Viral infection is most common in spring and autumn and is caused by RS viruses, paragroups, rhinoviruses or coronaviruses. If it is not accompanied by bacterial superinfection, it is a self-limiting process and the symptoms and complaints most severe in the first few days usually decrease within 5-7 days. A sore throat, persistent sneezing, fever, malaise, myalgia, blocked nose, nasal speech and snoring, bad breath, impaired appetite, sleep disturbance and cough are usually observed. Sinusitis is accompanied by pain and flare-ups in the facial area and sometimes by olfactory impairment.

In the case of a cold illness, the child requires only symptomatic treatment at home: the administration of fluids, antipyretics or painkillers. When symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen again after an improvement has been observed, or when purulent nasal discharge appears and the fever is above 39 degrees for 3 consecutive days together with swelling and pain in the orbital region, a medical assessment is necessary. This may include a visit to an ENT specialist or sometimes an allergist.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of a thorough and detailed history and medical examination. No routine radiological or microbiological examinations are recommended. The diagnosis is therefore established only on the basis of symptoms and examination findings. Chronic sinusitis requires further ENT diagnosis for the presence of pharyngeal tonsillar hypertrophy.

In the case of bacterial inflammation, antibiotic therapy and complementary treatment in the form of hypertonic intranasal solutions, corticosteroids and sinus rinses are indicated.

Measures to reduce the incidence of acute sinusitis include avoiding contact with sick people, good hygiene (washing hands thoroughly, covering the face when coughing) and flu and pneumococcal vaccination.