SINUSITIS

Sinusitis Treatment in Jumeirah, Dubai

Overview

Acute rhinosinusitis is an illness that results from infection of one or more of the paranasal sinuses. A viral infection associated with the common cold is the most frequent etiology of acute rhinosinusitis, more properly called viral rhinosinusitis
Uncomplicated viral rhinosinusitis usually resolves without treatment in 7 to 10 days. Although acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) also may resolve without treatment, treatment with antibiotics hastens recovery. It is important to distinguish between uncomplicated viral rhinosinusitis and ABRS to prevent unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Sinusitis is inflammation of the mucosal lining of one or more of the paranasal sinuses. The terms “sinusitis” and “rhinosinusitis” often are used interchangeably because inflammation of the paranasal sinuses is almost always accompanied by inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
Inflammation of the sinuses is common during upper respiratory infection (URI) but usually resolves spontaneously. Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) occurs when there is secondary bacterial infection of the sinuses.

Causes of Sinusitis

Common pathogens — Streptococcus pneumoniae , Haemophilus influenzae (nontypeable), and Moraxella catarrhalis are the predominant causes of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS)

The clinical and radiographic manifestations of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) in children are similar to those of viral upper respiratory infection (URI) .The clinical course, particularly the persistence and severity of symptoms, helps to differentiate between uncomplicated viral URI and ABRS .

Symptoms

Clinical findings are:

Cough
Nasal symptoms
Fever
Headache)
Facial pain and swelling
Sore throat
Halitosis

The following symptoms may indicate a sinus infection in your child:

a cold lasting more than 10 to 14 days, sometimes with a low-grade fever
thick yellow-green nasal drainage
post-nasal drip, sometimes leading to or exhibited as sore throat, cough, bad breath, nausea and/or vomiting
headache, usually in children age six or older
irritability or fatigue
swelling around the eyes.

Complications — Children with untreated bacterial rhinosinusitis are at risk for serious complications, which may be the presenting manifestation. Complications may result from orbital or intracranial extension. The exact rate of complications of ABRS is unknown, but they are estimated to occur in approximately 5 percent of patients hospitalized for rhinosinusitis .

Findings that should prompt consideration of intracranial extension include :

The combination of periorbital/orbital swelling with persistent headache and vomiting
Vomiting and headache that requires hospital admission, particularly in older children
Altered level of consciousness
Focal neurologic deficits
Signs of meningeal irritation (eg, stiff neck)

Treatment of Sinusitis in Children

Acute sinusitis: Most children respond very well to antibiotic therapy. Nasal decongestant sprays or saline nasal sprays may also be prescribed for short-term relief of stuffiness. Nasal saline (saltwater) drops or gentle spray can be helpful in thinning secretions and improving mucous membrane function.
If your child has acute sinusitis, symptoms should improve within the first few days of treatment. Even if your child improves dramatically within the first week of treatment, it is important that you complete the antibiotic therapy. Your doctor may decide to treat your child with additional medicines if he/she has allergies or other conditions that make the sinus infection worse.

Advanced treatment for Sinusitis done by expert doctors at SHAMMA Clinic in Jumeirah. Schedule a consultation with our Pediatrician today.