Sinusitis in Children With Cleft Lip and Palate

Abstract

When 21 Navajo children with cleft lips and cleft palates were examined clinically and radiologically, 62% were found to have maxillary sinusitis. Maxillary sinusitis was present in only 14% of a control group of 21 Navajo children. Maxillary sinusitis may be congenital or acquired, related to regurgitation and irritation of food and saliva, or related to structural anomalies of the nasal septum, nasal turbinates, or maxillae. Medical management of sinusitis is recommended with antral irrigations as needed. The role of surgery is uncertain at this time.