Chronic sinusitis is when someone has sinusitis for more than 3 months. Sinusitis is the swelling and irritation of the linings of the sinuses. Sinuses are hollow spaces in the cheekbones, in the forehead, and behind the nose.

Treatment for chronic sinusitis may include antibiotics, allergy medicines, saline (saltwater) sprays or washes, and steroids (medicine to ease swelling) taken by mouth or as a nasal spray. 

Follow these instructions to care for your child.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions for giving any medicines: 
  • If antibiotics were prescribed, be sure to give your child all of the doses as directed, even if he or she is feeling better.
  • Use any nasal sprays as directed. 
  • If a saltwater (saline) nasal spray was prescribed, use the spray or wash before any other nasal sprays.
  • If you are giving acetaminophen (Tylenol®, Panadol®, or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®, or a store brand) for pain or fever, be sure to follow dosing instructions on the package.
  • Don't give aspirin to kids or teens. It's been linked to a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
  • Don't give cough or cold medicines to children younger than 6 years old. They can be dangerous in young children.
• Offer your child plenty of liquids to drink.
• Let your child rest as needed.
• To help your child feel more comfortable while sleeping, try:
  • a cool-mist room humidifier (clean the humidifier as directed)
  • raising your child's head on two pillows 
• People who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to get sinus infections. Make your home and car smoke-free. Visit www.smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW for help.
• Schedule any follow-up appointments as instructed by your health care provider.

Your child:

• has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) that lasts more than 3 days, or if the fever goes to 102°F (38.9°C) or higher
• isn't improving after following the health care provider's instructions
• has nosebleeds
• has new or worsening symptoms

Your child has:

• changes in vision or pain with eye movements
• neck pain and/or stiffness or a severe headache
• bulging eyes or severe swelling around the eyes

Who gets chronic sinusitis? Chronic sinusitis is more common in people who have allergies or asthma, who smoke (or who are around smoke), who are around some types of pollution, who have a blockage in the nose or sinuses, or who have immune problems.

What are the symptoms of chronic sinusitis? Kids with chronic sinusitis may have a cough, a stuffy nose, yellow or green mucus from the nose, face pain or pressure, and loss of sense of smell. They may also feel tired or worn out.