A Review of the Rhinological Manifestations in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract

This review looks at the natural history and the treatment of the nasal sinus manifestations of cystic fibrosis in childhood. Polyps are more common in boys and are associated with the respiratory rather than the gastrointestinal manifestations of the disease. The sinuses are radiopaque in all cases, and organisms are rarely cultured, the latter is probably because of antibiotic treatment. Polyps appear to be corticosteroid sensitive in about half the cases, and spontaneous resolution may occur. Although there are advocates for extensive sinus surgery, the natural history is of resolution if patients survive into adulthood. Although patients may have lung damage, simple polypectomy is probably the surgical treatment of choice.