Cold-like symptoms of sinus infections include persistent sneezing, coughing, and congestion that lasts for two weeks or more. In addition, your toddler may have green nasal discharge and sore throat. [2] X Research source Your child may also complain of facial pain or headache that is linked to congestion and present with puffy eyes. Sinus infections often cause fevers in young children of 102°F (39°C) or higher. Chronic sinus infections consist of symptoms that last three months or longer with several episodes within a year. [3] X Research source
Make sure that you are only giving your toddler the dose that is appropriate for her age and weight. Check with a nurse or your toddler’s pediatrician if you are not sure what kind of dose to give to your child. A fever that is under 101°F (38°C) in a toddler is considered low-grade and can be treated with medication. Keep your eye on your child if her fever is between 101°F (38°C) and 103°F (39. 4°C); if it does not go down after a few hours of treating your child with OTC medication or lasts longer than three days, call your pediatrician. [4] X Research source A fever that is 104°F (40°C) or higher and does not come down within a couple of hours after giving your toddler medication requires immediate medical attention. [5] X Research source OTC medications that can be used to treat your child’s fever include ibuprofen (e. g. , Advil) for children six months and older and acetaminophen (e. g. , Tylenol) for infants two months and older. Do not treat your toddler’s fever with aspirin. Aspirin should not be given to children under the age of 18 because it can cause a rare but potentially fatal disease called Reye’s syndrome. [6] X Research source
Give your child cool beverages to stay hydrated. Pedialyte and Gatorade may be extra helpful by providing a boost of electrolytes. If your child has a sore throat, a popsicle may help to ease the pain while also providing fluids. Older toddlers may also be served warm or cold caffeine-free herbal tea with honey to ease a sore throat. Please note that honey should not be given to a child under one year of age due to the risk of botulism. [8] X Research source You can also give your sick toddler chicken soup, which is a good source of fluids and nutrients.
Taking a lukewarm bath may also help to reduce your toddler’s fever. Make sure that the water is not hotter than 90°F (32. 3°C) or too cold. [9] X Research source Your toddler may also benefit from having a warm, moist towel over her face to help reduce facial pain and open up the sinuses.
Use salt water nose drops to help thin mucus in your child’s sinuses. Put drops into his nostrils according to the directions on the packaging. [10] X Research source Use a bulb syringe to suction off the mucus.
Make sure you keep the humidifier clean and dry to keep mold and bacteria from spreading through the air.
If your child is restless, give him quiet entertainment such as an interactive video or low-energy toys to play with. Keep your child out of daycare so that he does not spread the infection.
OTC decongestants and antihistamine medications, such as Claritin and Benadryl, are not effective at treating upper respiratory infections, especially those caused by bacteria. [12] X Research source Talk to your doctor before giving any OTC medication to give your child. Your child’s doctor can advise on allergy medications if your child has allergies along with a sinus infection.
The pediatrician may perform an examination to see if your child has sinusitis, such as looking in the nasal cavity for polyps, shining a light through a sinus to look for signs of inflammation, or performing a nasal culture. She will also check your child’s ears, throat and lungs.
Chronic sinusitis tends to last 12 or more weeks or causes recurring infections four to six times in one year. Acute sinusitis typically lasts only a few weeks and the symptoms tend to be more severe within that short span of time.
The pediatrician is likely to prescribe antibiotics after your child has been ill for longer than 10 days, as this is a sign of a bacterial infection versus a viral infection. [14] X Research source If your child is prescribed a course of antibiotics, the medication should be taken as directed by your child’s doctor and no doses should be skipped even when your child begins to feel better.
Surgery is considered as the best option when your child has multiple episodes of sinusitis that cannot be relieved with medication therapy. A surgery generally consists of removing some of the tissue near the sinuses in order to allow mucus to move more freely. [15] X Research source
Acute sinusitis is typically caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection that causes the sinuses to swell up, leaving mucus trapped and increasing pressure in the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis may be caused either by a severe infection or by structural abnormalities in the sinuses such as polyps or bone spurs, or abnormalities of the cilia that keep them from ushering mucus out of the sinuses. Allergic rhinitis is another risk factor for chronic or recurring sinus infections.
If your child is immunosuppressed, she is more likely to contract an infection. To support a healthy immune system, give your toddler a nutritious diet and plenty of rest. [16] X Research source Teach your toddler how to reduce risk of illness by following a proper hygiene at daycare or school. For example, ask for your toddler to wash her hands before eating a snack and after using the restroom. Keep your child’s respiratory tract healthy by keeping her away of smoky environments. Never take your toddler to school or daycare when she is sick in order to prevent the spread of illness.
When the air is dry in your home, especially if you are running the heater, use a humidifier to help your child breathe easy. [17] X Research source Take care of your child’s cold and flu symptoms early before the illness turns into a sinus infection. This can include preventative measures such as getting a flu shot and other routine childhood immunizations. [18] X Research source Make sure that your child washes his hands thoroughly and often, especially when playing with other children, in order to decrease his risk of contracting an infection. [19] X Research source
