Sinusitis is not only exasperating for adults, but for young children as well, as they do not know how to deal with its excruciating symptoms.
There are several treatments and medications available for children suffering from sinusitis.
It is a good idea for parents, whose children suffer from sinusitis and other allergies, to know the various over-the-counter medications that are available nowadays.
Most of the time, these over-the-counter medications are the first and most accessible sinus treatment that they can give their child.
Why Parents Should Choose Over-The-Counter Medicines for Child Sinusitis? In many cases, sinus allergies or attacks in children do not need prescription medications.
A common advice that a lot of doctors give to parents, even those whose children are under their care, is to try different over-the-counter, or OTC, sinus medicines first.
The doctor would often only prescribe medications if the OTC medicine fails.
These types of medicines are a good choice for several reasons.
* Over-the-counter sinusitis medicines are easily available.
* OTC medicines for children are made in lower doses, so they are safe even for very young children.
* They are often less expensive.
* OTC sinusitis medicines for children used to be prescribed medicines that were later given OTC rank after these have been proven effective and safe for children.
* Most OTC medications for children with sinus allergies are very effective at alleviating mild sinus sinusitis attacks.
* Finding a good OTC sinus treatment for your child can lessen doctor's visits, thereby, saving time, lowering medical expenses and overcrowding in clinics and hospitals.
Common and Effective Over the Counter Sinusitis Medications for Children There is a wide range of over-the-counter medicines for child sinusitis that specialize in treating the main symptoms of the allergy.
Some of the tried and tested ones are - * Antihistamines - The main purpose of antihistamine is to block the chemical histamine.
Histamine is what causes most allergic reactions.
For example, a stuffy nose is caused by our bodies reacting to high levels of blood histamine.
So, what antihistamines do is to counter and deactivate it.
Antihistamines are a good sinus treatment.
It eases cough, hives, itchiness, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, swelling, and watery eyes.
If you are going for the generic versions, then look for the active ingredients bropheniramine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, and loratadine.
* Decongestants - Decongestants are excellent in decreasing inflammation in the nose and easing congestion and stuffiness by making the blood vessels narrow down.
This eases the pressure on the sinus and allows it to drain.
It is important that the pressure on the sinuses is relieved to avoid secondary infections.
Parents can also choose the nasal spray form of decongestants.
It works like the oral decongestants and contains oxymetazoline.
* Nasal Sprays - Nasal drops or nasal sprays are also a good choice of sinus treatment for children.
There are a number of good OTC nasal sprays available, with the simplest being the saline nasal spray, a clean salt water solution that aids in rinsing the allergens from the nose.
You can also opt for some OTC medications that combine the power and effectiveness of antihistamines and decongestants to make one fast acting medicine.
Still, it is advisable to consult a good doctor to get the most effective sinus treatment, according to the severity of the condition of your child.