psd-502 and Nasal-Obstruction

The effect of applying a eutectic mixture of local anaesthetics cream (EMLA) to the nasal vestibule, upon both nasal sensation of airflow and action of menthol was studied in 25 normal subjects. Anaesthesia of the vestibule was shown to decrease nasal sensation of airflow, p less than 0.001. The action of menthol in enhancing the sensation of nasal airflow was unchanged, p greater than 0.05. This shows that sensory nerve endings located within the nasal vestibule and mucosa, are likely to be important in conveying nasal sensation. This study expands basic scientific knowledge in this important clinical area. The site and nature of sensory nerve endings responsible and possible neurophysiological mechanisms involved are discussed.

Topics: Adult; Anesthetics, Local; Drug Combinations; Female; Humans; Lidocaine; Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; Male; Menthol; Nasal Cavity; Nasal Mucosa; Nasal Obstruction; Prilocaine; Pulmonary Ventilation; Sensation; Sensory Receptor Cells

We compared the effectiveness of local anaesthetic with Emla cream with that of an injection of lidocaine for radiofrequency reduction of the inferior turbinates. We studied 98 consecutive patients with hypertrophied inferior turbinates, 46 of whom were given Emla cream and 52 lidocaine injection. The procedure began five minutes after the injection of lidocaine and 10minutes after the Emla cream had been applied. Patients were asked to indicate on a visual analogue scale (VAS) the degree of perioperative pain, anxiety, sensation of choking, and discomfort on swallowing that they felt after the procedure. Patients treated with Emla had significantly lower VAS scores for discomfort on swallowing than those treated with lidocaine (p=0.001), but there were no other significant differences between the two groups. We conclude that Emla cream is an efficacious alternative to infiltration of lidocaine for radiofrequency reduction of the inferior turbinates.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anesthesia, Local; Anesthetics, Local; Catheter Ablation; Female; Humans; Lidocaine; Lidocaine, Prilocaine Drug Combination; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Obstruction; Pain Management; Pain Measurement; Prilocaine; Radio Waves; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Turbinates