The role of allergy in sinusitis in children.

Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are independently common disorders. Studies document the presence of both disorders in the same patient 25% to 70% of the time. Because this is above the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the general population, the literature supports that allergy is an important associated factor in sinusitis. Younger children appear to be even more at risk of sinusitis, perhaps because of small anatomic structures, more frequent viral infections, and more exposure to indoor allergens and irritants. Immunodeficiency appears to play an independent role in resistant, severe sinusitis.