Asthma and Sinusitis or Sinus are common conditions that often affect children. Sinus occurs when there is an inflammation or infection in the sinuses, while asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways become inflamed and narrow which makes it difficult to breathe. At times, both of these conditions could be interconnected and can affect the overall well-being of the children.
Kids with asthma are more prone to develop sinusitis and vice versa. This is because both conditions produced inflammations in the airways. Mucus may run down the kid’s throat if he is suffering from sinusitis infection. This could irritate the airways and can increase the symptoms of asthma like- coughing and wheezing.
The most common symptoms of Sinusitis in children are:
Stuffy nose
Thick, coloured drainage in the nose
Loss of Smell
Headache
Cough
Fever
Swelling around the eyes.
On the other hand, if not treated properly, asthma could lead to long-term sinus infection. This means, that both conditions are connected and if one of them is under control, the other one will automatically be corrected.
The most common symptoms of Asthma in kids are:
A wheezing sound when breathing out.
Breathing problems
Chest congestion
Trouble eating or sucking.
Here are some of the tips to manage sinus and asthma together in kids:
Accurate Diagnosis: The most important step is to make sure your kid gets a proper diagnosis. Consult a health expert to determine whether your child has asthma, sinus or both. Treatment must be based on accurate diagnosis.
Regular Checkups: Take your child for regular medical checkups to keep track of his health status. Regular monitoring ensures that both conditions are controlled and allows timely changes to their treatment.
Maintain Good Indoor Air Quality: Make sure that the air inside your home is clean and dust-free. Avoid smoking, use air purifiers to capture airborne pollutants and ensure good ventilation.
Follow Prescribed Treatments: Seek medical attention as soon as possible and adhere to the prescribed treatment by the health expert. Antibiotics could be used to treat the sinus if there is a bacterial infection, also saline nasal sprays could be used to keep the nasal passage moist. For asthmatic symptoms, doctors could prescribe inhalers for quick relief.
Follow a Healthy Lifestyle: Ensure that your child follows a healthy diet plan and engages in physical activities that could boost the kid’s immune system and overall health. But make sure, the exercise is done in such a way that doesn’t trigger asthmatic attacks.
Hydration and Moisture: To prevent thin mucus secretions, make sure your kid stays hydrated. To reduce sinus and asthma symptoms, you can use a humidifier in their rooms. Dehydration can make asthma conditions worsen. Water reduces the risk of inflammation, making breathing easier for your kid.
Track Symptoms: Maintain a track of your kid’s health and note any pattern that impacts your child’s well-being. Be aware of weather changes or respiratory infections.