Thursday, March 31, 2011

Rhinitis and Sinusitis

DEFINITION
Rhinitis—inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose
Sinusitis—inflammation of the associated paranasal sinuses
Rhinosinusitis—coined term, because one rarely occurs without the other

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
May be acute or chronic, noninfectious or infectious
Patients seen in clinics usually have chronic disease.
All causes are often complicated by opportunistic secondary microbial invasion.
Associated mucosal vascular congestion and friability, excessive mucus gland secretion, neutrophil chemotaxis, and nasolacrimal duct obstruction—lead to congestion, obstructed airflow, sneezing, epistaxis, nasal discharge (mucopurulent), and epiphora
Turbinate and facial bone destruction—may develop with neoplastic or fungal disease

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