Stuffy Nose Flashcards
What are the main core nasal symptoms?
Blockage Loss of smell Discharge/epistaxis sneezing/itch crusting
What other non-nasal symptoms are related to nasal pathology?
dry mouth sore throat snoring halitosis loss of taste
How can airway patency be determined during examination?
Placing finger beneath nostril and asking patients to breath in => allows you to feel force of inhalation
Place cold rod under nostrils and examine water vapour produced when they breath
What usually causes an infective rhinitis?
Viral upper respiratory tract infection
What are the two types of non-infective rhinitus?
Allergic
Non-allergic
Excess mucous on nasal endoscopy indicates an abnormality. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
What different substances cause intermittent allergy at specific times of the year?
tree pollen = spring
grass pollen = summer
fungal spores = autumn/winter
What are the usual causes for persistent allergic rhinitis?
House dust mite
Cat
Dog
How long do patients need to experience symptoms for allergic rhinitis to be classified as persistent?
Symptoms > 4 days per week
and > 4 weeks duration
What symptoms would indicate moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis?
abnormal sleep
impairment of daily activities
missing work or school
Describe the stepwise approach to allergic rhinitis
Allergen Avoidance
Antihistamines
Topical Steroids
Antihistamines+Topical Steroids
What condition are nasal polyps associated with?
Non-allergic asthma
How are nasal polyps treated?
Oral then topical steroids
If no improvement = surgery
What are the 3 main symptoms in infective rhinosinusitis?
Facial pain
Discharge
Nasal blockage
Most infective rhinosinusitis is due to a viral cause. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
98%
How is infective rhinosinusitis treated?
- analgesics and decongestants
- persisting/ worsening = add antibiotic
What are the complications of infective rhinosinusitis?
Orbital cellulitis
Thromboembolus formation in the cavernous sinus
What is vasomotor rhinitis?
Parasympathetic problem
Presents in old people
“Drippy nose”
Nasal and sinus X-Rays are important investigations during diagnosis. TRUE/FALSE?
FALSE
not required
How can trauma to the nose cause “stuffiness”?
Cartilage falls back on itself
bone fractures
septal haematomas form and can kill cartilage
What must you always remember to look for in children with a stuffy nose?
Foreign body
Paranasal tumours can cause sensation of a blocked nose. TRUE/FALSE?
TRUE
