1. Position paper on nasal obstruction: evaluation and treatment
- Author
-
Valero, A, Navarro, A M, Del Cuvillo, A, Alobid, I, Benito, J R, Colás, C, de Los Santos, G, Fernández Liesa, R, García-Lliberós, A, González-Pérez, R, Izquierdo-Domínguez, A, Jurado-Ramos, A, Lluch-Bernal, M M, Montserrat Gili, J R, Mullol, J, Puiggròs Casas, A, Sánchez-Hernández, M C, Vega, F, Villacampa, J M, Armengot-Carceller, M, Dordal, M T, and SEAIC Rhinoconjunctivitis Committee & SEORL Rhinology, Allergy, and Skull Base Committee
- Subjects
Rhinometry, Acoustic ,medicine.medical_specialty ,Visual analogue scale ,Immunology ,Population ,Physical examination ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Quality of life (healthcare) ,Acoustic rhinometry ,medicine ,Immunology and Allergy ,Animals ,Humans ,Medical history ,030223 otorhinolaryngology ,education ,Intensive care medicine ,education.field_of_study ,Objective and subjective evaluation ,medicine.diagnostic_test ,business.industry ,Nasal obstruction/nasal blockage/nasal respiratory insufficiency ,Medical and surgical treatment ,Rhinomanometry ,030228 respiratory system ,Etiology ,Quality of Life ,Position paper ,Nasal Cavity ,Nasal Obstruction ,business - Abstract
Nasal obstruction (NO) is defined as the subjective perception of discomfort or difficulty in the passage of air through the nostrils. It is a common reason for consultation in primary and specialized care and may affect up to 30%-40% of the population. It affects quality of life (especially sleep) and lowers work efficiency. The aim of this document is to agree on how to treat NO, establish a methodology for evaluating and diagnosing it, and define an individualized approach to its treatment. NO can be unilateral or bilateral, intermittent or persistent and may be caused by local or systemic factors, which may be anatomical, inflammatory, neurological, hormonal, functional, environmental, or pharmacological in origin. Directed study of the medical history and physical examination are key for diagnosing the specific cause. NO may be evaluated using subjective assessment tools (visual analog scale, symptom score, standardized questionnaires) or by objective estimation (active anterior rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry, peak nasal inspiratory flow). Although there is little correlation between the results, they may be considered complementary and not exclusive. Assessing the impact on quality of life through questionnaires standardized according to the underlying disease is also advisable. NO is treated according to its cause. Treatment is fundamentally pharmacological (topical and/or systemic) when the etiology is inflammatory or functional. Surgery may be necessary when medical treatment fails to complement or improve medical treatment or when other therapeutic approaches are not possible. Combinations of surgical techniques and medical treatment may be necessary.
- Published
- 2018