We all know that school is an absolute hub for germs. If your kids are in school or daycare, no doubt you’ve already been visited by a bug (or two!) this fall. Most illnesses, especially viruses, clear up on their own after a few days, but sometimes they can lead to lasting problems, especially for young kids.
Viruses and Sinuses
The common cold is most often caused by a virus called rhinovirus. This extremely contagious virus enters your body through the nose or throat (usually when you breathe it in) and establishes itself in the upper respiratory system: the throat, nose and sinuses.
The presence of the virus causes irritation and inflammation of the tissues in the upper respiratory system. It also triggers the body to produce more mucus to flush the foreign invader out. Because of the inflammation, however, the nasal passageways can swell shut, trapping the mucus up in the chambers of the sinuses. The trapped pool of mucus creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, and that’s how you end up with a sinus infection, or sinusitis.
Why Kids’ Sinuses Are More Affected
Kids are much more susceptible to sinusitis than adults are. This is due to a couple of reasons.
For one, kids’ immune systems haven’t been exposed to as many germs as adults’ immune systems, so their bodies’ natural response to illness may be a little delayed as the immune system adapts to the new pathogen. That’s why adults come down with two to three colds a year, while kids get four or more—the adult immune system can effectively neutralize more pathogens before they become a problem. More colds mean more chances of developing sinusitis.
Also, kids’ airways are much narrower than adults’. It only takes a little inflammation of the tissues to squeeze shut the whole nasal passage and trap mucus in the sinuses. Think of it like trying to drink your coffee from one of those tiny straws, as opposed to a larger straw.
Chronic Issues That Can Result from Sinusitis
Most of the time, a bout of sinusitis clears itself up in a week or two, even in kids, and that is known as acute sinusitis. But here are some issues that can arise from complications of sinusitis:
- Chronic sinusitis. When sinusitis symptoms last several weeks or if the infection goes away but keeps coming back again, it’s considered chronic. This may occur if the infected mucus does not completely drain or if your child is reinfected with a new virus shortly after the first one resolves.
- Asthma. There is growing research that rhinovirus can be a risk factor in developing pediatric asthma, a respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing and frequent coughing.
When to Seek Help
It’s hard to see your child suffering, and sinusitis can be incredibly uncomfortable, not to mention it makes it difficult for them to get out and play and socialize. You may be wondering if it’s time to seek medical attention for their illness.
As mentioned above, acute sinusitis usually clears up on its own. If it’s lasted more than ten days, it could be time to check in with a healthcare professional and discuss getting antibiotics to clear out the infection and prevent it from becoming chronic sinusitis.
If your child has been wheezing or having difficulty breathing, see an ENT about pediatric asthma. Breathing difficulties should never be ignored. An inhaler or medications may be helpful.
At Raleigh Capitol Ear, Nose, Throat & Allergy, we can help with these conditions. We have a robust pediatrics team that can help with sinus issues and asthma. Call us today to make an appointment!