Pediatric sinusitis and adenoiditis are common conditions that are difficult to
distinguish. Disruption of normal sinus physiology can lead to sinusitis and conditions such
as asthma, GERD, cystic fibrosis, and ciliary dysmotility may contribute to the condition of
chronic sinusitis. Diagnosis of adenoiditis and sinusitis may be difficult and necessitate
more work-up than physical exam. The firstline treatment of both conditions requires
antibiotics but may require adjuvant treatment such as nasal steroids nasal saline and
targeted therapy towards any contributing conditions such as allergies or GERD.
Evaluation involves physical exam, nasal endoscopy, and in patients recalcitrant to
treatment, CT scans. Failure of medical therapy may necessitate surgical intervention.
Keywords: Sinusitis, adenoiditis, sinus surgery, adenoidectomy, cystic fibrosis,
mucociliary, adenoidectomy, nasal polyp, otolaryngology, otolaryngologist,
pediatric sinusitis, nasal discharge, GERD, sinus, ethmoid sinus, maxillary sinus,
endscopic, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, URI.
