Nose HEENT Flashcards
rhinitis etiologies
-allergic rhinitis
-vasomotor rhinitis- inflammation
-viral rhinitis (common cold)
-acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (sinusitis/ABRS)
allergic rhinitis
-characterized by inflammation of the nasal passages with sneezing and rhinorrhea
-can be seasonal (spring and fall) or perennial (dust mites, year round)
-usually chronic and relapsing
-trouble rather than disabling
-hay fever, seasonal rhinitis, perennial allergic rhinitis, IgE mediated rhinitis
allergic rhinitis etiology
-seasonal allergic rhinitis- pollens, especially grasses, trees, weeds
-perennial allergic rhinitis:
->2 hrs per day and for > 9 months
-house dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, molds
-family hx of allergic rhinitis or other allergic disorder (atopy)
-coexisting allergies (asthma, eczema)
-similar classification as in asthma- intermittent, persistent, mild, moderate
allergic rhinitis symptoms
-paroxysmal sneezing
-rhinorrhea
-nasal congestion- enlargement of mucosa
-decreased sense of smell
-itching of nose, palate, pharynx, eyes, sometimes ears
-scratchy / sore throat caused by postnasal drop
-irritability, fatigue- lack of sleep
allergic rhinitis signs
-nasal crease can form from repeated allergic solute (wiping nose upward)- common in children and can lead to transverse nasal crease in severe cases
-allergic shiners- dark circle under eyes -> lack of sleep, vasculature
-Dennie-Morgan lines- swelling due to inflammation- lines under eyes
-clear nasal secretion
-edematous, blanched (pale)* or violaceous (blueish)* nasal mucosa
-mouth breathing caused by nasal congestion
-nasal polyps- hypertrophy of the mucosa
associated disorders with allergic rhinitis
-asthma*
-eczema
-otitis media- middle ear infection
-rhinosinusitis- sinus infection
differential diagnosis: allergic rhinitis
-upper respiratory tract infection (URTI)
-nonallergic rhinitis
-rhinitis medicamentosa- enlarged mucosa caused by excessive use of OTC meds
-sarcoidosis- enlarged lymphnodes
-wegener’s granulomatosis:
-inflammation of blood vessels (unknown etiology)
-bloodstained, crusts and friable mucosa
-biopsy- necrotizing granulomas and vasculitis
allergic rhinitis diagnosis
-symptoms for >10 days
-sneezing
-rhinorrhea
-itching of the nose, palate, pharynx
-pale, edematous nasal mucosa
-dark rings under the eyes
-itching characteristic versus other rhinitis
-recurrence/chronicity points towards allergic rhinitis rather than URTRI
-confirmed by positive skin prick test or RAST -> shows you what allergen to avoid
-no clinical testing required for diagnosis
test for allergic rhinitis
-skin prick test
-intradermal skin test- forearm
-nasal smear
-serum IgE- radioallergosorbent test (RAST)- blood test that tests the amount of specific IgE antibodies which are present for allergic reaction
-CT of sinuses
-refer to allergist if severe symptoms
allergic rhinitis treatment
-identify causative allergens
-reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis to a level acceptable to the pt
-lifestyle changes- mattress/pillow covers etc.
-first line:
-intranasal corticosteroids- can take weeks -> most effective *
-antihistamine (non sedating)- loratadine, cetirizine -> immediate -> most practical
-decongestant*
-adjunct treatment: (asthma)
-ipratropium
-cromolyn
-Montelukast
-immunotherapy
allergic rhinitis- summary
-chronic, usually lasts for life
-can decrease with age
-good control of symptoms is the aim
-recurrent- nature of disease
-failure to respond within a month is indication to change treatment to either different antihistamine or a steroid
-systemic steroids can be used generally for < 10 days with intractable symptoms
allergic rhinitis complications
-predisposes to asthma
-epistaxis- nose bleed from dryness
-serous otitis media
-secondary sinusitis- rhinosinusitis
-facial malformation in children with long stand allergic rhinitis with severe nasal congestion
-nasal speech
-eustachian tube dysfunction- congestion spreads
-increased susceptibility to URTI
-laryngeal edema
vasomotor rhinitis
-nonallergic or vasomotor rhinitis
-caused by hyperactivity of the vidian nerve
-common cause of rhinorrhea in ELDERLY
-itching of nose and eyes is typically NOT present
-sneeze a lot
-response to numerous nasal stimuli- warm/cold air, odors, scents, light, particulate matter
-headaches anosmia, and sinusitis are common
-negative family hx
-negative skin tests
olfactory dysfunction
-subjective hyposmia or anosmia (poor/lack of smell)
-anatomical blockage of nasal cavity
-polyps, septal deformities, and nasal tumors
-common cold, nasal allergies, perennial rhinitis
-COVID-19- cardinal early manifestation of infection -> immediate testing -> transient vs permanent change
-CNS tumors
-head trauma
hyposmia & anosmia
-hx- systemic illnesses, medication, injuries etc.
-PEx- nose and nervous system focus
-testing:
-University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT)- self administered scratch and sniff test useful for hyposmia, anosmia, and malingering
-treatment- secondary causes -> endoscopic sinus surgery
-education- seasoning, safety issues
nose and sinus disorders
-epistaxis
-nasal polyps
-foreign bodies
epistaxis
-90% pts with this can be treated in ED
-nose bleed from septum (midline)
-often from dryness
-can be caused by nasal corticosteroids or antihistamines
-classification dependent on primary bleeding site
-anterior- most common
-posterior- bleeding from plexus in the back
VINDICATE
-used to build up differentials for any case
-VASCULAR
-INFLAMMATORY
-NEOPLASTIC
-DEGENERATIVE/DEFICIENCY
-IDIOPATHIC/IATROGENIC, INTOXICATION
-CONGENITAL
-AUTOIMMUNE/ALLERGIC/ANATOMIC DEFECTS
-TRAUMA
-ENDOCRINE/EXPOSURES (ENVIRONMENTAL, OCCUPATIONAL) OSLER-WEBER-RENDU SYNDROME (HHT)
anterior epistaxis treatment
-apply pressure to anterior part of nose (tip) for anterior bleed and look down slightly
nose exam
-speculum inside
-look for clot on septum where bleed originated
-cauterize the bleed
-have them gently blow nose to clear visual
-make sure no large clot/ hematoma is there bc it needs to be cleared
-the septum’s only blood supply is through the perichondrium -> if a clot is blocking -> cartilage dies -> saggy nose
-pack the nose with gauze
-silver nitrate- tap, rization of arteries
epistaxis testing
-no real testing
-can check CBC for platelets -> clots
-ask if they are taking blood thinner -> Aggravates
merocel
-gel packs
-dressing
-different shapes
-can cut to different shape
-similar to tampon
-can use lidocaine -> uncomfortable
-go in horizontal -> floor of nose is horizontal
balloons/catheters
-folley catheter
-put it in
-for posterior bleeds
-inflate with water once its in -> stays in
epistaxis management
-antibiotics- (usually posterior) insertion of foreign bodies in the nose
-analgesics
-follow up out patient care
-avoid strenuous activity
-may have to admit patient depending on cause of bleed (hypertension,)
-follow up with primary care
