Acute Viral Sinusitis, No Antibiotic Treatment (Child)
The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull. They are behind the forehead, in the nasal bones and cheeks, and around the eyes. When sinuses are healthy, air moves freely and mucus drains. When a child has a cold or an allergy, the lining of the nose and sinuses can become swollen. This is called sinusitis.
Sinusitis often starts with a cold. Cold symptoms usually go away in 5 or 10 days. If sinusitis develops, though, the symptoms continue and may even get worse. Your child may have pain or swelling in the face, a stuffy or blocked nose, or mucus that drains from the nose or the back of the throat. It may also cause a headache, a cough, or bad breath.
The doctor has determined that your child’s sinusitis is not caused by bacteria. No antibiotics are needed. The doctor may prescribe pain medicine, saline drops for the nose, or a decongestant to help ease symptoms. Symptoms usually get better in 2 to 3 days.
Home care
Follow these guidelines when caring for your child at home:
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You may be told to give your child saline nasal drops or a decongestant. Follow instructions for children when using these medicines.
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If needed, give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for fever, pain, or fussiness. Read and follow all instructions on the label. Do not give aspirin to children or teens unless your child’s doctor says it is safe. Aspirin can put your child at risk for Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
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Be careful with cough and cold medicines. Don't give them to children younger than 6, because they don't work for children that age and can even be harmful. For children 6 and older, always follow all the instructions carefully. Make sure you know how much medicine to give and how long to use it. And use the dosing device if one is included.
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Be careful when giving your child over-the-counter cold or flu medicines and Tylenol at the same time. Many of these medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Read the labels to make sure that you are not giving your child more than the recommended dose. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
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Give your child plenty of time to rest. Make sure they drink plenty of fluids and keep them home if they have a fever.
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Use a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s bedroom to make breathing easier, especially at night or if the air in your house is dry. Clean and dry the humidifier to keep bacteria and mold from growing. Don’t use a hot water vaporizer. It can cause burns.
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Don’t smoke around your child. Tobacco smoke can make your child’s symptoms worse.
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Don't use antihistamines with acute sinusitis. They can keep fluid from draining from the sinuses.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your child’s doctor, or as directed.
When to get medical advice
Contact your child's doctor right away if your child has:
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A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor (see Fever and children, below).
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Swelling or redness around eyes that lasts all day, not just in the morning.
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Vomiting that continues.
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Sensitivity to light.
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Double vision.
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Symptoms that don't go away in 10 days.
Call 911
Call 911 or get emergency medical services right away if your child:
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Has breathing problems.
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Has a stiff neck and a fever.
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Has sudden or severe pain in the face or head.
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Is not acting right or thinking clearly.
Fever and children
Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:
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Rectal. For children younger than 3 years, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.
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Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.
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Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The doctor may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.
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Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until they are at least 4 years old.
Use a rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel OK using a rectal thermometer, ask the doctor what type to use instead. When you talk with any doctor about your child’s fever, tell them which type you used.
Below is when to call the doctor if your child has a fever. Your child’s doctor may give you different numbers. Follow their instructions.
When to call a doctor about your child’s fever
For a baby under 3 months old:
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First, ask your child’s doctor how you should take the temperature.
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Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Armpit: 99°F (37.2°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________as advised by the doctor
For a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):
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Rectal or forehead: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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Ear (only for use over age 6 months): 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor
In these cases:
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Armpit temperature of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher in a child of any age
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Temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age
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A fever of ___________ as advised by the doctor