Red flags & when to go in person for Sinus Pressure in Children

Audience: pediatric

Sinus pressure in children is common and often caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections. Many cases can be managed safely with telemedicine, where a healthcare provider can assess symptoms and suggest treatments remotely. However, some signs mean your child needs in-person care to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications. These include high fever, severe pain, swelling around the eyes, or difficulty breathing. Knowing when to seek urgent care helps protect your child's health. Telemedicine can guide you on symptom management and when to visit a clinic or hospital. This guide explains red flags, what telemedicine can and cannot do, and how to prepare for a virtual visit about your child's sinus pressure.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever lasting more than 3 days or above 39°C (102°F) requires urgent medical evaluation.
• Swelling, redness, or pain around the eyes may indicate a serious infection needing immediate care.
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, sudden vision changes, or confusion are emergency signs—seek in-person care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate sinus pressure symptoms.
• Guidance on symptom management and home care.
• Advice on over-the-counter medicines appropriate for children.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of severe symptoms such as high fever or facial swelling.
• Emergency situations involving breathing difficulty or neurological changes.
• Physical examinations requiring imaging or laboratory tests.

What Causes Sinus Pressure in Children?

Sinus pressure happens when the sinuses, air-filled spaces in the face, become inflamed or blocked. Common causes include colds, allergies, or sinus infections. Children may feel a headache, facial pain, or stuffy nose. These symptoms often improve with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines.

When to Use Telemedicine for Sinus Pressure

Telemedicine can be helpful for mild to moderate sinus pressure symptoms. A healthcare provider can ask about your child's symptoms, look for signs of infection, and recommend home care or medicines. This is convenient and reduces exposure to other illnesses.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain symptoms need urgent evaluation in person:

If your child has any of these, go to an emergency room or urgent care center.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your virtual visit:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

Keep notes on any changes to share with your provider.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down your child's symptoms and their start time.
• List any medicines your child has taken, including doses.
• Prepare your child's medical history and allergy information.
• Set up a quiet, well-lit area with a reliable internet connection.
• Have a thermometer and any recent health records ready.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for medicines and care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule follow-up care if advised or if symptoms worsen.
• Seek in-person care promptly if red flag symptoms develop.
• Keep a record of your child's progress to share with healthcare providers.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose sinus infections in children?

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and suggest if a sinus infection is likely, but it cannot replace a physical exam or imaging needed for a definitive diagnosis.

What home treatments can help relieve my child's sinus pressure?

Common home treatments include warm compresses on the face, ensuring your child drinks plenty of fluids, using a humidifier, and giving age-appropriate pain relievers or decongestants as advised by a healthcare provider.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person?

If your child has a high fever lasting more than three days, swelling around the eyes, severe pain, difficulty breathing, or any sudden changes in vision or behavior, seek in-person medical care immediately.

Is sinus pressure contagious?

Sinus pressure itself is not contagious, but the infections or colds causing it can be. Practicing good hygiene helps prevent spreading illnesses.

Can allergies cause sinus pressure in children?

Yes, allergies can cause inflammation and blockage in the sinuses, leading to pressure and discomfort similar to infections.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child shows any emergency signs or if symptoms worsen, seek immediate in-person evaluation.