Pediatric Nasal and Sinus Disorders PDF

Preface

Over the last two decades, significant progress has been made in the field of rhinology—some even feel they have been the two most exciting decades for rhinology so far. Basic research increased our knowledge of the pathophysiology of rhinosinusitis, of allergy and immunology, environmental and developmental problems, as well as of smell, taste, and genetic features. Imaging technologies with reduced or even no radiation, CT and MRI, allowed for pictures of anatomical structures and pathological processes, for three-dimensional visualization unheard of before. Microscopes and endoscopes gave insight on the nose and its sinuses with unprecedented clarity, resulting in new diagnostic and surgical procedures, all aiming to avoid unnecessary trauma to the delicate structures or, even better, to avoid surgery at all, based on better diagnosis and prevention.

This book has been written for every physician who deals with children with upper respiratory infections (URIs), allergy, and related diseases (i.e., asthma and allergic rhinitis/sinus infection, cystic fibrosis, choanal atresia, HIV infection, gastroesophageal reflux, obstructive sleep apnea). As URIs are very common in childhood, it is mandatory to make a correct diagnosis followed by an appropriate therapy. There exist, however, a lot of controversies about the "appropriate therapy." Some authors are very conservative, others are very surgically minded. It is the editors' opinion that in the future, on the one hand, one has to be very conservative, especially in our use of antibiotics, and on the other, one also has to be firm in performing the necessary surgery for the right indications in order to prevent complications that can sometimes jeopardize the life of a child. More emphasis, however, has to be put on prevention. In the long run, prevention is the cheapest mode of treatment with the best benefit/cost ratio, which is not only the right way to keep the national health budget in balance, but also the only way to create an environment where the quality of life is good for the generations to come. This book discusses all such aspects of health care.

The chapters in the book are written by authors from 14 different countries all over the world (i.e., Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Singapore, Spain, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United States). This worldwide approach is necessary because the problems in highly industrialized countries are not similar to those in developing countries. We have tried to give a balanced coverage to the more commonly encountered problems as well as the more complex infections. Similarly, both concepts and advanced techniques are discussed and therefore this book will be beneficial to specialists as well as students and residents in pediatrics, infectious disease, ENT, immunology, and pneumonology.

The book is organized into four complementary sections: basic sciences/ epidemiology, diagnosis, medical management, and surgery. The first section delves into the basic science of URIs and allergies as well as the latest research findings regarding epidemiology and pathophysiology. The second and third sections covering diagnosis and medical management discuss the most current methods in diagnosing and treating URIs and allergies. The chapters on antimicrobial agents will be especially relevant to practitioners who encounter these cases on a daily basis and need guidance on dosage and follow-up. The fourth section on surgery details the surgical options available and will be useful in determining the most optimal treatment plan. Chapter 23, Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA document), summarizes the guidelines under which definitions were determined, and the management of rhinosinusitis in children is discussed. We are confident that the book gives a complete review of the field and will find wide readership as the most practical and accessible reference on the market for pediatric nasal/sinus infections, allergies, and related diseases.