actions of the sinuses
Warm, moisturize, and filter air
Olfaction
Continuous mucosal lining lined with cilia
Unilateral purulent drainage
Foul odor, epistaxis
Nasal Foreign Body
where do 95% of epistaxis occur?
Kiesselbach’s plexus
Epistaxis Management
NS nasal sprays and humidifiers to add moisture
Cautery with silver nitrate- keep from re-bleeding
when do you need a referral with nasal trauma
if orbital involvement is suspected, airway compromise, evidence of intracranial injury, leaking CSF or c-spine injury
collection of blood in the septum, or space between the two nostrils Don’t miss-may cause chronic deformity Often bilateral Cover with antibiotics Refer for drainage immediate ENT referral
septal hematoma
Assc. w/ Unilateral nasal obstruction, pain, recurrent nosebleeds, headache, visual or smell changes are all red flag symptoms
nasal tumors
Carcinomas (squamous), lymphomas, sarcomas, and melanomas
Represent an inflammatory disorder
May cause chronic symptoms with a diminished sense of smell
Associated with chronic rhinosinusitis and cystic fibrosis
may initiate nasal corticosteroids topically and refer to ENT if no improvement after an initial period of treatment
nasal polyps
Nasal Congestion
an immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated inflammatory response of the nasal mucous membranes after exposure to inhaled allergens
Common symptoms: nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, nasal itching, sneezing, ocular symptoms
Seasonal vs. perennial vs. episodic
Allergic Rhinitis
Physical Exam for AP diagnosis
AR Classification?
Present <4 days/week
OR
<4 weeks/year
Intermittent
AR Classification?
Present >4 days/week
OR
>4 weeks/year
Persistent
AR Classification?
Isolated exposure to an allergen such as pet dander that is not part of the individual’s environment
Episodic
Best way to manage AR
environmental control
3 A’s of AR H&P
family hx of asthma, allergies, atopy
most common physical sign of AR
boggy pale nasal turbinates
Factors that may lead to a severe classification of AR
exacerbation of co-morbid asthma, sleep disturbance, impairment of daily activities or participation in sports, impairment of schoolwork due to missed school days
There should be no clinical evidence of ____ for AR dx
endonasal infection or structural abnormality
Benefits of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS)
Recognized as most effective treatment for AR by all practice guidelines
Disadvantages of intranasal corticosteroids
Benefits of Nasal Antihistamines
Disadvantages of Nasal Antihistamines
* Less effective than INCS
Benefits of Oral Antihistamines