The nasal endoscopic features of postnasal drip among rhinitis patients-
A Cross-sectional study
Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: Nasal endoscopic features of post nasal drip (PND)
is well described but not formally studied. This study aims to assess
the nasal endoscopic features of PND among rhinitis. Design:
Cross-sectional study Settings: Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) outpatient
clinic at a tertiary referral center. Participants: Adults (18 years and
older) with chronic rhinitis grouped into either “Rhinitis with PND”
or “Rhinitis only”. Main outcome measures: The endoscopic features of
PND were scored as: Secretions in the posterior nasal cavity (Yes/no),
erythema in the nasopharynx (none, roof only, diffuse), hemorrhagic
spots (yes/no) and granular posterior pharyngeal wall(patchy/diffuse)
and compared between groups. Results: There were 98 patients included
(age 32.32±11.33, 61.2 % female, 61.2% PND). Presence of secretions in
the posterior nasal cavity was associated with PND (“Rhinitis with
PND” vs “Rhinitis only”, 78.3 v 55.3%, p=0.02). This gave 78.3%
sensitivity and likelihood ratio positive of 1.41 to predict bothersome
PND among rhinitis patients. The other nasal endoscopic features were
not associated with PND. Conclusion: Secretions in posterior nasal
cavity supports PND among rhinitis patients. Further studies to assess
the endoscopic features of PND in other patient populations are needed.
Keywords: laryngopharyngeal reflux, postnasal drip, rhinitis, nasal
endoscopic, bothersome, inflammation, reflux symptoms index, reflux
findings score Key points: rhinitis, nasal endoscopic features,
postnasal drip sign, secretions posterior nasal cavity, quality of life