Sinusitis in teenagers

Overview

Sinusitis (sy-nuh-SY-tis) is swelling of the lining of the sinuses, which are air-filled spaces in the bones around your nose. When the sinuses get blocked and filled with fluid, germs can grow and cause an infection.

Yes, sinusitis is fairly common in teenagers, particularly during cold and flu season.

Teenagers who have frequent colds, allergies (like hay fever), or who are exposed to cigarette smoke are more likely to get sinusitis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Blocked or stuffy nose
• Thick yellow or green mucus coming from the nose or down the back of the throat
• Pain or pressure around the eyes, cheeks, or forehead
• Headache that gets worse when bending forward
• Fever (usually low grade)
• Cough, especially at night

Symptoms in children

• Teenagers (adolescents) usually describe the same symptoms as adults. Younger children may show more irritability, trouble eating, or a cough that lasts longer.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have fewer typical symptoms like fever and pain, and more often experience a lingering cough, fatigue, or confusion. Sinusitis in older adults can be harder to spot.

Causes

Main causes

• Viral infections – most often the same viruses that cause the common cold
• Bacterial infections – when sinusitis lasts more than 10 days or gets worse after starting to improve, bacteria may be the cause
• Allergies – like hay fever, which can keep the sinuses swollen and blocked

Risk factors

• Having a cold or flu
• Allergies (hay fever, dust mites, pet dander)
• Exposure to cigarette smoke or air pollution
• Swimming in dirty water
• A weak immune system (from illness or certain medicines)
• Asthma

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any emergency symptoms – call your local emergency number right away.
• If you have a high fever, severe pain, or vision changes, see a doctor today.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your symptoms last longer than 10 days without getting better
• If you get sinusitis several times a year
• If over-the-counter remedies for pain or congestion are not helping

Diagnosis

A doctor or nurse will ask about your symptoms, check your temperature, and examine your nose, face, and throat. They may press gently on your cheeks and forehead to see if it hurts.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no tests are needed – the diagnosis is made based on symptoms and exam.
• Sometimes a small scope (nasal endoscope) is used to look inside your nose.
• Very rarely, a CT scan (a kind of X-ray) or a sample of mucus is taken if the infection is severe or unusual.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will ask when symptoms started, how you feel, and if you have allergies. They might ask you to tilt your head forward to check for facial tenderness. It's quick and not painful.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Most sinusitis in teenagers is viral and gets better with rest and home care. Bacterial sinusitis may need a course of antibiotics, but these are not always needed and will be prescribed by your doctor only if they suspect bacteria.

Self-care at home

• Get plenty of rest and drink lots of water to thin mucus.
• Use a humidifier or breathe steam from a bowl of hot water (be careful not to burn yourself).
• Apply warm compresses (a warm, damp cloth) to your face over the painful areas.
• Use a saline (salt water) nasal spray or rinse to keep your nose moist and clear mucus.
• Avoid blowing your nose too hard – it can push infection deeper. Gently wipe or blow one nostril at a time.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (always follow the dose on the label) to reduce fever and pain. Decongestant sprays or tablets can shrink swollen nasal passages, but these should not be used for more than 3 days. If the cause is bacterial, your doctor will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic. Always finish the whole course even if you feel better.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for teenagers. It may be considered only if sinusitis is chronic (lasting more than 3 months) and does not improve with medicines, or if there is a structural blockage like a nasal polyp. This would be discussed with a specialist.

Living with this condition

Sinusitis can be uncomfortable, but it usually doesn't last long. Stay home from school if you have a fever or feel too unwell. Most teens feel better within 1–2 weeks. While you recover, avoid heavy exercise and try to get extra sleep.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid being around cigarette or vaping smoke – it can make sinusitis worse.
• Use a humidifier, especially in your bedroom at night.
• Wash your hands often to avoid spreading germs to others.
• If you have allergies, try to avoid triggers like dust, pollen, or pet fur.

Diet and exercise

Drink plenty of fluids (water, herbal tea, clear soups) to stay hydrated and thin mucus. There is no special diet, but eating well helps your immune system. You can go back to exercise when you feel better, but avoid very strenuous activity until you are fully recovered.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Feeling sick for a week or more can be frustrating and make it hard to concentrate at school. It's normal to feel a bit down or irritable. Remember that this is temporary. If you feel very anxious or depressed, talk to a parent, school nurse, or counselor.

Prevention

Sinusitis can't always be prevented, but you can lower your chances. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and stay away from people who have colds. If you have allergies, take your allergy medicines as recommended. Avoiding smoke is also important.

Vaccines

Getting the flu vaccine every year can help prevent the flu, which sometimes leads to sinusitis. Ask your doctor if other vaccines (like the pneumonia vaccine) are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for sinusitis. If you have frequent or long-lasting sinus problems, your doctor may check for allergies or other underlying conditions.

Complications

If left untreated

• Very rarely, a sinus infection can spread to the area around the eye, causing redness, swelling, and pain. This needs immediate medical attention.
• In extremely rare cases, infection can spread to the brain or the lining of the brain (meningitis). This is a medical emergency.

Long-term outlook

Almost all teenagers with sinusitis recover completely within a few weeks, especially with rest and home care. Even when antibiotics are needed, the outlook is excellent. Serious complications are very uncommon. If you take care of yourself and see a doctor when needed, you will feel better.

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