Publication:

Association of nasal blockage and prevalence of anatomical variants on CT scan of nose and paranasal sinuses

Background Nasal blockage is the most common nasal symptom with which patients present in ENT OPD. Sometimes, it is associated with headache and facial pain. The symptoms are secondary to mucosal contact points in the nasal cavity without any observable nasal mass, nasal discharge or turbinate hypertrophy, hence, known as rhinogenic headache or facial pain syndrome.

Methods This is a prospective study done in the department of otorhinolaryngology, at P.D.U. Medical College and Hospital, Rajkot, for a period of twenty months from May 2017 to December 2018. A total number of 100 CT scans of patients aged above 5 years of both genders who presented with complaints of nasal blockage at department of otorhinolaryngology, P.D.U. Hospital, Rajkot.

Results Out of 100 patients above 5 years with symptoms of nasal blockage and CT scan showing anatomical variants, 78 patients had deviated nasal septum as the most common anatomical variant presenting with nasal blockage. Males (62%) were more commonly affected with different anatomical variants; 25-45 year old age group (48%) was the most common affected age group. The other anatomical variants: concha bullosa (13%), paradoxically curved middle turbinate (4%), Onodi cell (2%), Haller cell (2%) and unilateral choanal atresia (1%).

Conclusions Nasal blockage is more common in 25-45 year old males and deviated nasal septum is the most common anatomical variant.