• Sinus are small empty boxes inside the skull filled with air.
• There are 4 sets of them. Eadevelopslop as the skull expands (so not all are present at birth)

• They are lined by tiny hairs which move constantly to sweep virus, bacteria, particles away. (Just like nose- remember they have hair too?)
• When these boxes get infected, they cause pain, headache (because they are close to brain) and features of irritation( running nose)

• Some children are prone to get repeated infections. Most times they need just supportive treatment and kids are better in 2-3 weeks

Generally occur after throat, nose infections- like  common cold

Symptoms of sinusitis include:

• Yellow discharge from nose
• Pain (especially after pressing around nose, above eye)
• Temperature (as in all infections)
• Bad breath, Tooth pain

If  symptoms are mild and getting better, you could manage it at home.

• Suffering from Allergy- like wheeze, hay fever. (due to repeated damage)

• Any blockage of draining canal in nose- like mass growing(polyp)

• Immune problems (due to reduced defence )

• Exposure to cigarette smoke( irritant)

• Steam inhalation- You can add eucalyptus oil, or Vicks

• Nasal decongestants regularly- nasal saline drops(relatively safe) and Nasal Xylometazoline ( 1 drop in each nostril every 6 hours)- use for a maximum of a week

• Pain killers like – paracetamol or ibuprofen(unless contraindicated)

• If you have green/ yellow nasal discharge- he will start antibiotics

• If allergy is suspected or severe irritation(inflammation) the doctor will prescribe steroid inhalers.

• If repeated severe infections, surgery to improve the drainage of sinus contents will be  considered

• Severe headache
• Altered consciousness
• Pallor, Bleed into skin