How to prepare for a video visit about Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)

Audience: pediatric

Sinus infections, also called sinusitis, happen when the spaces inside the nose and head become swollen or blocked. This can cause pain, stuffy nose, and sometimes fever in children. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help understand your child's symptoms and decide the best care. To get ready, gather information about your child's symptoms, such as how long they have lasted, any medicines given, and if symptoms are getting better or worse. During the visit, the provider may ask questions and guide you on home care or if further tests or treatments are needed. Remember, some cases need in-person care, especially if symptoms are severe or do not improve. This guide helps you prepare for a safe and helpful video visit about your child's sinus infection.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has difficulty breathing or fast breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) that does not improve with fever reducers.
• Swelling or redness around the eyes or severe headache — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medical history.
• Providing advice on home care and symptom relief.
• Recommending over-the-counter medicines appropriate for children.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is necessary.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical examination inside the nose or sinuses.
• Ordering or conducting imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans.
• Treating severe infections requiring intravenous antibiotics or surgery.
• Managing emergency situations such as breathing difficulties or severe allergic reactions.

What is a Sinus Infection (Sinusitis)?

A sinus infection happens when the lining inside the sinuses becomes swollen or blocked. Sinuses are air-filled spaces in the face and head. When blocked, mucus can build up, causing pain, pressure, and stuffiness. Children may also have a runny nose, cough, or fever. Sinus infections can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies.

How Telemedicine Can Help

During a video visit, a healthcare provider can ask about your child's symptoms, look at visible signs like nasal redness, and suggest ways to relieve discomfort. They can advise on medicines, home care, and when to seek in-person care. Telemedicine is convenient and can reduce exposure to other illnesses.

Preparing for the Video Visit

Before the visit, write down your child's symptoms, including:

Make sure your device has a working camera and microphone. Find a quiet, well-lit place for the visit. Have a list of questions ready.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do

Telemedicine can:

Telemedicine cannot:

If symptoms worsen or new serious signs appear, seek in-person care immediately.

After the Video Visit

Follow the provider's advice carefully. This may include giving medicines, using saline nasal sprays, or watching symptoms. If symptoms do not improve in a few days or get worse, schedule an in-person visit. Keep track of any new symptoms and ask for help if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down the child's symptoms and when they started.
• Note any medicines or treatments already tried.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns.
• Ensure your device has a working camera and microphone.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have a thermometer to check your child's temperature if possible.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on medicines and home care.
• Use saline nasal sprays or humidifiers as recommended.
• Monitor your child's symptoms daily.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Schedule follow-up visits if advised by the provider.

FAQs

Can a sinus infection be treated through a video visit?

Many sinus infections can be managed with advice from a video visit, especially mild cases. The provider can suggest home care and medicines. However, some cases need in-person exams or tests.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has trouble breathing, very high fever, swelling around the eyes, or severe headache, seek emergency care right away. These may be signs of a serious infection.

What home treatments can help my child's sinus infection?

Using saline nasal sprays, keeping your child hydrated, using a humidifier, and giving age-appropriate pain relievers can help ease symptoms. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Are antibiotics always needed for sinus infections?

Not always. Many sinus infections are caused by viruses and improve without antibiotics. Your provider will decide if antibiotics are needed based on symptoms and duration.

Sources

1. Sinusitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Sinus Infection (Sinusitis) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Sinusitis in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms are severe or worsening, seek immediate medical attention.