May respond to the same measures as vasomotor rhinitis, especially by topical steroids. Acute Sinusitis General. Sinusitis can occur in any age group and will frequently involve the maxillary and ethmoid sinuses in children. Although the information below applies to all age groups, often a CT scan or MRI is needed to evaluate radiographically the sinuses in children under 3 years of age. However, abnormal CT findings occur in many asymptomatic children and show a high false-positive rate.
Children are also prone to mucopurulent rhinitis.
The major causative organisms include Pneumococcus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Staphylococcus and anaerobes may also be involved in those with chronic and recurrent disease. Positive history and clinical findings are sufficient to treat. Although many cases of sinusitis will resolve spontaneously, antibiotics do shorten the time course and provide symptomatic relief. Remember to check for drug allergy history.