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