Spring is here, and with it comes itchy eyes, runny noses, and sneezing fits that become bothersome to both children and their parents when these symptoms develop into an infection. Sinus infections are very common in children and may accompany rhinitis (hay fever). The first course of action is to determine your child’s allergenic symptoms and how best to remedy the sinus infection.
Differentiate between hay fever & sinus infection in children
It’s tough dealing with allergies and a sinus infection as a kid. Sometimes these symptoms can be confused with the common cold when they develop into an infection of the sinuses. If you notice your child suffering around the same time of year — particularly in the spring and summertime in Alabama — there’s a good chance their allergies or hay fever have been triggered by pollen or mold spores. If you have a family history of allergies, it’s likely your child will suffer from them as well.
Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever) in children:
Runny and itchy nose
Sneezing
Postnasal drip
Nasal congestion (blockage)
Itchy and watery red eyes
Skin rashes or hives (atopic dermatitis or eczema)
Difficulty breathing (asthma)
Stomach upset
Since hay fever happens seasonally every year, there are over-the-counter remedies and prescriptions to ease symptoms. Sinusitis (sinus infection) happens when a viral infection inflames the linings of the sinuses. This is more serious than hay fever and will present different symptoms in children.
Common symptoms of sinus infection in children:
Coughing
Bad breath
Crankiness
Low energy
Swelling around the eyes
Thick yellow-green nasal or post-nasal drip
Symptoms present after 10 days
Treating allergy infections with Crimson Care’s pediatric services
The sinuses aren’t fully developed until the later teen years, which can make pediatric sinusitis difficult to diagnose. This is where your medical care provider steps in to determine if the infection is caused by allergies and hay fever. Our urgent care staff will examine your child’s symptoms.
Treatment can include nasal steroid sprays or nasal saline drops for short-term use to relieve symptoms. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat the infection. We’ll develop a medical treatment plan for your child’s allergies or sinus infection and provide instructions to continue care at home.
If your child’s hay fever symptoms worsen or persist after 10 days, we encourage you to see us at Crimson Care Urgent Care.
** At Crimson Care, we have CDC healthcare guidelines in place and can help address your concerns regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus). Please contact your healthcare provider BEFORE entering facilities if you believe you have been exposed to the Coronavirus and have developed symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. **
Learn about pediatric care services available at Crimson Care in Tuscaloosa, AL.
Dr. Ramesh Peramsetty -- along with his entire Crimson Care team -- is committed to making medical services convenient and accessible. The clinic offers three Tuscaloosa locations: Crimson Care Skyland, Veterans Memorial, and First Care on McFarland. All locations offer extended weekday hours and one-stop treatment services, including medical care, x-rays, lab work, and prescription dispensing. Crimson Care also provides digital access through its online patient portal. Request prescription refills, complete any necessary patient forms online, review your medical records at any time, and even pay your bill.
Check us out today on our website, or give us a call today at Crimson Care Veterans: (205) 507-1100, Crimson Care Skyland: (205) 507-1119, or First Care: (205) 349-2323.