Pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Pediatric sinusitis is prevalent, and the debate continues regarding how best to care for these children. Although acute sinusitis is commonly associated with an upper respiratory infection, the focus of this paper is on chronic rhinosinusitis in children. Research is often more difficult in children than adults, so many times one can learn from the adult literature and determine whether there can be application to the childhood population. RECENT FINDINGS: This paper looks at both medical and surgical treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. "Maximal medical management" is often cited in the literature, but what this should consist of has never been clearly proved in the literature. Alternative medicine approaches as well as irrigation as an adjunct to care are discussed. Biomaterials are also be discussed. Recent outcome data are put in perspective. SUMMARY: Hopefully the reader will find the presentation stimulating. The paper does not promote surgery as a "cure all," and in the end, analysis will hopefully leave the reader more cautious but with a better understanding of this complex disease.