Rhinology Flashcards
what are common symptoms of rhinology?
Nasal obstruction nasal discharge epistaxis facial pain nasal deformity anosmia sneezing
what past medical history would you look out for in rhinology?
medical treatment nasal surgery nasal trauma atopy samters triad asthma/aspirin sensitivity/polyps
what investigations are done in rhinology?
allergy tests- skin prick, RAST FBC for acute infections ANCA, ESR, ACE- wegners/sarcoidosis CT scan MRI scan
what does the skin prick test examine?
IgE-mediated reaction (Type I).
Small chance of anaphylactic reaction.
Wheal & flare response (15-20 minutes)
Includes a “positive” and “control” solution.
how would a positive reaction show in a skin prick test?
over 3mm wheal with associated flare and pruritis
what commonly causes false positives and negatives?
False positives-dermatographism
False negatives-interference by meds, (i.e. antihistamines)
what is Septal haematoma?
if nasal septum cartilage is fractured, blood can dissect through the fracture line and form uni/bilateral hematomas
associated with trauma
what are nasal polyps?
wellings of the normal nasal lining that occur inside the nasal passages and sinuses
pale-look like green grapes
what can happen if the nasal polyps block the sinuses?
can cause a build-up of fluid that may become infected -sinusitis
what is treatment for nasal polyps?
Steroids - Prednisolone - Nasal drops - Nasal spray Saline nasal douche Surgery
when is sinusitis acute/chronic?
Sinusitis <12 weeks acute
Sinusitis >12 weeks chronic
what are is the commonest cause of epistaxis?
idiopathic
what are other causes of epistaxis?
Infection (Rhinitis, Sinusitis) Trauma Blood dyscrasias - Iatrogenic (drug induced) -Disease mediated - Alcoholism
what is the surgical treatment for serious epistaxis?
Artery ligation
Embolisation
