Nasal endoscopy in asthmatic children: clinical role in the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of rigid nasal endoscopy in the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis and adenoiditis in asthmatic children. Hundred-forty-five asthmatic children (aged 2-15 years) with recurrent upper respiratory symptoms were evaluated with complete ENT examination and nasal endoscopy by rigid endoscope during local anaesthesia. A step by step endoscopic procedure is described. Endoscopy was successfully performed in 128 patients (88.3%). Purulent rhinosinusitis was diagnosed in 61 subjects (47.6%) and adenoiditis in 45 subjects (35.1%). Rhinosinusitis was associated with adenoiditis in 35 subjects (27.3%), more frequently in younger children (i.e. 2-5 years). Nasal bacteria occurred in 90% of rhinosinusitis patients. Numerous anatomical anomalies were identified. Endoscopy of nasal cavity and rhinopharynx is less traumatic and more readily accepted than other methods. Nasal endoscopy may be proposed as an appropriate routine diagnostic tool in children since it is well tolerated, easily and quickly performed, cost-efficient, and useful in diagnosing rhinosinusitis.