Rhinosinusitis physical examination

Examination of the nose with a speculum or otoscope may reveal mucosal edema, narrowing of the middle meatus, purulent rhinorrhea, and other findings.

Common physical examination findings in rhinosinusitis include:^[1]

• Pain and tenderness on palpation of the involved sinus: forehead (frontal sinuses), upper jaw (maxillary sinuses), in the eyelids and around the eyes (ethmoid sinuses)
• Purulent rhinorrhea in the nose or posterior pharynx
• Examination of the nose using a speculum or otoscope may reveal the following findings:
  • Purulent nasal discharge
  • Mucosal edema
  • Narrowing of the middle meatus
  • Inferior turbinate hypertrophy
  • Deviated nasal septum
  • Nasal polyps

Template:WH Template:WS