Pediatric Sinusitis Treatment with an ENT in Boise, Idaho
──

Treasure Valley Nasal and Sinus Center, led by Dr. Peter Killian, is a state-wide recognized source of exceptional care for complex nasal and sinus disorders and other ear, nose, and throat disorders. Many of Dr. Killian’s patients are adults, however, it is important to note that rhinosinusitis and other conditions common in adults may manifest differently in children, delaying diagnosis and possibly resulting in the need for more frequent and specialized treatment. 

Diagnosing and Treating Sinusitis in Adults vs. Children
──

Depositphotos 215161702 s 2019
If you ask adults to imagine a sinus infection or sinus infection symptoms, it’s likely they will conjure images of severe sinus headaches, using box after box of tissues to clear the nose and sinuses, general misery, and potentially a need for antibiotics. (If you are an adult and think you might have sinusitis or other nasal infection, see our Sinusitis page for more information.)

Children are not simply “little adults”. They are physically different and have difficulty communicating these symptoms to their parents and caregivers. That is why it’s important for parents to recognize when a child may need an ENT doctor for pediatric treatment (ear, nose, and throat doctor). 

Symptoms more common in children than adults include:
  • Cough
  • Stuffy nose
  • Fever (100.4° or higher)
  • Bad breath (halitosis) from post nasal drainage
  • Crankiness or tiredness beyond what is typical
  • Headache or soreness over the sinuses
  • Swelling around the eyes
  • Thick yellow-green nasal discharge
  • Thick yellow-green post-nasal discharge (at the back of the throat)

If your child has these symptoms, especially if they also have had a cold or sinusitis symptoms for more than 7 days, it is appropriate to see a doctor. If your child has these symptoms frequently and they haven’t resolved with appropriate treatment from your pediatrician, it is also appropriate to explore the option of seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. 

Please note: Most cases of sinusitis in children, especially if symptoms have only lasted a few days, are viral infections. Prescribing antibiotics for a viral sinus infection does not help, but can cause unwanted side effects and build antibiotic resistance in your child. Dr. Kilian is careful about evaluating your child’s symptoms and performing a culture. A culture can determine if an antibiotic is necessary and guide the selection of an appropriate antibiotic for your child.  This allows the correct selection initially to maximize effectiveness and minimize risk.

Dr. Killian is very conservative with his treatment recommendations for children. Non-surgical and minimally invasive options are exhausted before considering more intensive treatment. Children’s sinuses are still growing and developing and, unless specifically necessary, excessive intervention is not often required for improvement. If your child has been struggling with nasal and sinus problems and needs the next step in care, Dr. Killian is the most experienced and well-trained sinus specialist and surgeon in the state of Idaho.

If you live in the Boise area and are looking for help regarding your child’s chronic sinusitis, call (208) 593-4484  or contact us today to see how Treasure Valley Nasal and Sinus can help you.

Asset 1