Functional and esthetic outcomes of redundante rhinoplasty for internal nasal valve dysfunction in Asian patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to use validated measures to evaluate the functional and esthetic outcomes in patients who underwent functional rhinoplasty for Internal Nasal Valve Dysfunction (INVD) in Korea. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent functional rhinoplasty for INVD confirmed by endoscopic findings and the modified Cottle test between 2016 and 2018 was performed. Nasal obstruction was assessed with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale. Acoustic rhinometry was performed pre- and post-operatively. The Minimal Cross-Sectional Area (MCA) of the nose was measured. Objective assessment of the esthetic outcomes was performed with the Objective Rhinoplasty Outcome Score (OROS), which assesses tip rotation, projection, width, dorsal height, width, length, symmetry, and the overall result. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients (46 men and 11 women; mean age, 30.5 ±â€¯12.3 years) who underwent functional rhinoplasty were included in this study. The VAS and NOSE scores indicated functional improvement in all cases (all p < 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences (VAS score, p = 0.274; NOSE score, p = 0.952). The objective functional outcomes evaluated using MCA on the concave (p = 0.478) and convex (p = 0.631) sides did not differ significantly pre- and post-operatively. The subjective evaluation of esthetic satisfaction revealed no between-group difference. Moreover, 31 out of 44 patients (70.5%) with static INVD and nine out of 14 patients (64.3%) with dynamic or combined INVD showed excellent outcomes. Regarding objective esthetic outcomes, scores for the eight factors were >3, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (all p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Functional rhinoplasty, including extracorporeal septoplasty and spreader grafting, may be a viable option for correcting INVD with functional and esthetic improvement. Dynamic INVD is less prevalent among Asians, and there was no significant difference in the surgical outcomes compared with those of static INVD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Prevalence of nasal obstruction and its impact on quality of life in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose/Background: Nasal obstruction is a significant issue influencing the patient's quality of life. Chronic nasal obstruction is frequently associated with other symptoms such as headache, sleep disturbance, and daytime sleepiness. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of nasal obstruction in Saudi Arabia and examine its effect on patients' quality of life. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a self-administered combination of two previously validated questionnaires (the NOSE scale and the WHOQOL-BREF) translated into Arabic. The Mann-Whitney test was used to investigate the association between nasal obstruction prevalence and the participants' QOL. Results: The study included 1039 participants from different regions of Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of nasal obstruction was 60.3% among the participants. Several factors significantly affected the prevalence of nasal obstruction, including sex, suffering from a chronic disease, having a family member with nasal obstruction, and using medications (P < 0.001 for all factors). A better score was shown in the four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire by the participants who had no nasal obstruction: the physical health domain, psychological health, social relationships, and environment (P < 0.001 for all factors). Conclusions: Quality of life is affected by nasal obstruction. The subjective assessment is essential in evaluating the severity of nasal obstruction disease. It is recommended that healthcare providers use subjective tools combined with objective tools to assess the degree of nasal obstruction severity.

Nasal Pyriform Aperture Stenosis in a Newborn: When to Operate.

Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a very rare cause of neonatal respiratory distress and is often missed because of its rarity. It arises from the overgrowth of the nasal process of the maxilla. Maxillofacial CT scan findings of pyriform aperture width <11 mm in a full-term baby, median central incisor, triangular-shaped palate, and median palatal ridge confirm the diagnosis. We describe here a case of CNPAS admitted with respiratory distress that increased further on feeding. An infant feeding tube of size 6 was not negotiable through the nostrils. Resistance was appreciated at the inlet of the nostril. Maxillofacial CT showed pyriform aperture stenosis of 3.4 mm, suggesting CNPAS. The child could not be weaned off a high-flow nasal cannula despite conservative management with decongestants, steroids spray, dilatation, and stenting for 20 days. Subsequently, surgical widening of the nasal aperture by a sublabial approach was done. The child was discharged on the 10th postoperative day on full oral feeds. It is important to suspect CNPAS in neonates with respiratory distress where other common causes have been ruled out, as it can be treated by surgery in cases refractory to conservative management.

The Prevalence of the Nasal Vestibular Body in Patients With Nasal Obstruction.

Background and aim Nasal obstruction is one of the most common reasons for consultation addressed by otolaryngologists. There are anatomical, physiological, and pathological etiologies. Sometimes the treatment can become a challenge for the specialist, so a detailed evaluation of the etiologies must be carried out. The involvement of the nasal vestibular body (NVB) in obstructive symptoms has been described. Therefore, we must be familiar with its anatomy, presentation, and contribution to this symptomatology. This study aimed to highlight the importance of NVB in the role of nasal obstruction and know the impact that it adds to the symptoms of patients through a validated instrument on their quality of life. Material and methods A retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study was conducted on 113 patients with nasal obstruction who attended the outpatient clinic of the Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery Service in a tertiary-level hospital in Monterrey, Mexico from January 2021 to January 2023. The Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale was applied to assess the impact of this symptom on the quality of life of the subjects. The causes involved in the obstructive symptoms were identified by physical examination, including NVB. Two groups were made as follows: with the presence of the NVB and with the absence of the NVB, and the means of the NOSE scale were compared. Results A total of 113 patients were included, 59 male patients (52.20%) and 54 female patients (47.80%). The presence of NBV was found in 72 patients (63.70%). Other causes of nasal obstruction were found in 35 patients (31%), with chronic rhinitis being the most frequent in 27 subjects (23.90%). The mean NOSE scale score was higher in the group with the presence of the NVB than in the group with the absence of the NVB (p<0.05). The primary outcome of this study was to know the prevalence of NVB in the Hispanic population with nasal obstruction who attends the otolaryngology clinic. The secondary outcome was to know the relationship between the presence of NVB and the NOSE scores. Conclusion In this study, we observed that NVB is frequently present in patients with nasal obstruction in northeastern Mexico. There is an association between the presence of NVB and higher scores on the NOSE scale. New research will be needed to assess the effectiveness of NVB surgery in improving nasal obstruction and to determine the impact of NVB on nasal obstruction in isolation.

CT comparison of the nasal airway anterior and posterior to the piriform aperture in patients with and without nasal obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Nasal airway stenosis may lie anterior and/or posterior to the piriform aperture. We intended to compare the nasal airway anterior and posterior to the piriform aperture in patients with and without nasal obstruction. METHODS: Segmented computed tomography cross-sectional areas of the nasal airway anterior (CT-CSAant) and posterior to the piriform aperture (at the level of the head of the inferior turbinate; CT-CSApost) were compared between patients with nasal obstruction (cases) and trauma controls. CT-CSA were approximately perpendicular to the direction of the nasal airflow. Anterior to the piriform aperture, they were tilted about 30o, 60o and 90o to the nasal floor. Posterior to the piriform aperture, they were tilted about 50o, 80o and 100o to the nasal floor. In cases, we examined the Pearson's correlation of active anterior rhinomanometry with CT-CSAant and CT-CSApost. RESULTS: Narrow and bilateral CT-CSApost were similarly large between 56 cases and 56 controls (all p > 0.2). On the contrary, narrow and bilateral CT-CSAant were significantly smaller in cases than in controls (all p < 0.001). The ratio of the size of CT-CSAant-30 to that of CT-CSApost-80 was significantly lower in cases (median: 0.84; lower to upper quartile: 0.55-1.13) than in controls (1.0; 0.88-1.16; Mann-Whitney U test; p = 0.006). Bilateral CT-CSAant correlated significantly with total inspiratory flow (all p < 0.026) in contrast to bilateral CT-CSApost (all p > 0.056). CONCLUSIONS: The nasal airway anterior to the piriform aperture was smaller in patients with nasal obstruction due to skeletal nasal stenosis than that in controls. On the contrary, the nasal airway posterior to the piriform aperture was similarly large between patients with and without nasal obstruction. Furthermore, in patients with nasal obstruction, the anterior nasal airway was narrower compared to that located posterior to it. On the contrary, control patients' anterior nasal airway was as large as the posterior one.

Enhanced revision rhinoplasty with processed costal cartilage guided by preoperative computed tomography and 3D scanning.

BACKGROUND: Revision rhinoplasty presents unique challenges, particularly in achieving structural integrity and aesthetic harmony. This study explores the efficacy of costal grafts in addressing these challenges, focusing on anatomical corrections and patient outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective analysis was conducted on patients undergoing revision rhinoplasty with costal grafts. An algorithmic approach was applied to tailor the surgical technique to individual anatomical needs, documented through pre- and postoperative assessments, including CT imaging and 3D scanning. RESULTS: A total of 34 patients were included. Significant improvements were noted in nasal structure and function post-surgery. The mean NOSE score improved from 94.47 ± 5.48 preoperatively to 12.59 ± 13.43 postoperatively, and the mean ROE score increased from 18.44 ± 10.02 to 92.65 ± 13.00, indicating substantial enhancement in both nasal airway function and patient satisfaction. The use of costal grafts facilitated effective corrections for a broad spectrum of nasal deformities, with a complication rate of 2.94%. CONCLUSIONS: Costal grafts in revision rhinoplasty offer a versatile and effective solution for complex nasal deformities. The algorithmic approach used in this study enhances repeatability and outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for achieving desired aesthetic and functional results in revision cases. Further research is warranted to optimize techniques and evaluate long-term outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Reducing variability in nasal surgery outcomes through computational fluid dynamics and advanced 3D virtual surgery techniques.

Objectives: This study aims to delineate the specific impact of using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and 3D virtual surgery techniques in otolaryngology surgery, focusing on their roles in enhancing the precision of nasal surgery and optimizing future patient outcomes. The central objective was to assess whether these advanced technologies could reduce variability in surgical approaches and decision-making among specialists, thereby improving the consistency and efficacy of patient care in cases of nasal obstruction. Methods and results: Our methodology involved a detailed analysis of pre- and post-operative scenarios using CFD feedback. Six otolaryngologists participated, employing virtual surgery techniques on two patients with diagnosed nasal obstruction. The CFD analysis focused on quantifying key airflow parameters: right nasal flow rate (QR), left nasal flow rate (QL), flow symmetry (Ф), and bilateral nasal resistance (R). These parameters were meticulously compared before and after the application of CFD feedback to evaluate changes in surgical planning and outcomes. Quantitative analysis revealed a notable decrease in the standard deviation of the measured parameters among the specialists post-CFD feedback, indicating reduced variability in surgical approaches. Specifically, for Patient #1 the standard deviation for QR values dropped from 0.694 L/min to 0.602 L/min, and for QL values from 0.676 L/min to 0.584 L/min, and for Patient #2, the standard deviation for QR values decreased from 2.204 L/min to 0.958 L/min, and for QL values from 2.295 L/min to 1.014 L/min. Moreover, the variability range, represented by the differences between the maximum and minimum values for Ф and R, diminished significantly. Post-operative average values for all parameters showed a convergence towards ideal basal levels, suggesting a more uniform and effective surgical strategy across different surgeons. Conclusions: Both integration of CFD and 3D virtual surgery techniques in otolaryngology can substantially reduce variability in surgical planning and decision-making, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. These advanced tools have the potential to standardize the diagnosis and treatment of nasal pathologies, contributing to more effective and consistent care. Future research in this area should focus on larger patient cohorts and further exploration of the potential benefits and applications of CFD and virtual surgery in otolaryngology.

Accidental finding prior to rhinoplasty: Rhinolith-A rare case report.

Through this case report, we review a rare radiographic finding within the nasal cavity and its histopathological findings in order to emphasize the importance of familiarizing oneself with all radiographic findings, regardless of their rarity.

[Subjective and objective comparative analysis of nasal ventilation function before and after nasal septoplasty].

Objective:To investigate the changes of nasal ventilation before and after septoplasty by using NOSE scoring scale and nasal function examination, and to explore the correlation between subjective nasal obstruction and nasal function examination and its clinical application value. Methods:A total of 129 cases of nasal septum deviation from December 2021 to April 2023 in our hospital were selected for study. All patients underwent septoplasty. Nasal obstruction symptom evaluation（NOSE） was performed in all patients before surgery and 3 months after surgery. nasal minimal cross-sectional area（MCA） and nasal cavity volume（NCV） were recorded by nasal acoustic reflex, nasal resistance meter and nasal respiration apparatus, nasal resistance（NR）, distance between the nostril to minimum cross-sectional area,（the distance between the nostril to minimum cross-sectional area, MD）, nasal inspiratory volume（IV）, nasal expiratory volume（EV）, the nasal partitioning ratio, NPR includes objective indicators such as inspiratory volume difference ratio（NPRi） and expiratory volume difference ratio（NPRe）. Paired test was used to compare and analyze the changes of various indicators before and after surgery, and the difference（P<0.05） was statistically significant, and Pearson correlation linear analysis was used to analyze the correlation between subjective and objective indicators. Results:There were statistically significant differences in NOSE score, NCV, NR, MD, EV, IV, NPRe and NPRi of 129 patients before and after surgery（P<0.05）, while there was no statistically significant difference between MCA before and after surgery（P>0.05）. Preoperative NOSE score was correlated with NR, NCV, EV, IV, NPRe and NPRi（P<0.05）, but not with MD and MCA（P>0.05）. There was correlation between NOSE score and NR, MCA, NCV, EV, IV, NPRe and NPRi（P<0.05）, but no correlation between nose score and MD（P>0.05）. Conclusion:The subjective NOSE scale combined with nasal function test has certain clinical reference value in evaluating the surgical effect of patients with deviated nasal septum.

Modified extracorporeal septoplasty: prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate quality-of-life and satisfaction outcomes in patients undergoing the MES using the Portuguese version of the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE-p) and Rhinoplasty Outcome Evaluation (ROE), and also to evaluate the frequency of possible complications of this technique. METHODS: We conducted a single-center prospective study with patients who had the indication for MES, from May 2016 to September 2020 at the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinic of Otolaryngology Department of the Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre. The primary outcome was the relative postoperative change in NOSE-p. Secondary outcome was the variation in ROE, a validated quality-of-life questionnaire for rhinoplasty patients. RESULTS: Of the 31 patients submitted to extracorporeal septorhinoplasty who were evaluated, twenty-seven patients were included. Preoperative and postoperative NOSE-p scale scores were 65.2 ±â€¯29.9 and 23.5 ±â€¯26.7, respectively (mean differences of 42.04; [95% CI 27.35-56.73]; p <  0.0001). Pre and postoperative ROE scores were 38.3 ± 24.3 vs. 67.29 ± 29.7, respectively (mean differences of -29.02; [95% CI -40.5 to -17.5]; p =  0.0001). Residual septal deviation was verified in 2 patients (7.4%). CONCLUSION: Most of the patients submitted to modified extracorporeal septoplasty had a significant improvement in quality of life scores of nasal obstruction, with good aesthetical outcomes and low indices of postoperative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

Use of alloplastic implants for correction of deviated nasal septum: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically reviews the safety and effectiveness of alloplastic implants (AI) in septoplasty. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search in Medline, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases to identify articles on septoplasty using AI. We also manually searched reference lists of included articles. Inclusion criteria involved prospective or retrospective case-series studies of adults with deviated nasal septum (DNS) who underwent septoplasty with AI, with sufficient follow-up data. Two authors independently screened articles, reviewed full manuscripts, and extracted data. RESULTS: Out of 5370 articles, 16 met inclusion criteria, encompassing 884 patients from 14 eligible studies. Most studies had fair quality. AI materials included Polydioxanone (PDS), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Titanium, Macropore, and PolyMax. AI usage improved nasal obstruction in most patients, with 95.6 % (84.8 %-100 %) based on physical examination and 96.9 % (89.6 %-100 %) based on symptoms. AI-related complications occurred in 4.3 % (0 %-12.8 %) of cases, mostly non-serious. CONCLUSIONS: AI use can be considered as a useful adjunct in septoplasty, with uncommon complications similar to standard procedures. However, due to limited-quality evidence, further prospective controlled studies are needed.

Polysomnographic Assessment on Osahs Outcomes in Patients with Nasal Obstruction Undergoing Septoplasty with Partial Inferior Turbinectomy.

The relationship between nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnea has raised interest among otolaryngologists since years. There are studies that suggest that surgical correction of nasal obstruction improves sleep quality and reduces symptoms of sleep apnea. This lead to our study to understand the effect of nasal surgery on obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). AIM: To assess the effect of nasal surgery in improvement in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Hypopnoea Syndrome in patients with nasal obstruction by Polysomnography (PSG). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 30 patients with nasal obstruction who underwent septoplasty and/or turbinate reduction procedure with pre and post operative assessment of respiratory distress index (RDI) including apnoea hypopnoea index (AHI), obstructive apnoea index (OAI), Snoring Index (SI) using polysomnography (PSG). RESULT: Nasal correction surgery showed statistically significant improvement (p-value < 0.001) in RDI from 13.66 to 6.66, OAI from 6.34 to 3.18 and Snoring Index from 161.77 to 62.23 as assessed by polysomnography. There was statistically significant improvement in minimal saturation levels (during sleep) and positional sleep apnoea. CONCLUSION: Isolated nasal surgery like septoplasty and/or turbinate reduction improved sleep parameters and alleviated OSA symptoms in patients with static nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnoea/hypopnoea syndrome. However, patients with multilevel or dynamic airway obstruction may need further intervention.

Diagnostic Challenges of Sinonasal Pleomorphic Adenoma.

Pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) are benign tumors of the salivary glands. Rarely, they arise in the sinonasal cavity, presenting as well-defined, homogeneous soft tissue masses, causing expansive bony changes. The significance of PAs is the possibility of giving rise to malignant carcinoma - "carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma" (CXPA).Here, we present the case of a 64-year-old female complaining of progressive unilateral congestion and external nose deformation, mostly along the left contour of the radix, with epiphora of the ipsilateral eye. Eventually, a tumor began protruding from the left naris. The computed tomography excluded osteolysis, while the surgical procedure discovered the inferior turbinate as the origin of the tumor. In addition, the ipsilateral maxillary sinus was found to have developed secondary sinusitis. After complete surgical excision, the histological result was sinonasal melanoma, but following no progression of the disease, a second pathologist with additional immunohistochemical markers (HMB-45 (human melanoma black 45) negative, Melan-A (melanoma antigen recognized by T-cells 1) negative, S100 (protein soluble in 100% ammonium sulfate at neutral pH) positive, panCK AE1/AE3 (pan cytokeratin antibodies AE1 and AE3) negative, p63 (tumor protein 63) negative, Ki-67 (marker of proliferation Kiel 67) 10%, CD68 (cluster of differentiation 68) negative, CK7 (cytokeratin 7) negative, and CDX2 (caudal-type homeobox 2) negative) placed the definitive diagnosis of PA.PA of the inferior turbinate is an extremely rare finding, with the clinical symptoms being unspecific. Sometimes, SOX-10 (SRY-box transcription factor 10) positivity can mislead to malignant melanoma, as in our case, which is why a broad panel of immunohistochemical markers is critical for the definitive diagnosis.

Navigating Congenital Nasal Obstruction: A Contemporary Surgical Paradigm.

An uncommon form of nasal airway obstruction in a newborn with respiratory distress manifestations that needs prompt surgical correction when medical therapy cannot address the problem adequately. In this case study, two newborns were diagnosed with congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) following a CT paranasal sinuses when the infant demonstrated persistent symptoms of upper airway obstruction. The narrowing of the nasal pyriform aperture, with a mean width of 0.65 cm in these newborns, was insufficient to allow breathing through the nostrils. Bedsides flexible endoscopy examinations revealed laryngomalacia in both of these infants. A supraglottoplasty, surgical nasal dilation, and stenting were performed without requiring a sublabial drill out of the pyriform aperture, allowing total resolution of the initial respiratory symptoms. Thus, a successful nasal enlargement was accomplished. During the post-operative follow-up period, no incurrences were observed. Both patients with CNPAS were successfully treated with nasal dilatation and nasal stenting instead of the traditional pyriform aperture bone removal by a sublabial approach. Despite being a small series, it demonstrates that nasal dilatation and stenting may be considered an alternate procedure in selective CNPAS cases because it lowers the risk of open surgery and presumably offers an effective management option.

Utilization Pattern and Related Knowledge of Nasal Decongestants Among the General Population in Al-Qunfudah Governorate, Saudi Arabia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Nasal decongestants, like phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine, are commonly used to relieve nasal obstruction in conditions such as allergic rhinitis. They induce nasal passage dilation through vasoconstriction but can lead to serious side effects like hypertension and rebound congestion. Despite being easily accessible over the counter, their usage patterns and awareness of side effects are not well studied. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the utilization pattern and public knowledge of nasal decongestants in Al-Qunfudah governorate, Saudi Arabia, in 2023. METHODS: This observational cross-sectional study assessed the utilization pattern of nasal decongestants among those who were 10 years of age and older and resided in Al-Qunfudah governorate and its villages. Data were collected in three months, from June to August 2023, using a self-administered survey that was disseminated among the general population at Al-Qunfudah governorate on different electronic platforms like Twitter (X Corp., San Francisco, CA, United States) and Snapchat (Snap Inc., Santa Monica, CA, United States). RStudio (version 4.3.0) was used for the statistical analysis. The knowledge score showed a non-normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test p value < 0.001). For normally distributed qualitative variables, the factors related to nasal decongestant use were assessed using Pearson's Chi-squared test. Fisher's exact test was applied when more than 20% of cells had frequencies less than 5. A generalized linear regression model was used to assess the independent predictors of higher knowledge scores. A p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. RESULTS: Based on 410 responses, nearly 77% (n = 314) of the participants have ever used nasal decongestants. A total of 118 out of 314 (37.6%) used these medications twice daily for less than five days (81.2%, n = 255). A total of 192 (61.1%) participants used nasal decongestants based on physicians' prescriptions. Few respondents (12.9%, n = 53) and (33.2%, n = 136) correctly identified nasal mucosal ulceration and nasal dryness as adverse effects of prolonged nasal decongestants' use. However, 84.6% (n = 347) ignored their contraindications, and 55.1% (n = 226) had no idea about rebound congestion. Overall, participants displayed a moderate level of knowledge regarding nasal decongestants, with a median knowledge score of 5.0. Being a student (beta = 1.12, 95%CI, 0.19 to 2.05, p = 0.019) and being a female were independently associated with better knowledge scores (beta = 0.97, 95%CI, 0.40 to 1.54, p < 0.001). Those who ever used nasal decongestants (beta = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.07 to 1.34, p = 0.030) and those who used them three times a day (beta = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.11 to 1.99, p = 0.029) had higher knowledge scores. CONCLUSION: More than two-thirds (76.6%) of the Al-Qunfudah general population in Saudi Arabia utilized nasal decongestants. The utilization pattern of nasal decongestants highlighted short-term usage for nasal obstruction. Despite the moderate level of knowledge of the general population about nasal decongestants, many gaps were noted regarding their systemic contraindications, side effects, and the risks of rebound congestion. A focus group discussion is advised to get a full and deep perception of the public regarding this common type of medication. Health education programs are recommended regarding this category of medications, warning them about ineffective self-medication.

Comparison of Allergen Immunotherapy Alone and in Conjunction With Turbinate Surgery for Nasal Obstruction in Perennial Allergic Rhinitis Patients.

BACKGROUND: Nasal obstruction, triggered by allergic rhinitis, often does not resolve with allergen-specific immunotherapy (AIT) alone, thus inferior turbinate reduction surgery (ITR) may be required. This study aims to investigate the impact of combined treatment on nasal obstruction, as evidence is currently limited. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL: A retrospective cohort study of perennial allergic rhinitis patients experiencing nasal obstruction and undergoing ≥12 months AIT was conducted. Two groups were derived, those undergoing AIT-with or without an ITR. Patient reported nasal obstruction (evaluated with questionnaires) and nasal airway function (Nasal Peak Inspiratory Flow [NPIF] and Nasal Airflow Resistance [NAR]) were monitored. The change from baseline to 12 months post-treatment in each group were compared. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients (33.71 ± 14.43 years, 41.5% female) were recruited, 72% had AIT and 28% AIT&ITR. At baseline, the AIT&ITR group had a higher level of nasal obstruction (>moderate%; 63.6% vs 52.9%, P = .048). Post treatment, AIT&ITR group reported greater reduction in nasal obstruction (>1 category change: 75.8% vs 48.2%, P = .002). Similarly, the AIT&ITR group had greater improvement in nasal function by NPIF (-13.9 ± 110.3 L/minute vs -3.4 ± 78.1 L/minute, P = .049) and NAR (-0.120 ± 0.342 Pa/cm³/second vs -0.093 ± 0.224 Pa/cm³/second, P = .050). CONCLUSIONS: Allergic rhinitis patients, with moderate to severe nasal obstruction, who undergo combined AIT&ITR have greater relief of nasal obstruction and improved airflow analysis compared to AIT alone.

Comparative analysis of masseter muscle electrical activity by nasal patency in children with rhinitis and asthma: a pilot observational study.

PURPOSE: This pilot cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate differences in electromyographic activity patterns of the masseter muscle according to the nasal patency in children with rhinitis and asthma. METHODS: The study included 43 children aged 5-14 years with rhinitis and/or asthma. Patients underwent peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurement to assess nasal patency, and electromyographic evaluation of the right and left masseter muscles during chewing and at rest. Electromyographic activity patterns according to nasal patency were compared using the Mann-Whitney test, and effect sizes were measured using the Glass rank biserial (rb) correlation. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: No significant differences in electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle at rest, during unilateral chewing, or during habitual chewing were found between the groups. However, we found that patients with low nasal patency had a median electric activity of the right masseter muscle during maximum contraction of 60.53 (51.74-72.43), while those with adequate nasal patency had a median of 77.40 (56.71-88.45). Although the difference in myoelectric activity between the groups did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.061) at the adopted significance level of 5%, the size of the difference between groups were considered moderate (rb = 0.338) and a potential association between nasal patency and the muscular function of the masseter muscle could be suggested. CONCLUSION: The study found no differences in the electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle at rest, during unilateral chewing, or during habitual chewing among children with rhinitis and asthma based on nasal patency. Further research with larger sample sizes is needed to validate these findings and gain a better understanding of the impact of nasal patency on the muscular function of the masseter muscle.

Rhinitis medicamentosa - comparing two treatment strategies: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Rhinitis medicamentosa poses a therapeutic challenge for both patients and physicians. Treatment strategies vary, starting with avoidance of decongestants, followed by medications or surgical intervention. This study aimed to compare two treatment strategies for this condition. METHODS: A review was conducted of patients diagnosed with rhinitis medicamentosa from 2013 to 2021, who were managed conservatively with medications or surgically by inferior turbinate reduction. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients were included: 21 patients were treated conservatively and 26 underwent turbinate reduction. Following surgical therapy, the frequency of using decongestants was significantly reduced (p < 0.001), with a significant improvement in Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores (p < 0.001). The conservative treatment group was significantly older with more co-morbidities. Following medical therapy, the conservative treatment group had a significant decrease in the frequency of decongestant use, but there was no significant improvement in their Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 scores. CONCLUSION: Compared to conservative treatment, inferior turbinate reduction for rhinitis medicamentosa resulted in reduced decongestant use and improved quality of life.

Incidence of Neoplasm in Patients Referred for Epistaxis.

Objectives: The primary objective was to identify the incidence of neoplastic disease in patients referred for epistaxis. Secondary objectives included identification of any mass lesion, and the need for further workup with imaging and/or biopsy as well as risk factors associated with identification of a mass lesion. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Medical records of adult patients who presented to Tufts Medical Center over an 11 year period (2010-2021) with a chief complaint of epistaxis were reviewed. The primary outcome was identification of a nasal or nasopharyngeal mass. Patient characteristics including age, sex, race, smoking status, anticoagulation, comorbidities (hypertension, allergic rhinitis, vasculitis), and treatment of epistaxis (used as surrogate for severity of epistaxis) were also examined. Results: A total of 1164 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Thirty-six nasal masses were found among patients presenting with epistaxis (3.09%, P < .001), comprised primarily of benign etiology (2.66%) including nasal polyposis and thornwaldt cyst. Asian race correlated with finding of mass lesion (75%, P = .007). Five malignancies were found (0.43%) including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (2 patients), extranodal natural killer T-cell lymphoma (2 patients), and nasal adenocarcinoma (1 patient). Conclusions: Epistaxis is a common cause for referral to otolaryngology. Although the incidence of neoplasm in our patient population was low, nasal mass lesions warranting further workup were identified in 36 patients. Findings of neoplasm were more common in patients of Asian ethnicity, which may reflect the increased prevalence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in this population. Otolaryngologic evaluation and nasal endoscopy should be considered in all cases of epistaxis.

Unilateral nasal obstruction mediates reversible morphological and phenotypic changes in masticatory muscles of growing rats.

OBJECTIVE: Mouth breathing as a result of nasal obstruction affects craniofacial growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of unilateral nasal obstruction and its recovery, along with the role of nitric oxide (NO) in masticatory muscle physiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight 4-week-old male rats were divided into control and experimental groups. The five experimental groups were subjected to left-sided nasal obstruction by suturing the external nostril, and the sutures were removed after 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 weeks to allow for varying recovery periods. We assessed morphological changes in masseter, temporalis, and digastric muscle, by examining cross-sectional area (CSA) and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform composition of muscle fibers. Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4), and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) were conducted. RESULTS: The SpO2, CSA, and fibers showing MHC-2b isoforms were significantly lower, while RT-PCR showed higher mRNA levels in TNF-α and nNOS, and a decrease in GLUT4 mRNA in the jaw-closing muscles in the long-term nasal obstruction groups than that in the control group. LIMITATIONS: The study findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the functional differences between rodents and humans in terms of respiratory mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: Unilateral nasal obstruction affects the morphology and contractile characteristics of the rat masticatory muscles during development, with possible involvement of NO in muscle hypofunction. These changes may revert to baseline levels if the nasal obstruction is eliminated before puberty in rats.