Common Child Allergy Sinus Problems

Frequent Child Allergy Sinus Problems and What You Can Do To Help Them

The child allergy sinus reactions are responsible for creating discomfort, pain, fatigue, irritability and pressure on the child. It is essential that the child is brought back to normalcy by recognizing these common child allergy problems and taking necessary actions to prevent/ treat these symptoms.

1. Sinus pressure/Stuffy Nose

Blocked sinuses are unable to clear the mucus congestion in the nose which results in sinus pressure or stuffy nose. This congestion can be relieved by using a decongestant which facilitates opening the drainage passageways thereby clearing the sinuses. Loosening of the mucus by using humidifiers and steamers help in mucus passing easily. In addition, use of saline sprays or drops and decongestant nose drops assist in easy mucus clearance.

2. Sinusitis

Sinusitis, or sinus infection, is caused by blockage of sinuses which give a warm and cozy place for growth of bacteria, fungi or viruses.  This can be prevented by following measures given above. Treatment is carried out by using decongestants or humidification which will relieve the pressure as the body fights off the illness. Bacterial sinusitis may be treated with antibiotics. It is essential that the parents realize that the symptoms of sinusitis can also be caused by viruses and fungi; antibiotics can only fight bacteria and cannot cure viral sinus infections. Hence, it is necessary that viral sinusitis has to run its course. For managing pain and fever you can use pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

3. Watery, runny nose

Runny noses are very common child allergy sinus problems; this is instrumental in causing other allergies such as hay fever etc. The common treatment for stopping runny nose is to dry it up by using antihistamines which will stop the reaction. The runny nose clears the congestion and if tolerated is a good thing. Clearance of congestion prevents the child suffering from sinus blockage and sinusitis.

4. Itchy nose

Itchy nose can be cured by stopping the allergic reaction with an antihistamine; this is one of the most common child allergy sinus problems. The best way to prevent this child allergy sinus problem is to prevent allergen exposure to the child.

5. Post Nasal Drip

Postnasal drip is a normal child allergy sinus problem; this is also related to the common cold. The sinus congestion from the nasal cavity drips down the back of the throat which results in discomfort such as sore throat, itchiness, cough and irritation.  The best preventive action for this is to prevent allergy by avoiding allergens which are allergy producing substances. You can use antihistamines to stop mucus production and decongestants to clear nasal congestions. To reduce post nasal drip you have to keep the child’s head at an elevated level; in particular in the night. This can be done by keeping more pillows under the child’s head.

Smoking, infection, pollution and fumes aggravate the common child allergy sinus problems and avoidance of these will increase the comfort level of your child. Further secondary infections resulted by sinus congestion and inflammation will also be prevented.

When to Call the Doctor

It will be futile to call on the doctor for every sign of sinus discomfort. It is in the best interest of the child if it suffers from some of these common child allergy problems and develop resistance. You should call on the doctor only under the following conditions.

	Presence of fever
	Extreme discomfort
	Off-colored discharge that does not clear even after a few days
	Child allergy sinus problems that last more than 10-14 days
	Chronic problems that are impacting the health or lifestyle of the child
	Child allergy sinus problems that are not easily controlled with medication and comfort measures
	Child allergy sinus problems that make breathing and eating difficult for the child

In case there is a doubt it is better to call the doctors office and get necessary opinion either from the doctor or from the nurse if they could examine the child.