SINUSITIS

Sinusitis is a common disease among children. The etiology, diagnosis, and management of acute and subacute sinusitis are well defined. The role of bacterial infection in chronic sinusitis is less clear, and re current viral respiratory tract infections and allergy are important r isk factors in children. Computed tomography has been used to evaluate the extent of chronic disease, and currently it is accepted that obst ruction of the osteomeatal complex is the major event in the pathogene sis of chronic sinusitis. Functional endoscopic sinus surgery has been used in the pediatric population; however, controlled studies are nee ded to better define the indications for, efficacy and safety of this approach in children with chronic or recurrent sinusitis.