Acute Sinusitis: Clinical Manifestations and Treatment Approaches

DeMuri, Gregory P. MD
Wald, Ellen R. MD

Gregory P. DeMuri, MD is Associate Professor; and Ellen R. Wald, MD, is Professor with Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Address correspondence to: Ellen R. Wald, MD, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 600 Highland Ave. Madison, WI 53792-4108; fax: 608-265-3397; e-mail:[email protected].

Dr. DeMuri and Dr. Wald have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Pediatric Annals 39(1):p 34-40, January 2010. | DOI: 10.3928/00904481-20091222-04

Upper respiratory tract infections (URIs) are the most common medical condition evaluated by the primary pediatrician. It has been estimated that approximately 5% to 10% of URIs in early childhood are complicated by acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS). Children average six to eight colds per year; accordingly, sinusitis is a very common problem in clinical practice.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Identify the clinical presentation of acute bacterial sinusitis in children.
Review the pathogenesis of acute bacterial sinusitis in children and the typical bacterial pathogens found in this disease.
Define a diagnostic and management plan for pediatric patients with acute bacterial sinusitis.