In these cases, as in viral infections, antihistamines are not helpful. They may even make the condition worse by thickening nasal mucus, which impairs drainage. Nasal steroid sprays are commonly used and are helpful in chronic sinusitis. They are fairly safe to use in children as they are not absorbed in significant amounts. As a result, the side-effects associated with steroids taken by mouth are avoided.
Antibiotics are also necessary in most cases of chronic sinusitis.
Choice of antibiotics is critical as usually bacteria or bacteria with some pattern of resistance are more commonly present within the sinuses. Supportive measures such as humidifiers and saline nasal rinses are also beneficial. Sinus surgery is generally not necessary in young children. This is primarily due to the large number of factors that use or contribute to chronic sinusitis. For example, allergy, frequent exposure to colds, an immature immune system, and enlarged adenoids nay all be causative factors in a child's propensity for sinusitis.