# The Nasal Endoscopic Features of Postnasal Drip: A Cross Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study finds that secretions in the back of the nasal cavity are linked to postnasal drip in rhinitis patients, while redness and spots are not specific signs.

## Contribution

This study is the first to formally assess the association between nasal endoscopic features and postnasal drip in rhinitis patients.

## Key findings

- Secretions in the posterior nasal cavity are associated with postnasal drip (p = 0.02, odds ratio: 2.81).
- Diffuse nasopharyngeal erythema is more common in rhinitis without postnasal drip (p = 0.02).
- Hemorrhagic spots are equally present in both groups and not specific to postnasal drip (p = 0.35).

## Abstract

Introduction
 Patients with chronic rhinitis suffer from postnasal drip (PND) but this symptom is not well addressed. Nasal endoscopy may aid in identifying PND. Well described endoscopic features of PND are presence of secretions in the posterior nasal cavity, diffuse erythema, and hemorrhagic spots in the nasopharynx, but these have not been formally studied.

Objectives
 The present study aims to assess the association of nasal endoscopic features with PND among rhinitis patients. This will guide clinicians to interpret the nasal endoscopic findings appropriately.

Methods
 Adults (≥ 18 years old) with chronic rhinitis were consecutively recruited at an Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic in a tertiary referral center. The patients were grouped into either “Rhinitis with PND” or “Rhinitis only.” 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), then were compared between groups.

Results
 There were 98 patients included (age 32.32 ± 11.33 years old, 61.2% female, 61.2% PND). Presence of secretions in the posterior nasal cavity was associated with PND (“Rhinitis with PND” versus “Rhinitis only,” 78.3 versus 55.3;
p
 = 0.02; Odds ratio: 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08–7.32). Diffuse erythema of the nasopharynx was more frequent in “rhinitis only” compared with those with PND (76.3 versus 53.3%;
p
 = 0.02). Hemorrhagic spots were equally present in both groups (11.7 versus 18.4%;
p
 = 0.35).

Conclusion
 Presence of secretions in the posterior nasal cavity may indicate bothersome PND among patients with rhinitis. Diffuse erythema of the nasopharynx and hemorrhagic spots are a nonspecific sign of inflammation.