Diagnosis,treatment and medical evaluation of anatomical abnormalities in nasal cavity in aircrew / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To sum up the experiences of diagnosis,treatment and medical evaluation of the anatomical abnormalities in nasal cavity(AANC,including deviation of nasal septum and turbinate hypertrophy) in aircrew.Methods Case data of 91 pilots with CANC were analyzed.The classification and typing of AANC and secondary barotraumas associated with typing of AANC were studied.Results There were 50 cases of class I AANC(with symptoms or signs on ground),41 cases of class II(no symptoms or signs on ground but with symptoms of secondary barotraumas in flight,including IIa 10 caseswith symptoms of secondary barosinusitis,IIb 26 caseswith symptoms of secondary barotrauma of ear,IIc 5 caseswith symptoms of secondary barosinusitis and barotrauma of ear after flying).For the typing of AANC,there were 41 cases of nasal septum deviation,29 cases of inferior turbinate hypertrophy,8 cases of middle turbinate hypertrophy,and 13 cases of nasal septum deviation and turbinate hypertrophy.85 cases were still in a qualified position to continue their flying job,1 pilot was transferred from fighter to transport pilot,2 pilots were temporarily grounded,and 3 were permanently grounded.Conclusions AANC is very common in aircrew.AANC in aircrew is classified and typed according to the effect of gas pressure adjustment functions of ear and nasal sinus.The classification and typing are of important implication in clinical aviation medicine.Medical workers must unify the qualification criteria in selection for air candidates,and also in diagnosis,treatment,medical evaluation of disease in aircrew.This is an important measure to improve the health quality and ensure combat effectiveness for the air force.