Sinus infections happen when fluid builds up in the air-filled pockets in the face (sinuses), which allows germs to grow. Viruses cause most sinus infections, but bacteria can cause some sinus infections.

A previous cold

Seasonal allergies

Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke

Structural problems within the sinuses (such as growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses, known as nasal polyps)

A weak immune system or taking drugs that weaken the immune system

Runny nose

Stuffy nose

Facial pain or pressure

Headache

Mucus dripping down the throat (post-nasal drip)

Sore throat

Cough

Bad breath

Severe symptoms, such as severe headache or facial pain.

Symptoms that get worse after initially improving.

Symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improvement.

Fever longer than 3-4 days.

You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

You should also seek medical care if you have had multiple sinus infections in the past year.

A doctor will determine what type of illness your child has by asking about symptoms and doing a physical examination. Your doctor can make the diagnosis of a middle ear infection by looking inside your child’s ear to examine the eardrum and see if there is pus in the middle ear.

Antibiotics are often not needed for middle ear infections because the body’s immune system can fight off the infection on its own. However, sometimes antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, are needed to treat severe cases right away or cases that last longer than 2–3 days.

For mild cases of middle ear infection, your doctor might recommend watchful waiting or delayed antibiotic prescribing.

Put a warm compress over the nose and forehead to help relieve sinus pressure.

Use a decongestant or saline nasal spray.

Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about over-the-counter medicines that can help you feel better. Always use over-the-counter medicines as directed.

Be careful about giving over-the-counter medicines to children.

Not all over-the-counter medicines are recommended for children of certain ages.

Pain relievers:

Cough and cold medicines:

Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist about the right dosage of over-the-counter medicines for your child’s age and size.

Also, tell your child’s doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines they are taking.

Clean your hands

Receive recommended vaccines, such as the flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine.

Avoid close contact with people who have colds or other upper respiratory infections.

Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.

Use a clean humidifier to moisten the air at home.