Track: Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Rhinitis and Sinusitis

Rhinitis and sinusitis are prevalent medical ailments often interconnected. They substantially impact quality of life, potentially leading to comorbidities and substantial healthcare costs. These conditions also induce indirect societal costs through missed work and school days, as well as reduced productivity and learning. The "Rhinitis and Sinusitis" session aims to explore topics like diagnosis, pathophysiology, physical examination findings, and treatment options.

Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal lining, causing symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and a runny nose, often due to allergies or infections. Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinuses, leading to facial pain, pressure, and nasal discharge. Both conditions can be acute or chronic, and treatment typically involves medications, nasal sprays, and in some cases, surgery to alleviate symptoms and address underlying causes.

Surgical and Therapeutic Interventions: These include procedures and treatments to manage sinusitis and rhinitis. Surgical options might involve sinus surgery to remove blockages, while therapeutic interventions include medications like nasal corticosteroids and antibiotics to reduce inflammation and infection.

Both Sphenoidal and Ethmoidal Sinusitis: Involves inflammation of the sphenoid and ethmoid sinuses, leading to symptoms like headaches, nasal congestion, and facial pain. Treatment may include antibiotics, nasal sprays, and sometimes surgery.

Frontal and Maxillary Sinusitis: Affects the frontal and maxillary sinuses, causing symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, and nasal discharge. Treatment typically involves medications and, in chronic cases, surgical drainage.

Both Severe and Acute Sinusitis: Severe sinusitis refers to intense symptoms lasting longer than acute sinusitis, which is a sudden onset of inflammation. Treatment for both includes medications, nasal irrigation, and possibly surgery for chronic cases.

Atrophic Rhinitis Persistent: A chronic condition characterized by a dry, atrophic nasal mucosa, often leading to nasal crusting and foul odor. Treatment focuses on moisturizing the nasal passages and managing symptoms to improve nasal function and comfort.