Frequent sinus infections in children are a common problem, especially for children in daycare settings. the average child can have six to ten upper respiratory tract infections a year that have symptoms including nasal discharge and blockage.

Other factors that contribute to frequent sinus infections are environmental allergies, exposure to second-hand smoke, immunodeficiency, congenital craniofacial anomalies and some inherited conditions. Children with lung problems such as asthma and cystic fibrosis often have related sinus problems.

Most viral infections will resolve without treatment. A small percentage will progress to bacterial sinusitis that will require antibiotics for treatment. Narrowing or blockage of the nasal passages or sinus openings may increase the chances that a cold will progress to bacterial sinusitis.

Often, children may need medication to help treat sinus problems. This could include nasal steroids, nasal saline, mucous-thinning medications called mucolytics, and some allergy medications such as anti-histamines.

In a small percentage of children, surgery may be necessary to relieve the blockage and open the sinuses or nasal passages. Prior to any surgery, a thorough work-up is necessary in order to determine the appropriate treatment course. Younger children do not typically need surgery on the sinuses as their sinuses are still developing.

Younger children with frequent sinus infections often have their adenoid, a patch of tissue located where the nose and throat join, removed. the adenoid can be a haven for bacteria and can often block the nasal passages. Removing the adenoid is a simple and painless surgery that can be very effective.

When the sinus problem is more involved than an enlarged adenoid, the sinuses need to be imaged via a special X-ray called a CT scan to investigate the anatomy of the sinuses and determine if the openings of the sinuses are blocked. If sinus openings are blocked, they can be enlarged using special instruments and a small camera called an endoscope. This is called endoscopic sinus surgery. the natural openings are widened and preservation of normal anatomy is the goal.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Rhinology Clinic is unique in that it offers allergy testing and endoscopic evaluation during the same visit. This allows both the allergist and otolaryngologist to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider prior to starting or stopping any treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Chronic congestion of the sinuses, ears and/or the nose can be an extremely frustrating sinusitis problem that does not ever truly seem to go away. 

All too often I hear patients state that they have not found relief even after many rounds of antibiotics or multiple surgeries. this is because antibiotics and surgery often don’t address the cause of the congestion.

What causes Sinusitis and Runny Nose? 


Sinus infection (sinusitis) and runny nose are inflammatory conditions that result in mucous production and congestion. this leads to the resulting problems of sinus pressure headaches, a runny nose, or stuffy ears. 



Then what causes Inflammation? 


Inflammation is caused by anything that can activate the immune system. It can be caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infections, or by environmental or food allergies. 
Bacterial and fungal infections are readily treated by antibiotics, and viral infections generally resolve on their own. Food allergies are the most under-rated cause of inflammation and congestion, and frequently exacerbate known environmental allergies. 



How do Food Allergies Trigger Sinusitis or a Runny Nose? 


An allergy is an immune response, resulting in inflammation and in this case mucous production. Such a response to food can be exhibited in any part of the body, because nutrients are digested, absorbed and circulated throughout the body. this is why food allergies can cause a wide range of problems, including sinusitis and runny noses. 
there are many other conditions that can be caused by food allergies.

What Foods Trigger Sinusitis and Allergic Rhinitis?


Any food that can trigger the immune system via an allergic reaction is capable of causing sinusitis or allergic rhinitis. and the fact is, any food is equally capable of triggering an allergic reaction. 
there is no one-to-one correlation between foods and symptoms or diseases. Food allergies result in inflammation, which then leads to problems such as sinusitis. 
Therefore proper blood testing must be done in order to determine one’s food allergies. 



Why Is It So Difficult to Recognize One’s own Food Allergy? 


This is problematic because of the often delayed nature of food allergies. Allergy symptoms may show up hours or even a day later, after a food is well absorbed into your system. 
this difficulty is compounded by the fact that certain foods, such as dairy and wheat, are so prevalent in our diet that many people eat them nearly every day. Therefore connecting your symptoms with your eating habits often nearly impossible. 



What causes a Food Allergy? 


It is most likely that food allergies are genetically predetermined. In the big picture, humans have only recently introduced many current day foods into the diet, so it’s not surprising that the immune system doesn’t recognize every food as a friendly substance. 
Undoubtedly we do not understand everything there is to know about food or food allergies.

How do I Determine if I have a Food Allergy?


the only sure way to determine if you have a food allergy is to have your blood tested for antibodies to a variety of foods. this is done with an ELISA Food Allergy Panel, which measure your immune response to approximately 100 different foods. 


If you experience sinusitis, a runny nose, or suspect that you may have a food allergy, visit IBSTreatmentCenter.com and make an appointment for testing.

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