Aneeza Hamizan

and 7 more

ABSTRACT Background: Nasal endoscopic features of post nasal drip (PND) is well described but not formally studied. This study aims to assess the nasal endoscopic features of PND among rhinitis. Design: Cross-sectional study Settings: Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) outpatient clinic at a tertiary referral center. Participants: Adults (18 years and older) with chronic rhinitis grouped into either “Rhinitis with PND” or “Rhinitis only”. Main outcome measures: The endoscopic features of PND were scored as: Secretions in the posterior nasal cavity (Yes/no), erythema in the nasopharynx (none, roof only, diffuse), hemorrhagic spots (yes/no) and granular posterior pharyngeal wall(patchy/diffuse) and compared between groups. Results: There were 98 patients included (age 32.32±11.33, 61.2 % female, 61.2% PND). Presence of secretions in the posterior nasal cavity was associated with PND (“Rhinitis with PND” vs “Rhinitis only”, 78.3 v 55.3%, p=0.02). This gave 78.3% sensitivity and likelihood ratio positive of 1.41 to predict bothersome PND among rhinitis patients. The other nasal endoscopic features were not associated with PND. Conclusion: Secretions in posterior nasal cavity supports PND among rhinitis patients. Further studies to assess the endoscopic features of PND in other patient populations are needed. Keywords: laryngopharyngeal reflux, postnasal drip, rhinitis, nasal endoscopic, bothersome, inflammation, reflux symptoms index, reflux findings score Key points: rhinitis, nasal endoscopic features, postnasal drip sign, secretions posterior nasal cavity, quality of life