OBJECTIVE

To explore the causes of chronic cough in children and its outcome after treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

METHODS

Fifty-six cases of children who were previously diagnosed as chronic cough by pediatrician with poor treatment outcomes, were made a definite diagnosis of CRS and then treated by otolaryngologist.

RESULTS

Fifty-six cases of children were made a definite diagnosis of CRS according to CT and/or nasal endoscopy examination. The cardinal symptom was cough in all cases, in which 35 cases (62.5%) with nasal congestion and rhinorrhea, 15 cases (26.8%) with snoring and mouth breathing, 6 cases (10.7%) with postnasal drip and expectoration. Among all the patients, stick purulent secretion in nasal cavity and posterior pharyngeal wall was found in 45 cases (80.4%), nasal polyps in 5 cases (8.9%), adenoidal hypertrophy in 21 cases (37.5%), nasal polyps and adenoidal hypertrophy in 4 cases (7.1%), allergic rhinitis in 19 cases (33.9%). After the combined treatment of CRS, 45 cases (80.4%) were cured, 9 cases (16.1%) relieved and 2 cases (3.6%) ineffective.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic cough is the commonly cardinal symptom of CRS in children and it can be cured or relieved by combined treatment of CRS.