Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

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rhinoplasty Plastic surgery to repair or reconstruct
the NOSE. Surgeons perform rhinoplasty
operations for cosmetic and for reconstructive reasons.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty is the most commonly
performed PLASTIC SURGERY procedure in the United
States, with more than 350,000 operations each
year. Reconstructive rhinoplasty helps restore the
function and appearance of the nose when there
are structural defects such as SEPTAL DEVIATION or
following serious trauma (such as a BROKEN NOSE)
and conditions such as SKIN CANCER or other cancers
affecting the nose.
Rhinoplasty is nearly always an AMBULATORY SUR-
GERY performed under general or local ANESTHESIA.
The surgeon may reshape the CARTILAGE and occasionally
the BONE. Swelling and discoloration are
common following the OPERATION, gradually diminishing
over two to three weeks. Bleeding and INFEC-
TION are among the potential risks of rhinoplasty.
Because the nose has an abundant blood supply,
surgeons typically insert compression packing into
the nose for one to three days after surgery, which
applies pressure to minimize bleeding and maintain
the integrity of the reshaping. The packing carries a
risk of TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME, a serious systemic
bacterial infection. The surgeon should promptly
evaluate any FEVER or increase in PAIN.
As with any surgery, the results of rhinoplasty
can vary. It is important to understand the limitations
and consequences of the operation and to
have realistic expectations for cosmetic results.
Reconstructive rhinoplasty may require several
operations to achieve the desired outcome. Most
people can return to their regular activities within
two weeks.
See also BLEPHAROPLASTY; OTOPLASTY; RHYTIDO-
PLASTY; SURGERY BENEFIT AND RISK ASSESSMENT.
rhinorrhea The medical term for runny NOSE.
Mucus discharge from the nose is the body’s
mechanism for removing foreign matter. Numerous
factors can cause rhinorrhea. Among the most
common are exposure to allergens, such as pollen
and dust, and INFECTION, such as COLDS, SINUSITIS,
OTITIS, and PHARYNGITIS. In young children, foreign
objects in the nose also commonly cause rhinorrhea.
Discharge that contains pus or blood suggests
infection.
Clear, watery nasal drainage following
head trauma requires immediate medical
attention as this may indicate that
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID is leaking.
Rebound rhinorrhea can develop with excessive
use of nasal sprays as well as oral decongestants
and ANTIHISTAMINE MEDICATIONS. When the
doctor can identify the underlying cause, treatment
targets that cause. Otherwise, treatment targets
relief of symptoms. Topical decongestants
(nasal sprays) are the treatment of first choice,
applied for a short and defined period of time. The
doctor may also recommend oral decongestants or
antihistamines.
See also BLOWING THE NOSE; EPISTAXIS; FOREIGN
OBJECTS IN THE EAR OR NOSE; SNEEZE/COUGH ETIQUETTE.
ruptured eardrum A tear in the TYMPANIC MEM-
BRANE, or eardrum, that results from trauma of
some kind. The primary symptoms are
• sudden and sharp PAIN from the EAR
• drainage (when the cause is INFECTION)
• TINNITUS (a ringing or roaring sound)
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