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At the annual meeting of the Society for Ear, Nose, and Throat Advances in Children in Washington, DC, Alan B. Seid, San Diego, Calif, discussed the diagnosis and management of neonatal rhinitis. Nasal stertor characterizes the breathing pattern in these infants. The origins include infection and maternal drug use. In most instances, there have been multiple attempts at passing nasal catheters to assure the patency of the choanae. This has the effect of aggravating the problem further.
The diagnosis is suggested by the use of a stethoscope to check nasal airflow before and after instillation of 0.12% phenylephrine hydrochloride (Neo-Synephrine). The increase in airflow after topical phenylephrine strongly supports this entity.
Management includes avoidance of flexible rhinoscopy and the elimination of nasal suctioning. Cultures should be obtained to rule out infection. Specific treatment consists of a 3-day course of 0.12% phenylephrine hydrochloride