Sinusitis infections often occur after a cold or when allergies hit. There are four different sinuses, which are:   - Ethmoid sinus Located near the bridge of the nose. This sinus is present at birth, and continues to grow throughout the child’s life.   - Maxillary sinus Located near the cheeks. This sinus is also present at birth and continues to grow throughout the child’s life.   - Frontal sinus Is located near the area of the forehead. This sinus does not develop until the child is around the age of 7.   - Sphenoid sinus Located deep behind the nose. This sinus does not develop in children until their teen years.   Treatment for sinusitis in children will depend on how severe the condition is.   Acute sinusitis generally gets better on its own, however when it doesn’t your child’s pediatric doctor can prescribe antibiotics or allergy medications to help them as a decongestant.   Chronic sinusitis treatments include several options like:   - ENT specialist Your pediatric doctor may refer your child to an ENT specialist if they think the chronic sinusitis is severe enough.   - Antibiotics Your child may be prescribed antibiotics to help with their sinusitis.   - Inhaled corticosteroid medicine Nasal sprays or nasal drops with steroids in them are normally prescribed.   - Other medicine Medicines with antihistamines and decongestants like saline sprays or drops, or other medicines will help to loosen and clear any mucus that may be clogging the sinuses.   - Allergy shots or immunotherapy If your child is suffering from allergies, allergy shots may help to reduce their reaction to the allergens such as pollen, dust mites or even mold.   - Surgery If sinusitis is severe, and no other methods have worked. Surgery is an option. However, this is very rare for children.   Care that can be continued at home includes:   - Fluids Having your child drink a glass of water or juice like apple or orange juice every hour or two can help thin mucus, and allow it to drain easier. Fluids also help to prevent any dehydration.   - Saline rinse Saline rinses help to keep the sinuses and nose moist.   - Warm compress Apply a warm compress like a moist towel to your child’s nose, cheeks and eyes to help ease the pain in their face from sinusitis.    We welcome you to give us a call or make an appointment through our website. We serve patients from Kirkland WA, Seattle WA, Shoreline WA, Lake Forest Park WA, Kenmore WA, Woodinville WA, Mountlake Terrace WA, Woodway WA, Edmonds WA, Lynnwood WA, Bothell WA and Lake Washington WA.