New insights into pediatric rhinosinusitis

N Principi1, S Esposito

  • 1Institute of Pediatrics, University of Milan, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Milan, Italy. Nicola.Principi@unimi.it

Insights

Acute rhinosinusitis is common in children, often following a cold. Amoxicillin is recommended for mild cases, while severe infections require antibiotics that overcome resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Rhinosinusitis is a frequent pediatric illness, typically acute and bacterial, often developing after a common cold.
  • Symptoms include persistent upper respiratory signs (>10 days) for mild cases, or fever and purulent nasal discharge for severe cases, impacting general health.
  • Recurrent or chronic rhinosinusitis in children may be linked to predisposing factors like allergies, cystic fibrosis, or immune deficiencies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the characteristics and management of pediatric rhinosinusitis.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies for mild, severe, and recurrent forms of the disease.
  • To provide expert recommendations on antibiotic selection for pediatric rhinosinusitis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria for pediatric rhinosinusitis.
  • Analysis of predisposing factors contributing to recurrent or chronic conditions.
  • Evaluation of current antibiotic treatment guidelines, considering resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • Mild acute rhinosinusitis is characterized by prolonged symptoms, while severe cases present with fever and purulent discharge.
  • Predisposing factors significantly influence the occurrence of recurrent or chronic rhinosinusitis in children.
  • Amoxicillin is the preferred antibiotic for mild cases; broad-spectrum antibiotics are indicated for severe infections.

Conclusions:

  • Antibiotic therapy is crucial for managing pediatric rhinosinusitis, with tailored approaches for disease severity.
  • Expert consensus favors amoxicillin for mild cases and potent antibiotics for severe infections, addressing antibiotic resistance.
  • Understanding predisposing factors is key for managing recurrent and chronic pediatric rhinosinusitis.

Related Concept Videos

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:16

Drugs Used in Upper Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Epistaxis01:30

Epistaxis

Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, occurs when small, swollen blood vessels in the nasal mucous membrane rupture. Typically, the anterior septum is the primary site of occurrence.
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...