Nose Flashcards
Causes of epistaxis
Local: trauma, inflammation, corticosteroids, surgery, vascular causes, tumours
HTN, atherosclerosis, mitral stenosis, haematological disorders, systemic drugs (anticoags) + excessive alcohol
Complications of epistaxis
Hypovolemia, anemia
Management of epistaxis
Sit with upper body tilted forward + mouth open
Soft part of nose pinched + held for 15 mins
Topical antiseptic (Naseptin® (chlorhexidine and neomycin) ) applied to prevent re-bleed
Nasal cautery or nasal packing to stop bleed if pinching doesn’t work
Pathology of allergic rhinitis
IgE mediated inflammatory disorder of nose
Occurs when nasal mucosa is exposed to allergens
Types of allergic rhinitis
Seasonal Perennial Intermittent Persistent Occupational
S+S of allergic rhinitis
Sneezing
Nasal itching
Rhinorrhea
Congestion
Management of allergic rhinitis
Nasal irrigation with saline
Avoid allergens
Intranasal/ oral antihistamine
Intranasal anticholinergic/ corticosteroids, leukotriene receptor antagonist
What is sinusitis?
Symptomatic inflammation of paranasal sinuses
Triggered by URTI
Symptoms <12 weeks
S+S of sinusitis
Nasal blockage or discharge with facial pain/ pressure + reduction of sense of smell
Management of acute sinusitis
Symptomatic relief
Consider abx + intranasal corticosteroids for severe cases
Management of chronic sinusitis
Nasal irrigation with saline
Consider intranasal corticosteroids or long term abx
Complications of nasal packing
Hypoxemia Toxic shock Aspiration Pharyngeal fibrosis/ stenosis Septal necrosis
DDx of rhinitis
Acute viral infection Vasomotor rhinitis Deviated septum Nasal polyps Sinusitis Drug induced rhinitis
What is rhinitis medicamentosa?
Rebound nasal congestion
Occurs with prolonged use of vasoconstrictive intranasal meds
