Nasal Endoscopic Findings in Allergic Rhinitis: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: About 1/5 th of the world population is affected by allergic rhinitis, affecting to quality of life, require a systemic approach of history, examination, investigation and sometime special allergic testing. Objective of this study is to evaluate the nasal endoscopic findings in the patients of allergic rhinitis. Material and Method: This study consists of 58 patients of Allergic Rhinitis in whom nasal endoscopic examination was done. All the patients had nasal symptoms; rhinorrhoea(100%) ,nasal obstruction (87.96%), sneezing(81.03), itching of the palate(41.38%), fullness of the ears(37.93%), headache(29.31%). In all patients nasal endoscopic examinations were done under local anesthesia except in children. Result: Nasal endoscopic findings were as follows : DNS(72.41%), inferior turbinate hypertrophy (55.17%), watery discharge on nasal floor (41.38%) , septal spur (27.59%), polypoidal anteriore end of middle turbinate and blocked maxillary ostia were found in 24.14% each, abnormal ethmoidal bullae (13.79 ), enlarged aggar nasi cells (27.59%), mucopurulent discharge in maxillary ostia (22.41%). Concha bullosa and medially bent uncinate process were found in (09.09%) each ,paradoxical bent middle turbinate (03.44%) and polyp in sphenoethmoidal recess (09.09%) of cases. . Conclusion: Nasal endoscopic work up is an effective diagnostic tool. It is particularly useful for the delineation of the structures in the region of middle meatus distinguishing the middle turbinate from other soft tissue. It can also be used for taking nasal tissue for biopsy.