Nose Flashcards
What is sinusitis ?
It describes the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the paranasal sinuses.
What are some predisposing factors for sinusitis ?
Nasal obstruction
Recent local infection
Swimming / diving
Smoking
What are some features of sinusitis ?
Facial pain - frontal pain which is worse on bending forward
Nasal discharge - thick and purulent
Nasal obstruction
What is the management of sinusitis ?
Analgesia
Intranasal decongestants
If longer than 10 days intranasal corticosteroids can be given
What is allergic rhinitis ?
An inflammatory disorder of the nose where the nose become sensitised to allergens such as house dust mites and pollen.
What are the classes of allergic rhinitis ?
Seasonal
Perennial
Occupational
What are some features of allergic rhinitis ?
Sneezing
Bilateral nasal obstruction
Clear nasal discharge
Post nasal drip
Nasal pruritis
What is the management of allergic rhinitis ?
Allergen avoidance
Antihistamines
If severe - IV corticosteroids
What is chronic rhinosinusitis ?
Affects 1 in 10 people
Defined as an inflammatory disorder of the paranasal sinuses and linings of the nasal passages that lasts longer than 12 weeks.
What are some predisposing factors for chronic rhinosinusitis ?
Atopy - hay fever
Nasal obstruction - septal deviation and polyps
Recent local infection
Swimming / diving
Smoking
What are some features of chronic rhinosinusitis ?
Facial pain
Nasal discharge
Nasal obstruction - mouth breathing
Post nasal drip
What is the management of chronic sinusitis ?
Avoid allergen
Intranasal corticosteroids
Nasal irrigation with saline solution
What are some red flag symptoms for chronic sinusitis ?
Unilateral symptoms
Persistent symptoms despite compliance with 3 months of treatment
Epistaxis
What is an anterior nose bleed ?
It has a visible source of bleeding and usually occurs due to an insult to the network of capillaries that form Kiesselbach’s plexus.
What is a posterior nose bleed ?
They tend to be more profuse and originate from deeper structures.
What are some causes of epistaxis ?
Nose picking or blowing
Trauma
Insertion of foreign bodies
Bleeding disorders
Cocaine use
What is the first aid management of epistaxis ?
Asking the patient to sit forward and open their mouth
Pinch the cartilaginous area of the nose firmly
What is the management of epistaxis if not resolved in 10-15 minutes ?
Cautery if the bleed is visible
Packing
What is the management of epistaxis if all other treatment has failed ?
Sphenopalatine ligation in theatre
What are nasal polyps associated with ?
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity
Infective sinusitis
CF
Kartagener’s syndrome
What is Samter’s triad ?
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity
Nasal polyposis
What are some features of nasal polyps ?
Nasal obstruction
Rhinorrhoea
Sneezing
Poor sense of small and taste
What are some unusual features of nasal polyps that require further investigation ?
Unilateral symptoms
Bleeding
What is the management of nasal polyps ?
ENT referral
Topical corticosteroids - shrink the polyps
