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Sinus Pain, Congestion

Care at Home

Reassurance: Sinus congestion is normally part of a cold. Usually home treatment can prevent a true sinus infection.
Nasal Washes:
- Use warm water or saline nose drops followed by suction or nose blowing to wash dried mucus or pus out of the nose.
- Instill 2-3 drops in each nostril.
- Repeat this until the nose is open.
- Do nasal washes at least 4 times per day or whenever your child can't breathe through the nose.
- To make saline nose drops - add ½ teaspoon of table salt to 1 cup (8 oz.) of warm water.
Humidifier: If the air in your home is dry, run a humidifier.
Decongestant Nose Drops or Spray (no prescription needed):
- Use this only if the sinus still seems blocked up after nasal washes.
- Use the long-acting type (such as Afrin, etc).
- Consult with your pharmacist.
- Always clean out the nose before using.
- Dosage: 1 drop or spray on each side 2 times/day if over age 6.
- Don't use for more than 5 days (Reason: rebound congestion).
Pain Medicine:
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain relief.
- See dosage chart.
- Ask your pharmacist to recommend a pediatric brand containing either of these ingredients.
- The application of ice over the sinus for 20 minutes may also help.
Antihistamines: Give oral antihistamines only if the child also has hay fever.
Expected Course:
- With treatment, the viral sinus congestion usually resolves in 5 to 14 days.
- The main complication occurs if bacteria multiply within the blocked sinus (bacterial sinusitis). This leads to a fever and increased pain, which needs antibiotics.
Contagiousness: Sinus infections are not contagious.
IF your child becomes worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.