Symptoms
The symptoms of a sinus infection in children can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the age of the child. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, sinus pressure or pain, headache, fever, cough, and fatigue. Children may also experience a loss of smell or taste, yellow or green nasal discharge, and bad breath. In some cases, the infection can spread to the eyes, causing redness, swelling, and pain. Children with a sinus infection may also be more prone to ear infections, as the Eustachian tubes that connect the sinuses to the middle ear can become blocked.
Causes
Sinus infections in children can be caused by a variety of factors, including a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu, or a bacterial infection. Allergies, environmental irritants, and structural abnormalities in the sinuses, such as a deviated septum, can also contribute to sinus infections. Children with a weakened immune system, such as those with asthma or cystic fibrosis, may be more prone to sinus infections.