Clinical presentation of acute rhinosinusitis in children reflects paranasal sinus development.

BACKGROUND

Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) usually presents with respiratory symptoms that persist for more than 10 days without improving. The aim of the study was to establish whether age may have any influence on the clinical presentation during childhood.

METHODS

This prospective study evaluated 287 consecutive children (152 males and 135 females, aged between 2 and 15 years), in whom mild-moderate ARS was clinically suspected. Nasal endoscopy was performed in all of them to confirm the diagnosis.

RESULTS

Endoscopy confirmed clinical diagnosis of ARS in 256 patients (89.2%). The age has shown to have significant influence on the clinical presentation pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence that age significantly influences the clinical presentation in children with mild-moderate ARS.