Rhinology (nasal medicine): Specialists & Info

A general introduction to rhinology

Rhinology, or nasal medicine, deals with diseases and injuries

• of the nose,
• the paranasal sinuses and
• the anterior skull base.

Rhinology is considered part of ear, noseand throat medicine(ENT). Any signs of illness in this area, such as

• mucus in the throat,
• problems with nasal breathing,
• nasal obstruction (obstruction of nasal breathing) and
• bleeding from the nose

are therefore a case for the ENT specialist.

Disease patterns in the field of rhinology

The spectrum of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses is broad. In view of the steadily increasing number of patients of all age groups affected, allergies are the most common.

Experts attribute this development to the high concentration of harmful environmental influences, among other things. Risk factors include

• A weakened immune system as a result of excessive hygiene measures in childhood,
• an excess of stress and
• an overall unhealthy lifestyle.

Rhinology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of problems with the nose and its function © bilderzwerg | AdobeStock

A specialist in rhinology treats the following symptoms and diseases, for example

• allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and non-allergic rhinitis.
• Nasal polyps, sinusitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (simultaneous inflammation of the nasal mucosa and sinuses),
• Fungal types of sinusitis, above all allergic fungal rhinosinusitis,
• mucocele primarily in the paranasal sinuses (accumulation of mucus), caused by an obstruction in the drainage of secretions,
• benign tumors such as inverted papillomas (tumors of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity and sinuses), angiofibromas (tumors in the nasopharynx), osteomas (bone tumors),
• malignant tumors in the nose, paranasal sinuses and anterior skull base,
• Dysosmia (disorders of the sense of smell),
• Skull base defects with cerebrospinal fluid leaking from cerebrospinal fluid spaces (cerebrospinal fluid leak).

Diagnostic procedures in rhinology

The first step in determining existing complaints is to take a medical history. Your ENT specialist will ask questions about

• symptoms,
• medical history and
• similar complaints in the family.

This discussion enables your doctor to make an initial classification of the relevant clinical picture. Based on this, further examinations will follow.

Rhinomanometry, for example, proves to be an important element of rhinological diagnostics. It can be used to measure nasal ventilation. The result determines the steps to be taken to alleviate nasal breathing problems.

Depending on the symptoms, your doctor will use different diagnostic methods. In the case of olfactory disorders, for example, olfactory tests are recommended. If a tumor is suspected, ultrasound devices and rigid and flexible optics with high light intensity are used.

Endoscopy is also essential for a reliable diagnosis. Three sub-categories are worth mentioning here:

1. Video endoscopy: the filming and storage of findings,
2. Flexible fiber endoscopy: Provides an insight into areas that are difficult to access, such as the nasopharynx, and
3. Nasal endoscopy: Enables visualization of the inner nose including the sinus ducts.

Treatment methods in rhinology

Many complaints in the field of rhinology can be treated with medication, such as allergies.

There has been great progress in surgical procedures in recent years. Accordingly, large incisions in the head or facial area are no longer necessary for effective surgical procedures.

Instead, minimally invasive, computer-assisted surgical techniques are now used. In the majority of operations, the procedure is performed through the nostrils. No skin incision is then necessary.

Patients benefit from the new method of rhinoplasty in several ways:

• The healing process is accelerated,
• ideally, the symptoms subside completely and
• There is no need to worry about the formation of unaesthetic scars that are clearly visible to the outside world.

Qualified contacts: specialists in rhinology

ENT specialists are the first and best point of contact for nasal complaints. However, your family doctor can also provide first aid and guidance.

Depending on your additional qualifications, you may be able to find the right contact person for your condition. Many GP surgeries can test you for a pollen allergy, for example. However, if in doubt, your GP will refer you to an allergy specialist.

Depending on the symptoms, an interdisciplinary team may also be required. Neurosurgeons also come into play in the event of an injury or tumor in the skull area.

Possibilities & opportunities in rhinology

Rhinology is not only concerned with health problems of the nose and paranasal sinuses. Aesthetic aspects can also concern rhinologists.

A surgical procedure, such as rhinoplasty, can often address two concerns at once. Surgical treatment of a nasal malposition can, for example, eliminate odor disorders. Depending on the patient's wishes, a rhinoplasty surgeon can correct the malposition at the same time.