Condition: Rhino-sinusitis

Rhino-sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity. Allergic rhinitis is likely to be diagnosed if sneezing, itchy eyes and a family history all occur. A large adenoid causes similar symptoms to allergic rhinitis without the sneezing or itchy eyes

Bookings: bookings.ent@onewelbeck.com

Tel: 020 3653 2007

What is Rhino-sinusitis?

Rhino-sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses and nasal cavity.


What are the causes of Rhino-sinusitis?

The two most common causes of rhino-sinusitis in children are a large adenoid and recurrent colds (upper respiratory tract infections), particularly in those under the age of seven.

Children between the ages of 2-5 years old have an average of 8 colds (upper respiratory tract infections) a year. Symptoms include a blocked-up and runny nose which then becomes mucky before getting better without treatment in approximately 10 days. For children between the ages of 1-3 years, symptoms may continue for over 15 days.

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common chronic conditions in children as it is found in approximately 20% of children. It can be classified as either intermittent (e.g. hayfever) or persistent (all year round) and chances of a child having allergic rhinitis increase when one or both parents suffer from it.

Milk allergy is also often outlined as a cause for rhino-sinusitis in the media or on some websites as it is thought that milk causes excess mucus. However, there is no proven relationship between drinking milk and excess mucus. If your child has a milk allergy, they will not have nasal symptoms in isolation and will also show other symptoms such as colic, diarrhoea, lack of weight gain, vomiting, rashes, bronchitis or wheezing, cough, irritability and acute middle ear infection.


What are the symptoms of Rhino-sinusitis in children?

The following symptoms are common in children and often occur as a result of recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (colds), a large adenoid and/or an allergic lining of the nose (rhinitis):


How is Rhino-sinusitis diagnosed in children?

It can be difficult in children to diagnose what condition is responsible for the above symptoms as they often overlap and occur simultaneously. Children may also not be bothered by their symptoms.

Allergic rhinitis is likely to be diagnosed if sneezing, itchy eyes and a family history all occur.  A large adenoid causes similar symptoms to allergic rhinitis without the sneezing or itchy eyes.


Rhino-sinusitis Specialists

All our private ENT specialists at OneWelbeck in London are leaders in their sub-specialties, providing the highest quality treatment to ensure you receive the best available care.