Pediatric human immunodeficiency virus infection: an otolaryngologist's perspective

Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) frequently have recurrent otitis media, chronic rhinorrhea, parotitis, cough and other common pediatric otolaryngologic problems. As these complaints often occur before more unusual opportunistic infections or pulmonary conditions prompt a diagnosis of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), members of our specialty are liable to see HIV-positive children before infection with the virus has been recognized. Children with HIV infection are also likely to be referred to us after diagnosis, as is any immunosuppressed child with otolaryngologic infections. These children may require procedures such as bronchoscopy, sinus irrigations or tympanocentesis. The subject of this review is the natural history of pediatric HIV infection with special emphasis on otolaryngologic manifestations and recommendations for safe techniques of examination and treatment.