Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0
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DESCRIPTION

A sinus infection is a bacterial infection of one of the seven sinuses that normally drain into the nose. Sinus congestion can occur without an infection if one of the sinus openings becomes blocked from a cold or hay fever.

As bacteria multiply within the sinuses, pain and pressure occur above the eyebrow, behind the eye, or over the cheekbone. Other symptoms can include a profuse yellow nasal discharge, postnasal drip, a blocked nose, fever, and bad breath. A sinus infection may cause a chronic cough. Swallowing sinus secretions is normal and harmless but may lead to some nausea. Most sinus infections can be diagnosed without sinus x-rays.

HOME TREATMENT

The following treatment should reduce pain and fever within 48 hours or less.

1. Antibiotics

   You need the antibiotic prescribed by your physician. This medicine will kill bacteria that are causing the sinus infection.

   Even though you will feel better in a few days, take the antibiotic until all the pills are gone to prevent the infection from flaring up again. Do not save the antibiotic for the next illness because it loses its strength.

2. Nasal washes

   Use warm water or saline nosedrops followed by nose blowing to wash dried mucus or pus out of the nose. Do nasal washes at least four times a day or whenever you can't breathe through your nose.

3. Decongestant nosedrops or spray

   To drain the sinuses, use a generic, long-acting decongestant nosedrop or spray (such as oxymetazoline). You don't need a prescription for the nosedrops or spray.

   The usual dose for adolescents is two drops or sprays per nostril twice a day. Use the medicine routinely for the first 2 or 3 days of treatment. After that, don't use the spray or nosedrops unless the sinus congestion or pain recurs. Stop the drops or spray after 5 days to prevent rebound swelling.

4. Pain-relief medicines

   Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a few days for sinus pain or any fever over 102 degrees F (39 degrees C).

5. Oral antihistamines

   If you have hay fever, take your allergy medicine (antihistamine). Otherwise avoid using antihistamines because they can slow down the movement of secretions out of the sinuses.

6. Contagiousness

   Sinus infections are not contagious. You can return to school when you are feeling better and the fever is gone.

CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Redness or swelling occurs on the cheek, eyelid, or forehead.
• You start feeling very sick.

CALL YOUR PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

• The fever or pain is not gone 48 hours after you start taking the antibiotic.
• You have other questions or concerns.