Stuffy Nose Flashcards
(24 cards)
What is the effect of the sympathetic nervous system on the nose?
Opens and dries
What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the nose?
Closes and causes a runny nose
Name some core symptoms of a stuffy nose
- blockage
- loss of smell
- discharge
- facial pain
- sneezing
- itch
- crusting
- epistaxis
- dry mouth/loss of taste
- sore throat
- snoring
- halitosis
What is a red flag in any nasal problem?
unilateral symptoms
What are the two main types of rhino sinusitis?
Infective and non-infective
What is infective rhino sinusitis usually caused by?
Viral Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Name two types of non-infective rhino sinusitis?
Allergic and non-allergic
Name the two types of allergic rhinitis
Intermittent (grass/tree pollen or fungal spores)
Persistent (house dust mites, cats, dogs)
What tests can be used to help identify a trigger in allergic rhinitis?
IgE RAST test or skin prick test
How is allergic rhinitis treated?
- Allergen avoidance
- Immunotherapy
- Symptomatic Therapy
What does symptomatic therapy of rhinitis involve?
- antihistamines
- topical steroids
- surgery for mucosal hypertrophy
Name a disease associated with nasal polyps
Non-allergic asthma
In addition to polps what other sign may been seen
Telangiectasia
How are nasal polyps treated?
Oral then topical steroids
If unsuccessful surgery is required
A viral URTI can lead to what?
Secondary bacterial infection
How does infective rhino sinusitis present?
Facial pain, discharge, nasal blockage
How can infective rhino sinusitis be treated?
Analgesia and decongestants but if persistent antibiotics may be required
Name the complications of rhino sinusitis
- orbital cellulitis and abscess
- brain abscess
- osteomyelitis
- meningitis
- cavernous sinus thrombosis (follows ethmoid infection)
- cutaneous fistula
How are the complications of rhino-sinusitis usually managed?
CT followed by surgical drainage and antibiotics
What is vasomotor rhinitis?
Blood vessels within the nose dilate leading to swelling and congestion - often in older patients who present with a runny nose
Describe the bone-cartilage ratio of the nose
Upper third - bone
Lower two thirds - cartilage
What is a septal haematoma?
Blood supply from the perichondrium leaks which can lead to necrosis of the cartilage
Name four other causes of a stuffy nose
- adenoids (ear and sleep problems)
- foreign body (smelly discharge)
- mucocele (mucus cyst, can cause infection)
- sinus tumour
How does a sinus tumour usually present?
Late with a puffy face and numb feeling with unilateral discharge
