Can sinusitis cause coughing in children?

Sinusitis in children does cause coughing, mainly because the secretions caused by inflammation flow back and irritate the throat, which in turn causes coughing, especially at night and early in the morning.

Sinusitis is an infection or inflammation of the sinus mucosa. Children often find it difficult to detect the association with coughing due to symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, headache or facial pain. Inflammation leads to increased nasal secretions, which often flow into the throat through the posterior nasal opening. Continuous stimulation may cause coughing and even throat itching and discomfort. If not treated promptly, sinusitis may turn from acute to chronic, and the cough will become more stubborn, sometimes even mistaken for tracheitis or asthma. Coughs caused by sinusitis in children are usually accompanied by thick yellow-green nasal discharge, nasal congestion, mouth breathing and voice changes. It is especially important to note that if the cough persists for more than 10 days and cough suppressants are ineffective, sinusitis should be suspected.

To relieve and treat coughs caused by sinusitis, you can start from the following aspects. First, medication treatment, including the use of nasal sprays (such as nasal corticosteroids), oral antibiotics (commonly used amoxicillin clavulanate potassium), and anti-allergic drugs (such as loratadine) under the guidance of a doctor. These drugs can reduce inflammation and secretions. Second, home care, encourage drinking more warm water or gargling with light salt water, which can help relieve throat irritation, and maintain appropriate indoor humidity to prevent dryness. Third, avoid spicy and irritating foods. You can eat light and easily digestible foods in moderation, such as rice porridge, steamed vegetables, etc., which can help reduce nasal mucus secretion.

If a child has a long-term cough and other discomfort symptoms, he should be taken to the doctor as soon as possible to check the specific situation of sinusitis through nasal endoscopy and X-ray to avoid the development of chronic sinus problems or induce complications. Parents should also pay attention to daily care and treatment to promote the health of the child's nasal cavity.