ABSTRACT
Pregnancy rhinitis is a relatively common condition. It is characterized by the presence of nasal symptoms, especially nasal congestion, not present prior to pregnancy, but typically present during the last 6 or more weeks of pregnancy, without other signs of respiratory tract infection or any known allergic causes, and disappearing completely within 2 weeks after delivery. Nasal saline irrigation, intranasal steroid spray, and oral antihistamines are usually recommended as the first line of treatment for rhinitis. However, most pregnant women refuse medical treatment for pregnancy rhinitis because of the fear of teratogenicity. Severe pregnancy rhinitis increases the risk of snoring, which has been suggested as having adverse effects on the fetus. In cases where the patients are unable to control their symptoms, pregnancy rhinitis can negatively affect the quality of life (QOL) as well as the pregnancy outcome. Therefore, special caution is required for determining the appropriate diagnosis and treatment modalities for pregnancy rhinitis. Here, we report for the first time, the successful treatment of pregnancy rhinitis that was unresponsive to conservative management and medical therapy by using microdebrider-assisted inferior turbinoplasty at the final stages of pregnancy, along with a review of the relevant literature.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Pregnancy , Diagnosis , Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) , Fetus , Histamine Antagonists , Pregnancy Outcome , Pregnant Women , Quality of Life , Respiratory Tract Infections , Rhinitis , SnoringABSTRACT
Septoplasty is one of the most commonly performed operations in otolaryngology. It is considered extremely valuable in addressing multiple issues and patient complaints. Inferior turbinate surgery results in favorable outcomes and continues to be recommended as a treatment for turbinate hypertrophy not responsive to medical therapy. There are many operative methods used for turbinate surgery such as partial or total turbinectomy and submucosal resection. Laser-assisted conchotomy and Coblation-assisted partial turbinoplasty are minimally invasive procedures that have recently become common. This study provides a comprehensive review of septoplasty and inferior turbinate surgery including current concepts, historical background, classification, updated surgical techniques, and management of complications.
Subject(s)
Humans , Hypertrophy , Otolaryngology , TurbinatesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although CO2 laser turbinate surgery is known to be an effective method in reducing the nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis, the long term effects have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the subjective and objective long term results of CO2 laser surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts and questionnaires of 49 patients who received laser surgery at our department from January 1994 to December 1999 were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative nasal volume of 20 randomly selected patients were measured by acoustic rhinometry. Nasal mucosa of 10 patients before and after laser surgery yearly for 6 years were examined under light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Watery nasal discharge, nasal obstruction and sneezing had improved significantly after laser surgery. Postoperative nasal volumes also increased significantly. Histological findings 6 years after laser surgery revealed focal squamous epithelium and regenerating ciliated columnar epithelium. Decreased goblet cells, fibrous proliferation and scarce vessels and glands were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser surgery proves to be an effective method in reducing the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis for short and long periods.
Subject(s)
Humans , Epithelium , Goblet Cells , Laser Therapy , Lasers, Gas , Microscopy, Electron , Nasal Mucosa , Nasal Obstruction , Rhinitis , Rhinometry, Acoustic , Sneezing , Turbinates , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although CO2 laser turbinate surgery is known to be an effective method in reducing the nasal symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis, the long term effects have not yet been evaluated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the subjective and objective long term results of CO2 laser surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts and questionnaires of 49 patients who received laser surgery at our department from January 1994 to December 1999 were reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative nasal volume of 20 randomly selected patients were measured by acoustic rhinometry. Nasal mucosa of 10 patients before and after laser surgery yearly for 6 years were examined under light and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Watery nasal discharge, nasal obstruction and sneezing had improved significantly after laser surgery. Postoperative nasal volumes also increased significantly. Histological findings 6 years after laser surgery revealed focal squamous epithelium and regenerating ciliated columnar epithelium. Decreased goblet cells, fibrous proliferation and scarce vessels and glands were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: CO2 laser surgery proves to be an effective method in reducing the symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis for short and long periods.