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Balloon dilatation is an effective adjunct
This is a good study design, sufficiently powered, comparing medical management to balloon sinus dilatation. All patients had failed medical management and were thoroughly assessed preoperatively with Lund-Mackay score confirming abnormal CT findings, SNOT 20 index score, chronic sinusitis score...
Is GERD linked to CRS?
We are all well aware that both chronic rhinosinusitis and reflux are prevalent in our populations. This meta-analysis looked at 25 studies investigating the association between GERD, LPR and CRS, therefore evaluating more than 117,000 patients. The results are fascinating...
The microbiological environment of the paranasal sinuses
This article reviews the ecology of the sinuses and tries to make sense of the confusing literature on the subject. This covers the details of molecular studies, particularly those which attempt to differentiate normal sinuses from those in patients with...
Olfactory neuronal damage in sinusitis
So many patients with nasal disorders have poor olfactory function, yet sometimes the nose may seem comparatively clear of conductive problems. This study postulated that neuronal damage in the olfactory apparatus would lead to a leakage of neuron specific enolase...
Is epistaxis affected by the weather?
In this Bosnian study, the authors attempted to determine if air pressure, temperature and humidity had any effect on idiopathic epistaxis. The study took place over a three-year period and included 300 patients. A comparison was performed of meteorological data...
Does albumin have an effect on nasal polyposis?
Sometimes a short paper catches your eye! What causes chronic rhinosinusitis? What causes polyps? Fungi? Biofilms? Allergy? Maybe the lack of albumin? The two authors of this short paper present data that may suggest that the lack of albumin can...
Combined sprays for allergic rhinitis maintenance
This meta-analysis looked at the reported efficacy for allergic rhinitis control of various topical sprays, particularly comparative studies. There were fewer ‘head to head’ studies than we would have hoped to exist. This review included intranasal anti-histamines, intranasal steroids and...
An effective treatment for post Covid-19 smell loss?
It is well understood that calcium levels in the nasal mucous affect the ability to smell, with higher levels having a negative impact, and some studies have shown increased calcium levels in patients suffering with Covid-19-related olfactory dysfunction. Calcium chelating...
Back to basics: nasendoscopy beats CT, again!
There are few otolaryngologists (or patients) who have not been confronted with a computed tomography scan referring to a deviated septum. In a very similar way to the accidental findings of sinus mucosal thickening, the clinician is left in a...
Not so innocent, after all: a meta-analysis of the effects of intranasal corticosteroids on growth
The use of intranasal corticosteroids has revolutionised the management of allergic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis and there is now significant evidence of their safety. The problem with side-effects is that clinical studies are designed to demonstrate efficacy, but are underpowered to...
Early DCR may be better than delayed in acute dacrocystitis?
Traditionally, acute dacrocystitis has been treated conservatively with antibiotics, analgesia and warm compresses, with surgery reserved for later when the infection has subsided. This meta-analysis looks at early vs. late endonasal dacrocystorhinostomy (DCR) in the treatment of acute dacrocystitis, looking...
