Sinoscopy and sinus disease in children

Sinus disease in children is usually ethmoidal in location. Acute illness is common and responds well to antibiotics. Sometimes the infection causes ipsilateral orbital cellulitis or rarely an orbital abscess. Systemic administration of antibiotics is usually effective in bringing about resolution. Surgery is not often needed. Acute maxillary sinus disease occurs more often in the older child in the second decade of life. It is manifested by pain in the cheek and teeth, nasal obstruction, and discharge. Treatment with antibiotics is usually effective. For chronic illness, irrigations in most cases bring about resolution. However, occasionally Caldwell-Luc surgery may be necessary.