Rhinosinusitis physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dima Nimri, M.D. [2]

Overview

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

Physical Examination

Common physical examination findings in rhinosinusitis include:

• 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