Rhinology

Rhinology is a medical specialty within otolaryngology that focuses on the nose, the paranasal sinuses, the olfactory system, and related structures. It covers conditions that affect nasal airflow, mucosal health, sense of smell, and adjacent areas such as the skull base and orbits. Rhinology often overlaps with allergy, infectious disease, and oncology, and it involves both medical and surgical management.

The scope includes the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with and without nasal polyps, acute rhinosinusitis, deviated septum, nasal obstruction, epistaxis, and nasal tumors or masses. Pediatric rhinology addresses conditions arising in children, such as adenoidal disease and pediatric chronic rhinosinusitis, while adult rhinology covers adult-onset or long-standing nasal disorders.

Diagnostics rely on patient history, anterior and endoscopic nasal examination, and imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Objective testing may include olfactory assessment, rhinomanometry, and acoustic rhinometry. Nasal irrigation and careful endoscopic assessment are common in routine evaluation.

Treatments combine medical and surgical approaches. Medical management includes intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, saline irrigation, and targeted antibiotics when indicated. Emerging therapies include biologics for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. Surgical options focus on restoring airflow and sinus drainage, notably endoscopic sinus surgery, septoplasty, and turbinate reduction, often using image guidance.

Education and research in rhinology emphasize standardized diagnostic criteria, minimally invasive techniques, and multidisciplinary care. Training typically occurs within otolaryngology residencies, with subspecialty fellowships in rhinology and related areas.