[Workup and treatment of Eustachian tube dysfunction in adults].

Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction are frequent and multiple. Therefore, clear definitions and diagnostic criteria are important in order to achieve appropriate patient flow. So far, there has been a lack of consensus on this subject, but the proposed definitions and diagnostic criteria in this review may aid to achieve this.

[Balloon dilation of Eustachian tube is a new treatment of chronic otitis media].

Balloon dilation of Eustachian tube is a novel method for managing chronic ventilatory dysfunction in patients with chronic otitis media, as an alternative to classic grommet insertion. Although few retrospective studies have been conducted the method seems to be rapid, simple and safe with promising short-term results. This paper presents the method and summarizes the results of available studies.

National long-lasting effect of endonasal endoscopic sphenopalatine artery clipping for epistaxis.

Conclusion: We consider sphenopalatine artery ligation to be a safe and effective treatment of posterior epistaxis as the long-term need for revision surgery and the complication rates are low. Surgery should be considered earlier in the treatment of posterior epistaxis.

Objectives: Posterior epistaxis is common and surgical endoscopic ligation of the sphenopalatine arteries is indicated in severe cases.

[Epistaxis].

Epistaxis is a common clinical condition that can be challenging. Anterior epistaxis is managed by compression, cauterization or diathermy. Merocel and Rapid Rhino nasal packs are often successfully used.

[Perforation of maxillary sinus following fall against nutcracker].

We present a case of open fracture of maxillary sinus following fall against a nutcracker. The only pathological findings were a small wound and subcutaneous emphysema in the front of and behind the right maxillary sinus. There was no flattening of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus, consequently no surgical intervention was performed.

Stimulation of aquaporin-5 and transepithelial water permeability in human airway epithelium by hyperosmotic stress.

Osmotic water permeability (P(f )) was measured in spheroid-shaped human nasal airway epithelial explants pre-exposed to increasing levels of hyperosmotic stress. The fluid-filled spheroids, derived from nasal polyps, were lined by a single cell layer with the ciliated apical cell membrane facing the outside. The P(f ) was determined from diameter changes of the spheroids in response to changes in bathing medium osmolarity forth and back between 300 and 225 mOsm x l(-1).

The influence of air current on goblet cell density in the mucosa of the normal uncinate process in the nasal cavity.

Aim: To determine the density of goblet cells in the mucosa at the medial site of the uncinate process in the nasal cavity where the air current is high and compare with the goblet cell density on the protected lateral site of the uncinate process, thus establishing the function of the uncinate process in protecting the integrity of epithelium, in the meatus medius, from the distress caused by continuous airflow. Determining this function could have clinical implications, as patients routinely undergo removal of the uncinate process during endoscopic sinus surgery.

Material And Methods: The material comprised pieces of mucosa of 11 uncinate processes from the nasal cavity of 11 autopsies.

Water permeability in human airway epithelium.

Osmotic water permeability (P(f)) was studied in spheroid-shaped human airway epithelia explants derived from nasal polyps by the use of a new improved tissue collection and isolation procedure. The fluid-filled spheroids were lined with a single cell layer with the ciliated apical cell membrane facing the outside. They were capable of surviving hours of experiment involving continuous superfusion of the bathing medium and changes of osmolarity.