Sinus Infections in Children
Types of Sinusitis in ChildrenThere are a couple of different types of sinusitis. Each type is based on how long symptoms last and what has caused the condition.
Different types of sinusitis include:
- Acute sinusitis: Diagnosed when symptoms have lasted for fewer than four weeks. There are two different subtypes:
- Acute viral sinusitis, which is caused by a virus
- Acute bacterial sinusitis, which is caused by bacteria.
- Subacute sinusitis: Symptoms lasting for 4 to 12 weeks.
- Chronic sinusitis: Symptoms lasting 12 weeks or longer, despite medical treatment.
- Recurrent sinusitis: More than three episodes of acute sinusitis separated by at least 10 days of no symptoms in a six-month period; or more than four episodes of acute sinusitis separated by at least 10 days of no symptoms in a 12-month period.
Risk Factors for Sinus Infections in ChildrenBecause the nose and sinuses are connected, anything that causes swelling in the nose -- an infection, an allergic reaction, or another type of immune reaction -- can also affect the sinuses. This increases the risk for sinusitis.
A viral upper respiratory infection is the most common reason why a child gets a sinus infection. Other things that increase the risk for sinus infections in children include:
- Allergies (hay fever, seasonal allergies, year-round allergies)
- An obstruction in the nose, such as a polyp or deviated septum
- Infection of the ear or throat
- Irritants such as dry air, tobacco smoke, or chlorine
- Certain medical conditions, including cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and HIV/AIDS
- Sudden changes in pressure, such as a descent in an airplane.
Children in daycare are also more likely to get sinus infections.