c. Treatment. Refer the patient for incision and drainage (I and D). A small
hematoma, watched closely to be sure it does not become infected, should resolve itself
in four to six weeks. Another way of treating a small hematoma is to make an incision
and drain it. If the hematoma is large, it must be drained. Treatment for a septal
abscess consists of making a wide incision on one side of the septum, suctioning pus,
and carefully removing necrotic tissue. Systemic antibiotic therapy to control infection
may be required.
3-27. RHINITIS MEDICAMENTOSA
a. Description. Rhinitis medicamentosa is a chronic congestive condition
associated with prolonged "overdosage" of local nasal medications. The condition is
caused by nasal obstruction which is relieved initially by medications. The relief is short
lived causing the patient to reuse nasal medications. Eventually, the nasal medications
cause nasal membranes to swell rather than constrict (rebound effect).
b. Signs and Symptoms. Included are the following:
(1)
A diminished sense of smell (the most common symptom).
(2)
A small amount of thin mucoid.
(3)
Nasal discharge present in the nasal passages and in the nasopharynx.
(4)
Mucous membranes appear pale and atrophic in the nasal passages.
c. Treatment. Treatment consists of discontinuing use of nasal medications.
3-28. NASAL POLYPS
a. Description. Nasal polyps are growths of mucous membrane. These
growths hang down from the posterior wall of the nasal septum. Called polyps, these
growths look like bluish-white tumors. As they get bigger, they may fill the nasopharynx.
The cause of nasal polyps is thought to be chronic irritation such as nasal rhinitis.
b. Signs and Symptoms. Included are the following:
(1)
Nasal obstruction.
(2)
Sneezing.
(3)
Watery nasal and postnasal discharge.
(4) Impaired sense of smell. (Occurs when polyp is located superiorly
impeding the direct contact of air and olfactory nerve endings.)
MD0582
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