title: Decongestants, antihistamines and nasal irrigation for acute sinusitis in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The efficacy of decongestants, antihistamines and nasal irrigation in children with clinically diagnosed acute sinusitis has not been systematically evaluated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy of decongestants, antihistamines or nasal irrigation in improving symptoms of acute sinusitis in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  We searched CENTRAL (2014, Issue 5), MEDLINE (1950 to June week 1, 2014) and EMBASE (1950 to June 2014).
  
  
  METHODS
  We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs, which evaluated children younger than 18 years of age with acute sinusitis, defined as 10 to 30 days of rhinorrhea, congestion or daytime cough. We excluded trials of children with chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two review authors independently assessed each study for inclusion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 662 studies identified through the electronic searches and handsearching, none met all the inclusion criteria.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no evidence to determine whether the use of antihistamines, decongestants or nasal irrigation is efficacious in children with acute sinusitis. Further research is needed to determine whether these interventions are beneficial in the treatment of children with acute sinusitis.
authors.affiliation: General Academic Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, 3414 Fifth Ave, Suite 301, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213.
authors.forename: Nader
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Shaikh
authors.forename: Ellen R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Wald
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055556:Nasal Lavage; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000628:therapy*
chemical_list: D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D014663:Nasal Decongestants