Sinusitis is common in children because of the anatomy of their sinuses and frequent upper respiratory tract infections (URIs). It is estimated that as many as 5% to 10% of all children with URIs have sinusitis.<sup>37 Wald E.R., Guerra N., Byers C. Upper respiratory tract infections in young children: Duration of and frequency of complications Pediatrics 1991 ;  87 : 129

Cliccare qui per andare alla sezione Riferimenti</sup> A high index of suspicion and good clinical evaluation usually can lead to the diagnosis of pediatric sinusitis without excessive use of radiographs or laboratory tests. It is equally important for primary care physicians to guard against excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance of many bacteria. Most notably, purulent rhinitis alone is not the equivalent of sinusitis.

This article summarizes the information needed by a practicing primary care physician to diagnose, manage, and refer children with sinusitis appropriately. The discussion includes the development and anatomy of the sinuses, predisposing conditions, signs and symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, microbiology, therapeutic interventions, complications, and surgical interventions. The primary emphasis is on acute sinusitis. Subacute, recurrent, and chronic sinusitis also are covered but in less detail because these entities are encountered less frequently by the primary care physician and usually result in referral to a consultant.