Trust Your Gut: Signs It’s More Than a Cold

Is It Just a Cold… or a Sinus Infection?

Kids get stuffy noses all the time, especially during cold and allergy seasons. But sometimes, what looks like a simple cold can turn into something more — a sinus infection.

Sinus infections (called sinusitis) happen when the lining of the nose and the small air-filled spaces behind the face (called sinuses) get swollen or infected. This can make your child feel pretty miserable.

Sinusitis is a spectrum of disease characterized by inflammation and infection that affects the mucosal lining of the nasal passages and nearby paranasal sinuses.

Common Signs of a Sinus Infection in Kids:

• nasal congestion
• greenish or yellowing drainage from the nose or down the back of the throat
• low grade fevers
• malaise
• cough

Photo: Dad reading the Deebo® Guidebook to learn the signs and symptoms

When Should You Worry?

Generally, sinusitis is suspected (rather than just a common cold) when symptoms persist beyond 10 days. Symptoms lasting longer longer than 12 weeks may represent a chronic form of sinusitis, and a doctor should be consulted.

What You Might See at Home

If you’re using The Deebo® Otoscope, you might notice:

• Green or yellow mucus
• Redness in the lining or swelling inside the nose
• Stuffiness or nasal congestion

Photo: Dad using a Deebo® otoscope to check for signs of sinusitis

When You Should NOT Worry:

Sometimes parents worry about bumps inside the nose — most of the time, these are normal parts of the nose called turbinates, which help clean and warm the air your child breathes. Don’t confuse these with nasal polyps, which are rare in children and usually only show up in more serious or long-lasting sinus infections.

What Causes It?

Sinus infections usually start when something blocks the small openings that let your child’s sinuses drain. This can be caused by:

• Colds
• Allergies
• Irritants like smoke or strong smells

When the sinuses get blocked, mucus builds up, and that creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

In this image, you can see where the sinuses are blocked — the fluid has nowhere to go, which can cause pressure and discomfort.

What Helps?

Most sinus infections in kids can be treated at home. Doctors often recommend:

• Nasal saline sprays or rinses (these help clear out the nose)
• Nasal steroid sprays (to calm swelling)
• Allergy medicine if needed

Using saline regularly — even when your child isn’t sick — can help keep their nose and sinuses clear and healthy.

When Surgery Is Needed

Sometimes, if a child keeps getting sinus infections or if nothing else works, doctors may recommend surgery. This could mean:

• Removing the adenoids (small tissue behind the nose)
• A simple surgery using a camera (endoscope) to open up blocked sinuses

These procedures can help medications work better and reduce future infections.

Photo: All better! Find a bit of peace of mind with seeing more at home.

Author: Austin S. Rose, MD, MBA, FARS - Pediatric Otolaryngologist