2: Rhinitis and Nasal Polyps Flashcards
Define rhinitis
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa
What are the two broad categories of rhinitis
- Allergic
- Infectious
What is allergic rhinitis
IgE-mediated type I hypersensitivity reaction
What are the two-types of non-allergic rhinitis
Vasomotor
Infective
What is infectious rhinitis
Inflammation nasal mucosa due to infection
What is vasomotor rhinitis
Inflammation nasal mucosa due to changes in sympathetic-parasympathetic NS, hormones
What are causes of vasomotor rhinitis
- Cold weather
- Medications (ACEi, B-blockers)
- COCP
- Hypothyroidism
What are risk factors for allergic rhinitis
Personal or family history of atopy
How does rhinitis present clinically
- Post-nasal drip
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Rhinorrhoea
What may long-standing rhinitis increase the risk of
Sinusitis
Otitis media
What are additional symptoms of allergic rhinitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Itching throat
- Atopic dermatitis
What is a sign of long-standing vasomotor rhinitis
Enlarged turbinates
How is rhinitis usually diagnosed
Clinically
What is indicated for allergic rhinitis
Allergy Testing: skin prick or serum-specific IgE
What is first line for allergic rhinitis
Intra-nasal anti-histamine
Intra-nasal decongestants (Oxymetazoline)
what is the MOA of oxymetazoline
a1 antagonist
how long should oxymetazoline be given for
3d
why is oxymetazoline given for maximum 3d
as on withdrawal it can cause rebound nasal congestion
what is rebound nasal congestion called
rhinitis medicamentosa
how is vasomotor rhinitis addressed conservatively
medication review - stop offending medications
how is vasomotor rhinitis addressed medically
Topical nasal decongestants
how is vasomotor rhinitis addressed surgically
Resection of enlarged turbinates
Why are nasal polyps considered on a spectrum of rhinosinutitus
As they are caused by chronic inflammation and thickening of the nasal mucosa
What are nasal polyps
Oedema of nasal mucosa which then prolapses
What are nasal polyps often called
Chronic rhinosinusitus with nasal polyps
What is the typical age-range for nasal polyps
Males >40
What are the symptoms of nasal polyps
- Watery anterior rhinorrhoea
- Purulent post-nasal drip
- Nasal obstruction
- Mouth breathing
- Snoring
How do polyps usually appear
Bilateral
Adjacent to middle meatus
What triad is associated with nasal polyps
Samter’s triad
What is samter’s triad
- Aspirin Hypersensivity
- Late-Onset Asthma
- Nasal polyps
What is used to investigate nasal polyps
Anterior Rhinoscopy
How can nasal polyps be differentiated from turbinates on anterior rhinos copy
Polyps:
- Pink
- Mobile
- Non-tender
Turbinates:
- Pale
- Non-mobile
- Insensitive
If a polyp is unilateral what is required and why
Biopsy - risk nasopharyngeal cancer
When are nasal polyps rare
Children