Sinusitis in children: symptoms and treatment (doctor's recommendation)

The content of the article

1 How does the disease develop?
- 1.1 The role of pathogenic bacteria
2 Symptoms of sinusitis in children
- 2.1 Characteristic local symptoms
3 How is pathology diagnosed?
4 Therapy for inflammation of the sinuses

Inflammation of the sinuses is a fairly common occurrence in pediatric patients. In the last decade, there has been a progressive increase in the frequency of this disease. Catarrhal forms of sinusitis are most often diagnosed when there are no signs of suppuration in the sinuses. Somewhat less, it is a purulent nature of the inflammation.

So what if the child has severe sinusitis? How much is he treated? How can it be cured?

How does the disease develop?

Most often, this pathology occurs against the background of an acute respiratory viral infection. Typically, pathogens of inflammatory changes in the mucosa are:

adenoviruses;
rhinoviruses;
parainfluenza viruses;
influenza viruses.

The impact of pathogens leads to the activation of local and general immunity and the release of inflammation molecules at the site of their introduction. As a result, there is an increase in the permeability of the vascular wall and local tissue edema. Such phenomena provoke a violation of the outflow of mucous secretion from the paranasal sinuses, and worsen nasal breathing. Clinically, this is manifested by a runny nose, cough, nasal congestion.

The role of pathogenic bacteria

In some cases, a child's sinusitis can be complicated by the addition of secondary bacterial inflammation. It occurs when the immunity is weakened, when the bacterial flora rapidly multiplies on the nasal mucosa.

In most cases, purulent sinusitis are caused by the following pathogens:

streptococci;
staphylococci;
hemophilic bacillus.

Promotes the development of bacterial sinusitis and swelling of the nasal mucosa, which leads to the closure of the lumen connecting the nasal passages and sinus. This, in turn, provokes an insufficient supply of oxygen to the sinus and a decrease in the activity of the ciliary epithelium of its mucous membrane. Such processes contribute to the accumulation of discharge, its suppuration, thickening of the sinus walls, and the appearance of a characteristic picture of sinusitis.

The occurrence of sinusitis is favored by congenital anomalies of the structures of the nose (curvature of the nasal septum, abnormalities of the lateral wall of the nasal passages, etc.). Also, the risk of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses increases in the presence of allergic rhinitis, adenoids and non-inflammatory pathologies of the nasopharynx.

Symptoms of sinusitis in children

All manifestations of sinusitis can be divided into two large groups:

general symptoms;
local symptoms.

Common symptoms usually indicate a viral or bacterial infection in the body. The child is worried about:

general weakness;
headache;
muscle soreness;
fever.

The temperature in acute sinusitis can have different indicators ranging from 37 ° C and ending with an increase to 38-39 ° C. In some cases, there may not be a rise in body temperature at all.

Characteristic local symptoms

Local symptoms of sinusitis in children include:

swelling of the mucous membrane, which is felt as a stuffy nose;
discharge from the nose of a mucous or purulent character;
swelling of the soft tissues of the face in the sinus;
pain in the projection of the affected sinuses.

Local pain with sinusitis can be of a different nature. More often moderate sensations of a dull nature are noted. Less commonly, pain becomes unbearable and requires the appointment of analgesics.

How is pathology diagnosed?

Sinusitis in children is diagnosed by analyzing complaints, as well as objective examination data. During the admission, the ENT doctor performs rhinoscopy, that is, an examination of the nasal cavity. Today, endoscopy of the nasopharynx is increasingly used for this purpose. With sinusitis during this examination, it is determined:

mucous or purulent discharge in the nasal passages;
"Leakage" of pus or mucus from the causal sinus;
swelling, redness of the nasal mucosa and mouth of the affected sinuses.

If there are indications, additional non-invasive diagnostic methods can be additionally prescribed:

X-ray of the sinuses;
ultrasound scan of the sinus;
computed tomography of the sinuses.

In pediatrics, computed tomography is performed only according to strict indications, which is caused by exposure during the study of x-ray radiation. An alternative would be an MRI of the sinuses. Additionally, a general clinical blood test is also prescribed, in which an increase in the number of leukocytes and an acceleration of ESR indicates a bacterial inflammatory process.

Invasive diagnostic methods include puncture of the maxillary sinus. It is performed for sinusitis and includes a mandatory bacteriological examination of exudate. After receiving the contents of the sinus, it is sown with the determination of the bacterial flora and its sensitivity to antibiotics.

Therapy for inflammation of the sinuses

The treatment of sinusitis, first of all, pursues the following goals:

restoration of the lumen of the anastomoses connecting the sinus and nasal cavity;
liquefaction and improvement of the outflow of the separated sinuses;
fight against the causative agent of infection.

To achieve a therapeutic effect, the following groups of drugs are used.

Decongestants

These are drops that reduce swelling of the nose and restore patency of the anastomoses of the sinuses. For example:

"Nazivin";
"Vibrocil";
Galazolin.

Antibacterial agents

Antibiotics are indicated for the bacterial nature of the disease. Usually, doctors use drugs with a wide spectrum of action and proven effectiveness in sinusitis (Amoxicav, cephalosporin drugs).

It is also possible to treat sinusitis in children at home by inhalation using antibacterial drugs (for example, Dekasan). They are carried out using a nebulizer. To improve the outflow from the paranasal sinuses, inhalations with ambroxol, acetylcysteine are used. Additionally, folk remedies are used (inhalation with infusion of chamomile or calendula flowers, sage herbs).

Mucolytics

These are sputum thinners. They improve fluidity and reduce the viscosity of the discharge, restore drainage from the sinuses. Most often, these drugs include acetylcysteine.

Herbal preparations occupy a special place in the treatment of sinusitis. Among the latter, "Sinupret" is most often prescribed - a medicine containing a complex of plant extracts. The main components of the drug are:

gentian root;
sorrel grass;
primrose flowers;
black elderberry flowers;
verbena grass.

Each of these plants has valuable healing properties and enhances the action of other components of the drug.

"Sinupret" is available in the form of drops for oral administration and dragees. For young children, the use of a liquid form is recommended. Starting from six years you can give dragees. The drug has a multidirectional effect in sinusitis:

reduces mucosal edema by reducing vascular permeability;
dilutes the inflammatory secretion in the sinuses;
activates the activity of the ciliary epithelium;
has an immunomodulatory effect.

In the acute form of sinusitis, the medicine is taken for about 7-14 days, but if necessary, its administration can be extended up to three weeks. In clinical trials, the effectiveness of this drug in catarrhal forms of sinusitis was proved. And with simultaneous administration with antibiotics, Sinupret enhances their effect. According to the opinions of doctors and patients, the medicine contributes to the more rapid disappearance of the symptoms of sinusitis, speeds up the recovery time and significantly reduces the risk of complications.

There are also expert advice on the use of Sinupret for the prevention of frequent exacerbations of chronic sinusitis in children and adults. In this case, it is allowed to take the medicine for a long course (up to two to three months). Against the background of such prophylaxis, the risk of complications during acute respiratory viral infections is significantly reduced, and the body's immune resistance increases.

Thus, the treatment of sinusitis in children requires the appointment of a whole range of drugs. Therefore, even the slightest signs of inflammation in the paranasal sinuses should become a reason for seeking medical help. Doctor's recommendations are especially important at high temperature, the presence of signs of intoxication, purulent discharge from the nose. After all, only a medical specialist will be able to objectively assess the clinical situation and draw up the most effective treatment regimen.