Sinusitis in children

Abstract

Upper respiratory tract infection and allergic inflammation are recognized as the important risk factors for acute sinusitis, with upper respiratory tract infection being most common. In children with acute or chronic sinusitis, the respiratory symptoms of nasal discharge, nasal congestion and cough are usually prominent. Radiography has traditionally been used to determine the presence or absence of sinus disease. The radiographic findings most diagnostic of bacterial sinusitis are diffuse opacification, mucous membrane thickening or an air-fluid level. The predominant organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Branhamella catarrhalis and nontypable Haemophilus influenzae. Several viruses including adenovirus and parainfluenzae have also been recovered. Clinical improvement is prompt in nearly all children treated with an appropriate antimicrobial agent.