Chronic Sinusitis in Children

Abstract

Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic diseases, affecting 14.7% of the population as reported in a 1993 National Health Interview Survey. The consequences of chronic sinusitis resulted in 25 million physician office visits, fifth highest antibiotic use of all diseases, and lost work and school days. Thus, the health and economic impact of chronic sinusitis is substantial and has been increasing over the past 10 years. Sinus infections are a common problem in pediatrics, although the incidence is unknown. Sinusitis should be suspected in upper respiratory tract infections that persist beyond 7 to 10 days. Acute and subacute sinusitis often is a bacteriologic infection complicating a viral upper respiratory tract infection. The same may not be true for chronic sinusitis. In children and adults with chronic or recurrent sinusitis, this is more than likely a symptom indicating an underlying medical or anatomical problem. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, evaluation of underlying abnormalities, and management of chronic sinusitis.