No abstract

In this review we describe the relation between nasal eosinophilia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover we was performed a literature revision that valued the relation between eosinophilia in respiratory system with arthritis. We have examined, through nasal cytology, 7 patients (5 men and 2 women) aged between 7 and 60 years old, with a middle age of 38,5 years; this patients are affected by RA, members of UO of Diagnostic ORL and nasal cytology of the AIAS (Italian Association of Disadvantages assistance) of Afragola. Between them we put in evidence only a case of youth RA. All patients was not allergic and affected by recurrent rhinitis in maintenance therapy and not related with pollen calendar. The withdrawal documented the presence of rare eosinophils in nasal mucosa. This evidence could induce us to use this practice not only as follow up of patients but also as means of early diagnosis.

A neutrophilic rhinitis occurs in a large proportion of swimmers. This seems to be irritative in its nature and can be prevented by avoiding the direct contact with chlorinated water.

No optimal treatment modality is currently available for the treatment of recurrent epistaxis in HHT. In this review, different therapeutic concepts are discussed together with their pathophysiologic background. Patients often profess a preventive effect for nasal ointments and use packings which can be self-administered in the case of bleeding. An effective first-line treatment for physicians is the endonasal laser coagulation or argon plasma coagulation. A second line surgical procedure is septodermoplasty according to Saunders which can provide long-lasting relief if performed correctly. There have been reports on antifibrinolytic agents and hormones, but their efficacy has yet to be determined.

In approximately 12% of patients with AR, other mechanisms of inflammation seem to intervene. Nasal cytology can be helpful in discriminating these atypical forms.