The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the skull surrounding the nasal passages, each connected to the nose via openings. Humans have four pairs of sinuses:
frontal,
maxillary,
sphenoid, and
ethmoid. They warm, humidify, and filter inhaled air.
Sinusitis refers to inflammation of one or more sinuses, characterized by nasal congestion, headaches, purulent nasal discharge, and often reduced or lost sense of smell. Common triggers include colds and viral/bacterial respiratory infections. When pathogens invade the nasal mucosa and cause inflammation, delayed or inadequate treatment allows the infection to spread to the sinuses, leading to sinusitis.
Complications Beyond the Nose
Due to the sinuses’ proximity to the eyes, ears, and brain, sinusitis can impact neighboring organs—
especially in children, whose nasal anatomy and developing immune systems heighten infection risks and complication rates.
Hearing Issues:
Infection spreading via the Eustachian tube can cause
otitis media, ear pain, tinnitus, or hearing loss, affecting speech development.
Eye Conditions:
Poor drainage or weakened immunity may allow infections to spread to the eyes, causing orbital swelling, redness, or eyelid pain.
Physical & Cognitive Delays:
Chronic congestion and headaches disrupt sleep, potentially leading to stunted growth, low weight, weakened immunity, poor focus, memory decline, or mood disorders.
Distinguishing Colds from Sinusitis
Early-stage colds often trigger
acute sinusitis, with symptoms like fever, yellow/green mucus, cough, headache, facial pressure, congestion, and periorbital swelling. While similar to colds, these symptoms
last longer. Parents must stay vigilant:
Step 1: Duration
Symptoms persist beyond typical cold timelines (7-10 days) or recur after improvement.
Step 2: Symptoms
Sinusitis shares cold-like symptoms (congestion, purulent discharge, reduced appetite, smell loss) but uniquely features
headaches or pain/swelling around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead due to reduced brain oxygenation from congestion.
Note: Untreated acute sinusitis can become
chronic (>12 weeks), increasing complication risks and treatment difficulty.
Prevention in Cold Seasons
Proactive measures reduce sinusitis and other infections:
Dress children warmly in cold weather.
Promote a balanced diet rich in fruits/vegetables and regular exercise to boost immunity.
Discourage nose-picking or inserting foreign objects.
Use masks outdoors to block pathogens.
Treat colds promptly to prevent acute inflammation from progressing.
Guard their sinuses—protect their health!
