Nose and Sinus Disorders (PEARLS)
| Epistaxis (ReelDx) |
Kiesselbach's Plexus or Little's Area is the most common site for anterior bleeds
Sphenopalatine artery (Woodruff’s plexus) is generally the source of severe posterior nosebleed, direct pressure for 15 minutes, posterior balloon packing is used to treat posterior epistaxis
TX: Most nosebleeds are anterior and stop with direct pressure
- Apply direct pressure at least 10-15 minutes, seated leaning forward
- Short-acting topical decongestants (Afrin, phenylephrine, cocaine)
- Anterior nasal packing
- Patients with nasal packing must be treated with antibiotics (cephalosporin) prevent toxic shock syndrome and patient has to return to take the packing out.
- If there is no packing in the nose, place a small amount of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment inside the nostril 2 times a day for 4–5 days
- Posterior balloon packing is used to treat posterior epistaxis. These patients must be admitted to the hospital and prompt consultation with an otolaryngologist is indicated
- Recurrent epistaxis: Must rule out hypertension of hypercoagulable disorder
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| Nasal polyps |
Teardrop-shaped growths that form in the nose or sinuses, Samter's triad: 1. asthma, 2. aspirin sensitivity, and 3. nasal polyps
- Usually benign, often with allergic rhinitis, consider Cystic Fibrosis when multiple polyps are seen
TX: Topical nasal corticosteroid (3-month course) is the initial treatment choice. This is effective for small polyps and can reduce the need for surgical intervention.
- Oral steroids (6-day taper) can also help reduce the size
- Surgical removal may be necessary if therapy is unsuccessful or if polyps are large
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| Rhinitis (ReelDx) |
Clear nasal drainage, pruritis, pale, bluish, boggy mucosa, allergic shiners, IgE mediated mast cell histamine release.
TX: Avoid any known allergens and use antihistamines, cromolyn sodium, nasal or systemic corticosteroids, nasal saline drops or washes, and immunotherapy
- Intranasal decongestants not to be used more than 3-5 days may cause rhinitis medicamentosa
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| Sinusitis (ReelDx) |
After URI. Sinus pain/pressure (worse with bending down and leaning forward). Facial tap elicits pain.
- Viral: Most common, symptoms < 7 days. Bacterial: Symptoms 7+ days and associated with bilateral purulent nasal discharge.
- Organisms: S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, M.catarhalis. Chronic: Plainview X-ray (waters view) is a good initial screening, CT is the Gold Standard
TX: Indications for antibiotics in rhinosinusitis include duration of symptoms >10 days without improvement
- Augmentin 875 BID
- kids Amoxicillin x 10-14 days
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| Trauma and Nasal foreign body (ReelDx) |
Purulent, foul-smelling nasal discharge
TX: Prior to removal consider using oxymetazoline drops to shrink the mucous membrane |
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