Paediatric Sinusitis – Part 3 (What are the symptoms and who is more likely to develop Paediatric Sinusitis?)

What are the symptoms of Paediatric Sinusitis?

Symptoms in children tend to be more pronounced than those of adults.

• A runny nose with colored nasal mucus. Mucus may be yellow or green and can even be clear in color. Mucus drains in large amounts.
• Coughing, a sore throat and bad breath (halitosis) with accompanying post nasal drip or mucus running down the back of the throat.
• A fever or increase in body temperature.
• Lethargy
• Facial pain (usually occurs only in children older than 5) and swelling in certain areas such as around the eyes and cheeks may occur. Headaches may also be present.
• Cold or flu-like symptoms that last for more than two weeks / 14 days.
• Vomiting and nausea or even an upset stomach
• A foul odor emanating from the nasal passages.

 

Symptoms vary depending on the level of sinusitis a child has:

 

Acute Sinusitis	Sub-acute	Chronic Sinusitis	Recurrent Sinusitis
Lasts for over two weeks Coughing Congestion Rhinitis or a runny nose A fever Ear infections or otitis media (middle ear infection) Pain in the forehead region or headaches Symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu are experienced.	Inflammation, swelling and discomfort felt for 1 to 1 ½ months. Yellow, cloudy or colored nasal mucus. Symptoms of acute sinusitis are present.	Sinusitis that has lasted for over 2 months. Yellow or green nasal mucus. All symptoms of acute sinusitis are present.	Sinusitis that has progressed on and off for a period of 1 year. Persistent coughing Recurrent Sinus infections over a period of time. All symptoms of acute sinusitis are present.

Who is more likely to develop Paediatric Sinusitis?

Paediatric sinusitis is not more prevalent with regards to race, sex and age.