2. PROBLEMS OF THE NOSE AND
SINUSES
RHINITIS
- is an inflammation of the mucous
membrane of the nose, often producing
excessive nasal secretions and obstruction.
3. TYPES:
ALLERGIC - IgE – mediated response causing release of vasoactive substances
from mast cells
INFECTIOUS - viral (common cold) and bacterial (purulent)
DRUG – INDUCED (rebound rhinitis, medicamentosa) – caused by excessive use of
topical nasal decongestants.
NONALLERGIC, NON INFECTIOUS (vasomotor rhinitis) – unexplained autonomic
nasal dysfunction as a result of overactivity of the parasympathetic nerve supply to
the mucous membranes of the nose and paranasal sinuses
4. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS:
1. Hypersecretion; wet running/dripping nose or post nasal drip
2. Nasal obstruction symptoms: nasal congestion, pressure, or
stuffiness
3. Headache
5. NURSING ALERT:
Instruct patient as follows:
1. Do not blow nose too frequently or too hard; doing so many
cause infection to spread, sinuses to become infected, and
an eardrum to be perforated.
2. Blow through both nostrils at the same time to equalize
pressure.
7. PATIENT EDUCATION:
1. Avoid irritating inhalants, especially smoke, aerosols,
noxious fumes.
2.Do not over use topical nasal sprays / drops.
Decongestant nasal sprays / drops should not be
used for more than 3 consecutive days.
11. Epistaxis
Refers to nose bleed or hemorrhage from the
nose. It most commonly originates in the
anterior portion of the nasal cavity. Posterior
nasal bleeding usually originates from the
turbinates or lateral nasal wall.
12. Causes:
1. Local:
A. Dryness leading to crust formation – bleeding occurs with
removal of crusts by nose picking B.
B. Trauma
2. Systemic: Hypertension, arteriosclerosis, renal and bleeding
disorders
13. Diagnostic Evaluation
1. Inspection with nasal speculum to determine site of
bleeding, important to determine which side bled first.
2. Blood evaluation to exclude blood dyscrasias.
14. Management:
(Depends on severity and source of bleeding in nasal cavity.
1. Patient is placed in an upright posture, leaning forward to reduce
venous pressure and instructed to breathe gently through the mouth
to prevent swallowing of blood.
2. Patient is instructed to compress the soft part of nasal tip with index
finger and thumb for 5 – 10 minutes to maintain pressure on the
nasal septum.
15. 3. A cotton pledget soaked with a vasoconstricting agent may be inserted
into each nostril and pressure applied. After 5 – 10 minutes the cotton is
removed, and the site of bleeding is identified.
4. The blood vessel may be cauterized.
5. If bleeding continues (posterior bleeding), packing may be layered
nasal cavity and the nasopharynx or balloon tamponade may be required
apply pressure over a larger area.
6. Surgical ligation of vessels may be required.
18. Nursing Interventions / Patient Education
1. Be aware that packing is uncomfortable and painful.
2. Monitor patient with posterior packing for hypoxia (from aspiration
of blood, sedation, and pre-existing pulmonary dysfunction)
3. Monitor for respiratory difficulty or obstruction - secondary to
slippage of packing or balloon, swelling of palate, relaxation of
tongue.
19. 4. Instruct the patient as follows for self-management of minor bleeding episodes:
a. Sit up and lean forward while compressing the soft part (tip) of nose between
finger and thumb.
b. If bleeding continues, moisten a small piece of cotton with vasoconstricting nose
drops and place inside nose. Press against bleeding site 5-10 minutes.
5. Avoid blowing or picking nose after a nose bleed.
6. After a week or so, apply a lubricant to nasal septum twice daily to reduce dryness.
7. Use a humidifier if environmental air is dry.
20. Sinusitis
Is an inflammation of the mucous membranes of one or more
paranasal sinuses. It is usually precipitated by congestion from a
viral upper respiratory infection and/or nasal allergy. Obstruction of
the ostia (resulting from mucosal swelling and/or mechanical
obstruction), leads to retention of secretions and is the usual
precursors to sinusitis.
21. Causes:
The common cold.
Nasal and seasonal allergies, including allergies to mold.
Polyps (growths).
A deviated septum
A weak immune system from illness or medications.
22. Pathophysiology:
Acute infection –----- destroys normal ciliated epithelium ------
impairs drainages from sinuses ---------------pooling and
stagnation of secretions -----------persistence of infection ----------
mucosal changes – loss of cilia – edema – polyp formation -------
leads to SINUSITIS
23. Clinical Manifestations:
1. Pain, stabbing or aching, over the infected sinus .
a. Frontal sinusitis – pain in forehead intensified by bending
forward
b. Maxillary sinusitis – aching pain in facial region and from inner
canthus of the eye to the teeth
c. Ethmoid sinusitis – frontal or orbital headache
d. Sphenoid sinusitis – headache referred to top of head and deep to
the eyes
24. 2. Nasal congestion and discharge; may or may not be present
3. Anosmia (lack of smell): inspires or expired air cannot reach
the olfactory groove.
4. Red and edematous nasal mucosa
25. Diagnostic Evaluation
1. Clinical presentation and physical examination
2. Sinus radiographs
3. Antral puncture and lavage – provides culture material; also a
therapeutic modality to clear sinus of bacteria, fluid, and
inflammatory cells
26. Management
GOAL: To improve ostial patency
Topical decongestant spray or drops for mucosal shrinkage to encourage
drainage from sinus. This should be limited to no more than 3 successive days of
use.
Topical decongestant maybe combined with oral decongestant.
Antibiotics – (amoxicillin, cefaclor, etc..)r for purulent sinusitis
Analgesics – pain may be significant
Warm compresses, cool vapor humidity for comfort
27. Complications:
(Depend on anatomic location of sinus involved)
1. Extension of infection to the orbital contents and eyelids
NOTE: Watch for lid edema, edema of ocular conjunctiva, drooping lid, limitation of
extraocular motion, visual loss
2. Bone infection (osteomyelitis) may spread by direct extension or via blood
vessels . Frontal bone commonly affected.
3. Central nervous system complications include meningitis, subdural and epidural
purulent drainage, brain abscess, cavernous sinus thrombosis ( acute
thrombophlebitis originating from an infection in an area having venous drainage
to cavernous sinus)
28. Patient Education
Acute sinus infection may lead to chronic sinus disease,
Swimming/diving may cause contaminated water to be
forced into the sinus, usually the frontal sinus.
29. Chronic Sinusitis
Is a suppurative inflammation of the sinuses
with chronic irreversible change in the mucosa
and sinus bony area.
30. Causes:
Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:
Nasal polyps. These tissue growths can block the nasal passages or sinuses.
Deviated nasal septum. A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils — may restrict
or block sinus passages, making the symptoms of sinusitis worse.
Other medical conditions. The complications of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, HIV and
other immune system-related diseases can lead to nasal blockage.
Respiratory tract infections. Infections in your respiratory tract — most commonly colds —
can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes and block mucus drainage. These infections
can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
Allergies such as hay fever. Inflammation that occurs with allergies can block your sinuses.
31. Clinical Manifestations:
Common signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis include:
Persistent nasal obstruction; chronic nasal discharge
Thick, discolored discharge from the nose (runny nose)
Drainage down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
Blocked or stuffy (congested) nose causing difficulty breathing through your nose
Pain, tenderness and swelling around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead
Reduced sense of smell and taste
32. Other signs and symptoms can include:
Ear pain
Headache
Aching in your upper jaw and teeth
Cough or throat clearing
Sore throat
Bad breath
Fatigue
33. Chronic sinusitis and acute sinusitis have similar signs and symptoms. But acute
sinusitis is a temporary infection of the sinuses often associated with a cold. The
signs and symptoms of chronic sinusitis last at least 12 weeks, but you may have
several episodes of acute sinusitis before developing chronic sinusitis. Fever isn't a
common sign of chronic sinusitis, but you might have one with acute sinusitis.
35. Management
1. Vasoconstricting drugs to promote drainage.
NOTE: RECOGNIZE DANGER OF PROLONGED USE OF
DECONGESTANTS which may lead to rebound rhinitis ( rhinitis
medicamentosa), a recurring cycle of nasal congestion, use of
decongestants, rebound nasodilatation,nasal congestion,more
decongestants, etc.
2. Antibiotic for infections
3. Nasal corticosteroids
36. 4. Surgical interventions ( when conservative treatment is unsuccessful)
A. Endoscopic sinus surgery – endoscopic removal of diseased tissue
from affected sinus; used to treat chronic sinusitis of maxillary,
ethmoid, and frontal sinuses.
B. Nasal antrostomy (nasal – antral window) – surgical placement of an
opening under inferior turbinate to provide aeration of the antrum and
to permit exit for purulent materials
37. C. Caldwell – Luc operation – procedure provides for removal of
diseased mucosal lining of maxillary sinus combined with development
of nasal-antral window. Incision made along upper upper gumline
above canine teeth.
D. Surgical interventions for repair of structural abnormalities, deviated
septum, polyps, etc.
38. Nursing Interventions / Patient Education
1. Instruct patient about using careful oral hygiene. Use mouthwash with aid of
flexible straw.
2. Avoid trauma to the nose
3. Avoid smoke in the environment
4. After Caldwell – luc procedure:
A. Provide cold compress over lip to help reduce swelling.
B. Advise patient that numbness in operative area may be present for several
weeks to months.
C. Instruct the patient to refrain from blowing nose after removal of packing, to
avoid forcing nasal secretions back into maxillary sinus.
Deviated septum - A deviated septum is a condition in which the nasal septum (the bone and cartilage that divide the nose in half) is crooked, making one nasal passage smaller. If severe, breathing through the nose can be difficult. Most people naturally have some deviation — only people with severe deviations need treatment.
HYPERTROPHY OF TURBINATE BONES - urbinate hypertrophy is typically caused when the lining of the skin covering the turbinate bone becomes enlarged and swollen. This can be an acute (one time) or chronic (ongoing) problem, and can be caused by many conditions including: Upper respiratory infection, or the common cold. Acute sinus infection.
NASAL POLYPS - Nasal polyps are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. They hang down like teardrops or grapes. They result from chronic inflammation and are associated with asthma, recurring infection, allergies, drug sensitivity or certain immune disorders.
TUMOR - An abnormal mass of tissue that forms when cells grow and divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors may grow large but do not spread into, or invade, nearby tissues or other parts of the body.
ADENOID HYPERTROPHY - Adenoid hypertrophy refers to the enlargement of the adenoid tissue, which is located in the upper airway between the nose and the back of the throat. Enlargement occurs most commonly in children under the age of 5 and is usually the result of bacterial or viral infections.
Otitis media - Otitis media is inflammation or infection located in the middle ear. Otitis media can occur as a result of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection.
The etiologic role of hypertension in epistaxis is not certain. It is possible that hypertension causes arteriolosclerotic nasal vascular changes that predispose hypertensives to increased susceptibility to epistaxis
Nasal speculum - Nasal speculum is a medical tool used by the ENT physicians to examine the anterior part of the nose. This diagnostic nasal equipment helps in widening the opening of a nostril so that the inside of the nose can be clearly & easily visible by the physician.
BLOOD DYSCRASIAS - Blood dyscrasias are conditions that affect the blood, bone marrow, or lymph tissue. They may be common or uncommon, cancerous or benign. They can range from very mild or asymptomatic conditions to those that are life-threatening.
SURGICAL LIGATION - he surgical process of tying up an anatomical channel (as a blood vessel)
VASOVAGAL EPISODE -A vasovagal episode or vasovagal syncope is the most common form of reflex syncope. Reflex syncope is a general term used to describe types of syncope resulting from a failure in autoregulation of blood pressure, and ultimately, in cerebral perfusion pressure resulting in transient loss of consciousness. The mechanisms responsible for this are complex and involve both depression of cardiac output as well as a decrease in vascular tone. Other types of reflex syncope include carotid sinus syncope and situational syncope, for instance, cough or micturition syncope. Vasovagal syncope may be triggered by pain or emotional upset, although frequently a specific trigger cannot be identified.
HEMOTYMPANUM -Hemotympanum refers to the presence of blood in your middle ear, which is the area behind your eardrum. In most cases, the blood is trapped behind your eardrum, so you won't see any blood coming out of your ear.
Precursor – come before
Cell damage may occur through the integration of the virus into the genome if functional genes are interrupted (integration mutagenesis). However, the consequences of infection appear predominantly only after activation of the integrated viral genome, and are then caused by the newly synthesized proteins of the virus.
Without properly functioning cilia in the airway, bacteria remain in the respiratory tract and cause infection.
Sinus radiographs - What is a sinus X-ray? A sinus X-ray is an imaging test that uses X-rays to look at your sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled pockets (cavities) near your nasal passage. X-rays use a small amount of radiation to create images of your bones and internal organs.
Antral lavage is a largely obsolete surgical procedure in which a cannula is inserted into the maxillary sinus via the inferior meatus to allow irrigation and drainage of the sinus. It is also called proof puncture, as the presence of an infection can be proven during the procedure.
In sinus: Paranasal air sinuses. …means of drainage openings, or ostia. Consequently, their lining is mucous membrane similar to that found in the nose. The mucus secretion formed is propelled by small, hairlike processes called cilia through the ostia of the sinuses to the nasal cavity
Both oral and topical decongestants act as vasoconstrictors, and are effective in relieving symptoms of nasal obstruction. They are generally well tolerated, ...
A brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain. It usually occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the brain tissue after an infection or severe head injury.
n cavernous sinus thrombosis, a blood clot blocks a vein that runs through a hollow space underneath the brain and behind the eye sockets. These veins carry blood from the face and head back to the heart.
a headache that feels worse when you lie down or bend over. a headache that's unusual for you and occurs with blurred vision, feeling or being sick, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or seizures (fits) eye pain or swelling of one or both eyes. a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin.
Once there is swelling, mucus gets trapped and a blockage occurs. In this moist dark environment, bacteria can grow causing an infection. It is best to avoid swimming if you have a cold or a sinus infection since can exacerbate your symptoms.
When you dive or swim underwater, the pressure changes affect your sinus canal, and your sinus passages can become blocked
Suppurative is a term used to describe a disease or condition in which a purulent exudate (pus) is formed and discharged.
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside your nose and head (sinuses) are swollen and inflamed for three months or longer, despite treatment.
This common condition interferes with the way mucus normally drains, and makes your nose stuffy. Breathing through your nose may be difficult, and the area around your eyes might feel swollen or tender.
Chronic sinusitis can be brought on by an infection, by growths in the sinuses (nasal polyps) or by swelling of the lining of your sinuses. Also called chronic rhinosinusitis, the condition can affect both adults and children.
Roengenograms –
an X-ray photograph.
The antibiotics of choice include agents that cover organisms causing acute sinusitis but also cover Staphylococcus species and anaerobes. These include amoxicillin-clavulanate, cefpodoxime proxetil, cefuroxime, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, and levofloxacin.
Treatments for chronic sinusitis include: Nasal corticosteroids. These nasal sprays help prevent and treat inflammation. Examples include fluticasone, triamcinolone, budesonide, mometasone and beclomethasone
Aeration - to supply (the blood) with oxygen by respiration
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure used to remove blockages in the sinuses. These blockages may cause pain, drainage, recurring infections, impaired breathing or loss of smell. Sinus surgery is used to relieve symptoms associated with: Sinusitis and nasal polyps.