Nasal Infections and Inflammation Flashcards
What is sinusitis
Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses
What usually accompanies sinusitis
Rhinosinusitis - inflammation of the nasal cavity
What classes as acute sinusitis
<12 weeks
What classes as chronic sinusitis
> 12 weeks
Causes of sinusitis
Infection particularly after upper RTI. Allergies such as hayfever, obstruction of drainage and smoking
Which group of patients are more likely to suffer from sinusitis
Asthma patients
Typical presentation of acute sinusitis with recent upper viral RTI
Nasal congestion
Nasal discharge
Facial pain or headache
Facial pressure
Facial swelling
Loss of smell
Common symptom presenting with chronic sinusitis
Nasal polyps
Investigations into someone with persistent symptoms of sinusitis
Nasal endoscopy
CT scan
How long does sinusitis take to resolve
2-3 weeks
Options for chronic sinusitis
Saline nasal irrigation.
Steroid nasal sprays or drops
Functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Options if symptoms are not resolving past 10 days
High dose nasal spray for 14 days or delayed antibiotic prescription
Examples of steroid nasal sprays
Mometasone or fluticasone
What functional endoscopic sinus surgery is used for
Used to remove or correct any obstructions to the sinuses - swollen mucosa, bone, polyps or deviated septum
Complications of sinusitis
Orbital cellulitis and abcess
Frontal sinusitis which may arode bone giving brain abcess and Potts Puffy Tumour
Septic thrombosis
Osteomyelitis
Meningitis
What can cause swelling of the nose turbinates
Sinusitis and Rhinosinusitis
What is Samter’s Triad
Asthma, aspirin sensitivity and nasal polyps
Cause of non allergic rhinitis
Cold, weather, exercising, smoking, alcohol, pregnancy
What is rhinosinusitis medicamentosa
Rhinosinusitis from over medication with nasal sprays and vix
Causes of allergic rhinitis
Dust mites, animals, mould, pollen,
Non allergic rhinitis treatment
ipatropium for rhinorrhoea, very limited
Saline treatments effective and can get OTC
Intranasal corticosteroid spray
Consider capsaicin
Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis
nasal obstruction/congestion, facial pain/pressure, smell reduction
What investigation needs to be done for a diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis
Endoscopic or CT features of CRS
