Rhinitis Flashcards
What are the core symptoms of nasal disease?
Congestion, discharge, anosmia, facial pain
What kind of hypersensitivity reaction is allergic rhinitis and what are the key mediators?
Type 1; IgE and mast cells (histamine and leukotrienes)
What are the two main aetiologies of rhinitis?
Infective and non-infective
What are the two main categories of allergic rhinitis?
Perennial and seasonal
What are the mainstays of treatment in allergic rhinitis?
Oral antihistamines and topical steroids
What investigations are useful in allergic rhinitis?
RAST, skin prick tests
Why should unilateral nasal polyps always be referred to ENT?
May be underlying malignancy
What is the mainstay of treatment of nasal polyps?
Topical corticosteroid drops
What are the two main symptoms of nasal polyps?
Nasal obstruction and rhinorrheoa
What is vasomotor rhinitis caused by?
Autonomic imbalance- parasympathetic dominates
What are the main symptoms of rhinosinusitis?
Facial pain, nasal blockage, discharge
What is rhinosinusitis caused by?
Usually post-viral (rhinovirus) with secondary bacterial infection
What are the common causes of bacterial sinusitis??
H. influenziae, strep pneumonia
What are the potential complications?
Orbital cellulitis, meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis, chronic infection, brain abscess, osteomyelitis
When should antibiotics be used in sinusitis? What is the Tayside recommendation?
Severe or deteriorating cases >7-10 days duration. Penicillin is first-line
