Pathology of the nose and stuffy nose Flashcards
What are nasal polyps?
Polypoidal masses arising mainly from the mucous membranes of the nose and paranasal sinuses
What are some of the causes of nasal polyps?
Allergy (particularly allergic rhinitis)
Infection
Asthma
Aspirin sensitivity
Nickel exposure
What condition should be considered in a young patient presenting with nasal polyps?
Cystic fibrosis
What are the four ‘S’s’ of nose history?
Stuffy
Smell
Snot
Sore
What might be causing intermittent allergic rhinitis?
Grass pollen
Tree pollen
Fungal spores
What might be causing persistent allergic rhinitis?
House dust mite
Cat
Dog
How is allergic rhinitis treated?
Initially - allergen avoidance and antihistamines
How are nasal polyps treated?
Oral and then topical steroids
What are the symptoms of acute infective rhinosinusitis?
Facial pain
Discharge
Nasal blockage
How should acute infective rhinosinusitis be treated?
Treat with analgesics and decongestants
If persisting/ worsening add antibiotic
What is the usual cause of acute infective rhinosinusitis?
98% of cases are viral
What are the non-allergic causes of rhinitis?
Vasomotor rhinitis
Polyps
How should non-infective rhinitis be managed?
Allergen/irritant avoidance
Reduce alcohol intake
Topical nasal steroid
+/- Antihistamine
Topical anticholinergic
What could unilateral nasal discharge in a child be caused by?
Foreign body in nose
What could a unilateral nasal discharge in an adult be caused by?
Nasal or paranasal tumour
What is this complication of acute sinusitis?
Orbital cellulitis
