How to Treat Childhood Sinusitis

A childhood sinusitis infection can be confused with the common cold. There won't be any confusing the persistent congestion and ongoing head pain. When a cold turns into sinusitis, there is only one sure treatment--see the pediatrician. Typically, they prescribe antibiotics, however you can help your child's body naturally process infection by using some simple steps at home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antibiotics
• Wet washcloth
• Humidifier
• Liquids
• Over the counter decongestant

1. Take your child to see a doctor right away. Sinusitis is an infection that must be treated with antibiotics to stop it. Antibiotics will also insure the infection doesn't spread to other areas.

2. Watch your child closely during and after antibiotic treatment. Sinusitis can be tricky to combat. Some antibiotics won't work for some children. The infection may also come back right away and your doctor will need to treat it with a different antibiotic.

3. Give decongestants or other medications if a doctor prescribes them. They help break up the mucus in the nasal passages and begin relieving the symptoms of sinusitis.

4. Push the fluids. Drinking lots of fluid will help thin your child's mucus.

5. Apply a hot, moist washcloth over the face for five to 10 minutes several times a day. This will also break up mucus and clear the nasal passages.

6. Put a humidifier in your child's room to keep the nasal mucus wet and get it flowing out faster.

7. Use saline nose spray or drops if your doctor says it is okay. Children may not like having a salt water solution sprayed into their nostrils, so this should be used as a last resort.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't force your child to blow his nose hard. Forcefully blowing can lodge mucus back into the sinus cavity.

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