Why does my son keep getting sinus infections?

Why does my son keep getting sinus infections?

Very young children in particular have immune systems that haven’t fully developed, so they can be more likely to get infections of the nose, sinuses, and ears. These are most frequently caused by viral infections, and they can be further aggravated by allergies.

Why does my child keep getting a sinus infection?

Sinus infections can be as persistent as ear infections in some children — and just as difficult to treat. If your child suffers from chronic sinusitis, it may be because he has an underlying medical condition such as: • some sort of anatomical problem in the nose that prevents drainage, such as a deviated septum

When to take your child to the doctor for sinusitis?

Surgery should be considered only if other treatments have failed. You may need to take your child to an allergist/immunologist, particularly if he or she has chronic or recurrent sinusitis or has had sinus surgery, but still experience sinusitis. Antihistamines do not help the symptoms of sinusitis unless it is caused by an allergy.

Can a sinus infection cause chronic sinusitis?

Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by an infection, by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or by a deviated nasal septum.

How long does it take for a sinus infection to develop?

Sinusitis is commonly defined by how long symptoms have been present: Acute sinusitis means that symptoms have been present for less than 30 days. It is usually due to an infectious process and often develops after a viral cold. Chronic sinusitis means that symptoms have been present for greater than 90 days, or 3 months.

When is a child most likely to get sinusitis?

Young children are more prone to infections of the nose, sinus, and ears, especially in the first several years of life. Viruses, allergies, or bacteria usually cause sinusitis. Acute viral sinusitis is likely if your child has been sick for less than 10 days and is not getting worse.

How long does a sinus infection usually last?

Chronic sinusitis lasts 12 weeks or longer, and is usually caused by prolonged inflammation, instead of a long infection. Infection can be a part of chronic sinusitis, especially when it worsens from time to time, but is not usually the main cause. What Are the Treatment Options?

Can a child have a CT scan for sinusitis?

Imaging (X-rays) of the sinuses, such as a CT scan, are not recommended in acute sinusitis unless there are complications from the infection. Radiation safety concerns may limit imaging scans, especially in children younger than six-years-old. 2

How many people are diagnosed with sinusitis each year?

Roughly 12 percent of the adult US population was diagnosed with chronic sinusitis in 2015, and approximately $8 billion is spent annually on managing the disease. If you consider all forms of sinusitis (acute and chronic), it is the number one reason doctors prescribe antibiotics, according to Schleimer.