Abstract: Objective： To explore the role of nasal endoscopy in the diagnosis of rhinosinusitis or adenoiditis in children. Methods： A total of 112 children with possible rhinosinusitis was recruited between December 2003 and Octorber 2004. Besides routine examination, rigid nasal endoscopy was performed in all the children. The secretion in the middle meatus was collected and cultured in patients having infection. Results： Endoscopy was successful in 95 children, 20 of whom was diagnosed as rhinosinusitis, 7 as adenoiditis, and 26 as both. Children with rhinosinusitis or adenoiditis ranged from 2 to 5 years old. About 86.8% of the patients was found bacteria in their secretion. Conclusion： Nasal endoscopy has advantages of less trauma, easy performation, and efficacy on rhinitis and sinusitis, and it is proposed to be a routine examination for children with suspicious diseases in nasal cavity and nasopharynx.

Key words: Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Endoscopy, Child