mouth, nose, throat Flashcards
(214 cards)
what is rhinitis?
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane within the nasal cavity.
what are the symptoms of rhinitis?
It’s commonly characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea (which can be anterior or posterior, meaning it can drip out the nose or down the throat), nasal congestion, and itching in the nose and eyes.
what type of rhinitis is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. It can be seasonal (occurring at specific times of the year, like hay fever) or perennial (occurring year-round)?
allergic rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition characterized by an allergic response to airborne allergens, which affects both adults and children.
what form of rhinitis is not caused by allergens and can be triggered by irritants like smoke, changes in weather, or strong odors?
non-allergic rhinitis
what type of rhinitis is Also known as rebound rhinitis, this occurs due to the overuse of topical decongestants. When these medications are used for more than a few days, they can cause a rebound effect, leading to increased congestion when the medication is stopped?
rhinitis medicamentosa
what symptom is exhibited when rhinitis becomes rhinosinusitis?
symptoms such as posterior nasal drainage (which may be purulent), facial pressure or pain, headaches, and sometimes a reduced sense of smell.
what are some infectious causes of rhinitis?
rhinitis can be viral, such as the common cold; bacterial, often leading to sinusitis; or less commonly, fungal, which can lead to fungal sinusitis, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
what symptom is the hallmark of allergic rhinitis which also helps differentiate it from non-allergic rhinitis?
nasal itching
nasal mucosa is often pale due to swelling and the allergic response, as opposed to being red, which is more common in infections.
what color is nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis vs infectious rhinitis?
nasal mucosa is often pale due to swelling and the allergic response, as opposed to being red, which is more common in infections.
what is a rhinitis that happens year round called?
perennial allergic rhinitis
what are some seasonal allergens?
Include tree, grass, and weed pollens, as well as molds found outdoors.
what are some indoor allergens?
Perennial allergens often found indoors include house dust mites, cockroaches, pets, rodents, and fungi.
what type of conditions do people with allergic rhinitis also tend to struggle with?
People with allergic rhinitis may also suffer from bronchospasm (which can be part of conditions like asthma), atopic dermatitis (eczema), and chronic cough.
what gender is more commonly affected by allergic rhinitis?
males
what are some risk factors for allergic rhinitis?
The condition is more commonly seen in males and those with a family history of atopy, indicating a genetic predisposition to allergic diseases.
what other factors increases chance of developing allergic rhinitis?
Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing allergic rhinitis include being born during the pollen season, being the firstborn child, early use of antibiotics, exposure to tobacco smoke, and early or high exposure to allergens.
what is another name for allergic rhinitis?
hay fever
what is the process behind how allergic rhinitis develop?
- genetically predisposed individuals, exposure to specific allergens (like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, or mold) leads to the production of specific IgE antibodies against these allergens.
- The IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils present in the nasal mucosa. Upon subsequent exposure to the same allergens, these cells degranulate, releasing a variety of inflammatory mediators.
- Preformed mediators like histamine and serotonin are released, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production.
Newly generated mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins contribute to the inflammation, causing symptoms like congestion and swelling. - As a part of the immune response, other cells like neutrophils, eosinophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes are recruited to the site of inflammation, releasing their own mediators and perpetuating the response.
- Late phase Occurs 4-6 hours after the initial allergen exposure and involves the continued recruitment of inflammatory cells to the nasal mucosa.
The symptoms are similar to the early-phase response but typically with less sneezing and itching and more congestion and mucus production.
how does the mediators released in allergic rhinitis cause congestion and pressure?
The mediators released cause increased vascular permeability, leading to plasma exudation and vasodilation, which result in congestion and pressure.
how do the mediators released in allergic rhinitis cause the sneezing and itching?
Stimulation of sensory nerves causes sneezing and itching.
how does the mediators released in allergic rhinitis cause increased secretions?
Mucous glands are stimulated, leading to increased secretions.
what are dark circles under the eyes that are often blue, gray, or purple. They occur due to congestion of the nasal passages, which can lead to venous pooling under the eyes?
allergic shiners
what describes a set of facial features that can develop in children with chronic mouth breathing, often due to enlarged adenoids. These features can include:
A long, narrow face and high-arched palate
A narrow, upturned nose due to constant upward rubbing (the “allergic salute”)
A short upper lip and a longer distance between the nose and the upper lip
Exposed upper incisors and an open-mouth posture
A recessed lower jaw, which may also be due to the mouth always being open
Forward head posture, which can be a compensatory mechanism to keep the airway open for easier breathing
adenoid facies
what is a horizontal line or crease across the lower part of the bridge of the nose. It can result from the frequent upward rubbing of the nose, a gesture often seen in children with itchy, runny noses, known as the “allergic salute.” ?
nasal crease