Sinus Surgery in a 5 Year Old

There is an all natural nasal spray called Xlear (xlear.com) that you may want to try before you go forward with surgery. I am a dentist and I recommend this product to many of my patients with sinus problems and it is very effective, and safe to use on a daily basis, unlike many prescription nasal sprays. The active ingredient, xylitol, is a natural sugar that fights bacteria. Good luck!

R.,
I have had a similiar "nightmare" with my daughter who is now 7 and is doing great. She is highly sensitive and allergic to things in the enviornment. Allergists never concluded just what caused her "allergy". She was on 3 meds at one time. . . and we tried several before we found what worked "best" and that was pretty poor control. The kid was so snotted up all of the time it was horrible. When she was 4 she developed chronic sinusitis. I took her to 3 ENT's, an allergist, multiple trips to the pediatrician, multiple 2 week courses of antibiotics. . .she even had an exam under anesthesia which turned up only adenoiditis. Of course, they wanted to take her adenoids out, I was opposed. So, her regular Pediatrician had been out of the office battleing cancer and one day we saw him. He put her on antibiotics for 1 week beyond when her symptoms ceased. It took 7 weeks. No more infections no more adenoiditis.
I also found a product I love and swear by at Whole Foods, but I have seen it in phamacies, called the AYR bottle. It's bascially a saline sinus wash. We start it as soon as we see any nasal congestion and it controls her better than the 3 meds ever did. So she is off meds completely. All 3 of my girls 2, 5, and 7 have AYR bottles. It will take a little getting use to for him, but will be well worth it.

Hi R.,
I had sinus surgery when I was 28. I'm sure it's really scary because your son is only 5, but the surgery is worth it. I used to get 2 sinus infections a year. Then one year I had 5 infections in 6 months! They did a scan of my head and it showed a deviated septum and a cyst in one of my sinus cavities. I only had one surgery to correct both problems but I've only had one sinus infection in the last 10 yesars!!! I still have trouble with my sinuses (seasonal allergies, stuffiness when the heat comes on in the winter), but that's NOTHING compared to the pain I used to get over my eyes and on the side of my head. If you love and trust your doctor, then I'd say you should do it. Be strong for your little guy, it can be kind of scary going into surgery (even when you're my age). Good luck and let us know how everything goes.

Please, please, please go for a second opinion before scheduling surgery. It seems so drastic for a 5 year old. And, good luck, I know how scared you must be. Make sure the ENT specializes in kids only, not a general ENT who does adults only. You need a pediatric ENT. B. W

I spent my entire childhood and most of my adulthood like this and didn't get the surgery until I was well into my 20's.

While I was a small child I spent countless nights in the bathroom crying because I couldn't breathe. I wish I had been given the surgery then! The surgery allowed me to sleep through the night (without waking multiple times gasping for air) for the first time in my life. It was life changing.

As the previous poster said, I know it's scary, but it's going to be MUCH better for him long term. I still have sleep issues due to years and years of cruddy sleeping.

I went through this with my then 7 yr old. March 08, he went in for surgery and to have his sinus' cleaned out. June 5th, he had tubes put in his ears and the sinus' cleaned again. During that small window of time, he had 3 very bad sinus infections and sinus flushes at home. He was a mess. After the tubes, we started to see some improvement. By the end of summer he seemed fine. About October, he started again with the infections. Back to the ENT for the gazillionth time and this time he's talking surgery again. Come to find out, ENT #1 (same office), poked holes throughout the sinus passage for drainage. Because of all of the infections afterwards, these "holes" closed up. Now, ENT #2, want to put slices in and fan the sinus' out. What ever the hell that's all suppose to mean. Just make my kid better. We haven't done the 2nd one yet. Know on wood, he's been handleing his own. Check with your ENT on how bad the sinus' are and what exactly the surgery entails AND GO FOR A 2ND OPPINION. At least have your info with you so you can compare the 2 Drs. I wish you the best of luck. Your little Prince will be fine.

Before the invasive surgery if you can, see a homeopathic practioner or allergist. It is likely to be related to allergies- environmental or food sensitivities. THere are ways to address sinusitis and infections w/o surgery. I myself have had this problem. Help to drain them by use of a warm compress(washcloth placed on the sinuses) as well as trying some of the homeopathic remedies in the healthfood stores. Serve more foods containing garlic -
Of course if it is too far gone and you need the surgery, you need it. I have mine drained years ago and it helped.