Stuffy nose Flashcards
What medications are commonly used in a stuffy nose?
Topical corticosteroids: beclomethasone
Anti-histamines: cetirizine
Decongestants: pseudoephedrine
Anticholinergics: ipratropium
What are core nasal symptoms?
Blockage Loss of smell Discharge Facial pain Sneezing Itch Crusting Epistaxis
What are secondary nasal symptoms?
Dry mouth Sore throat Snoring Halitosis Loss of taste
What should be examined in a nose?
Airway patency
External nose
Rhinoscopy
What can unilateral discharge be a sign of?
CSF leak
What can cause an infective rhinitis?
Viral URTI
What can cause a non-infective rhinitis?
Allergic
Non-allergic
What can cause allergic rhinitis?
Grass pollen Tree pollen Fungal spores House dust mite Cat Dog
What is classified as intermittent and persistent rhinitis?
Intermittent: symptoms less than 4 days a week OR symptoms for less than 4 weeks
Persistent: symptoms more than 4 days a week AND more than 4 weeks duration
What is classified as mild and moderate/severe rhinitis?
Mild: normal sleep, no impairment of daily activities, sport or leisure
Normal work and school
No troublesome symptoms
For it to be moderate/severe, one of those has to be present
What is the ladder to allergic rhinitis?
Antihistamines
Topical steroids
Topical steriods and antihistamines
What are nasal polyps associated with?
Non-allergic asthma
Treat with oral then topical steroids
What are common symptoms of acute infective rhinosinusitis?
Facial pain
Discharge
Nasal blockage
How is acute infective rhinosinusitis treated?
Analgesics and decongestants
If persisting, add antibiotics
What complications can occur from rhinosinusitis?
Orbital cellulitis
Brain abscess
Meningitis
