused by allergic rhinitis (an al­lergic condition affecting the upper respi­ratory tract) or environmental irritants, like pollen-producing plants, tobacco smoke, pet danger, dust, or mold spores.

Symptoms of a sinus infection

It can be tricky to tell the difference between a lingering cold and a sinus infection. Here are some of the symptoms your pediatrician will look for:

• Nasal congestion or blockage

• Persistent nasal mucus (thick, discolored, or ongoing)

• Facial pain or pressure or headache (common in older children)

• Cough (often worse at night)

• Fever

• Postnasal drip (mucus running down the back of the throat)

• Halitosis (bad breath)

• Fatigue

• Irritability

How are sinus infections diagnosed?

Your pediatrician will diagnose a sinus infection by reviewing your child’s symptoms, performing a physical exam, and considering their medical history. The key criteria for diagnosing a sinus infection, include:

• Persistent symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement

• Severe onset of symptoms, such as high fever or intense headaches

• Worsening symptoms after an initial period of improvement

Treatment is usually not considered unless one of these criteria is met.

How to treat sinus infections in kids

If your child comes down with a sinus infection, it’s no fun for them or for you. In most mild or short-lived cases, the best approach is to watch and provide supportive care, including:

• Plenty of rest and hydration

• Warm compresses on the nose or face to ease swelling and discomfort

• Nasal saline spray or gentle irrigation to help clear mucus

• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (age-appropriate) for fever or pain relief

For infections that are more severe, persistent, or worsening, your pediatrician may recommend additional treatment, like antibiotics or intranasal corticosteroid sprays to reduce inflammation. Using a humidifier in your child’s room may also ease symptoms. Just remember to clean it regularly to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Are sinus infections preventable?

While it’s not possible to completely prevent sinus infections, you can lower your child’s risk by taking a few proactive steps:

• Practice good hand hygiene to limit the spread of germs

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick

• Keep kids away from tobacco smoke and other known environmental irritants

• Manage allergies to reduce nasal inflammation and congestion

• Stay up to date on vaccinations, including the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine

When to consult a specialist

You may need a referral to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist if your child:

• Experiences recurrent or chronic sinus infections

• Does not improve with standard medical treatments

• Shows signs of complications, such as swelling around the eyes or severe headaches

An ENT can help determine the best course of treatment and rule out any underlying issues contributing to repeated infections.

FAQs

What are different types of sinuses?

• Maxillary sinus

• Ethmoid sinus

• Frontal sinus (develop later in childhood)

• Sphenoid sinus (develop later in childhood)

During a sinus infection, one or more of the sinuses may become inflamed. It’s important to note that young children have not developed all of their sinuses. This is one of the reasons why sinus infections are less common in young children.

How do humidifiers help kids with sinus infections?

“Humidified air can soothe mucosa and reduce congestion,” explains Borieux. “But, humidifiers are not a core guideline and must be cleaned daily to prevent mold or bacterial contamination.”

How do nasal sprays or saline sprays help?

Nasal or saline sprays help clear mucus, reduce congestion, and relieve discomfort. They are generally safe and can be used several times a day as needed. 

If you have questions about sinus infections, reach out to your local or Summer Health lactation specialist for support. Summer Health is a pediatric telehealth platform offering 24/7 care, providing answers for everything from urgent concerns to everyday questions about your child’s health.