Rhinitis — MCQs
A patient presents with headache for one hour on awakening, associated with nasal stuffiness and reddening of eye. Suggestive of
A patient with second-degree cervical prolapse complains of dribbling of urine when coughing. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Partial and full closure of nasal passages is characteristically seen in:
Atrophic dry nasal mucosa, extensive encrustations, and a "woody" hard external nose are suggestive of?
Myasthenia gravis is which type of hypersensitivity?
A patient with chronic sinusitis has nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity, and asthma. Most appropriate treatment is:
Which of the following is NOT typically associated with acute bacterial sinusitis?
Type of speech seen in nasopharyngeal carcinoma -
Partial closure of the nose is performed in which condition?
Atrophic dry nasal mucosa, extensive encrustations, and a woody hard external nose are suggestive of:
Rhinitis Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: A patient presents with headache for one hour on awakening, associated with nasal stuffiness and reddening of eye. Suggestive of
- A. Cluster headache (Correct Answer)
- B. Migraine
- C. Tension headache
- D. All of the options
Explanation: ***Cluster headache*** - This presentation describes a **cluster headache**, which is characterized by **severe, unilateral pain** affecting the area around the eye, often accompanied by **autonomic symptoms** like nasal stuffiness and conjunctival injection (reddening of the eye). [1] [2] - Cluster headaches typically occur in **clusters**, with attacks lasting from 15 minutes to 3 hours, and frequently occur at the same time each day, often awakening the patient from sleep. [1] *Migraine* - **Migraines** usually involve **throbbing, pulsating pain** and are often accompanied by **photophobia, phonophobia**, and nausea/vomiting, which are not mentioned here. [3] - While migraines can cause eye symptoms, the combination with pronounced nasal stuffiness and the specific pattern of awakening and duration are more characteristic of cluster headaches. [1] *Tension headache* - **Tension headaches** are typically described as a **tight band or pressure** around the head, involving the entire head, and are generally **mild to moderate** in intensity. [2] - They lack the severe pain and distinct autonomic symptoms (nasal stuffiness, eye reddening) seen in this patient. *All of the options* - This option is incorrect because the specific combination of symptoms points clearly to a **cluster headache** and excludes migraines and tension headaches due to their distinct clinical features. - While all are types of headaches, their presentations vary significantly, making only one the most likely diagnosis in this scenario.
Question 2: A patient with second-degree cervical prolapse complains of dribbling of urine when coughing. What is the most likely diagnosis?
- A. Cystitis
- B. Stress incontinence (Correct Answer)
- C. Overflow incontinence
- D. Functional incontinence
Explanation: ***Stress incontinence*** - **Stress incontinence** is characterized by involuntary urine leakage due to increased intra-abdominal pressure (e.g., coughing, sneezing), which is common in association with **pelvic organ prolapse** like a second-degree cervical prolapse. - The prolapse weakens the **pelvic floor muscles** and supporting structures around the urethra, diminishing its ability to maintain closure during sudden pressure changes. *Cystitis* - **Cystitis** is an inflammation of the bladder, typically presenting with symptoms like painful urination (dysuria), frequent urination, and urgency. - While it can cause bladder irritation, it does not directly lead to urine dribbling with coughing in the absence of other typical infection symptoms. *Overflow incontinence* - **Overflow incontinence** occurs due to an **overfilled bladder** that can't empty completely, leading to constant dribbling or leakage. - This typically results from a **bladder outlet obstruction** or an **underactive detrusor muscle**, not directly from increased abdominal pressure during coughing. *Functional incontinence* - **Functional incontinence** is when a person has control over their bladder but cannot reach the toilet in time due to **physical or cognitive impairments**. - It does not involve a problem with the urinary tract itself but rather with the ability to respond to the urge to urinate.
Question 3: Partial and full closure of nasal passages is characteristically seen in:
- A. Allergic rhinitis
- B. Atrophic rhinitis
- C. Occupational rhinitis
- D. Vasomotor rhinitis (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Vasomotor rhinitis*** - This condition is characterized by **vascular dysregulation** in the nasal mucosa, leading to episodic **swelling** and **congestion** that can result in partial or full nasal closure without an identifiable allergic or infectious cause. - Symptoms are often triggered by **non-specific irritants** like temperature changes, strong odors, or emotional stress, causing the nasal blood vessels to dilate excessively. *Allergic rhinitis* - While it causes nasal congestion and obstruction, the primary mechanism is an **IgE-mediated inflammatory response** to specific allergens, leading to mucosal edema and increased mucus production. - The closure is typically accompanied by other allergic symptoms such as **sneezing**, **itching**, and **rhinorrhea**, which differentiates it from vasomotor rhinitis. *Atrophic rhinitis* - This condition involves **progressive atrophy** of the nasal mucosa, turbinates, and underlying bone, resulting in an abnormally wide nasal passage rather than obstruction. - Patients typically experience **paradoxical nasal obstruction** due to altered airflow dynamics and crusting, alongside a characteristic foul odor. *Occupational rhinitis* - This type of rhinitis is caused by **exposure to specific agents** in the workplace, leading to inflammation and nasal obstruction, often accompanied by sneezing and rhinorrhea. - Symptom onset is directly linked to **workplace exposure** and improves away from the occupational environment, which is not suggested by the general term "partial and full closure."
Question 4: Atrophic dry nasal mucosa, extensive encrustations, and a "woody" hard external nose are suggestive of?
- A. Rhinosporidiosis
- B. Atrophic rhinitis
- C. Carcinoma of the nose
- D. Rhinoscleroma (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Rhinoscleroma*** - This condition presents with **atrophic dry nasal mucosa**, extensive **encrustations**, and a characteristic "_woody_" hard external nose due to granulation tissue and fibrosis called **scleroma**. - It is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by **_Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis_**, leading to progressive tissue destruction and deformity. *Rhinosporidiosis* - Characterized by **polypoid lesions, friable masses**, and **strawberry-like appearance** in the nasal cavity, often associated with bleeding. - This is caused by **_Rhinosporidium seeberi_**, a pathogen found in stagnant water, and does not typically cause a woody hard external nose. *Atrophic rhinitis* - Involves progressive **atrophy of the nasal mucosa** and turbinates, leading to dryness, crusting, and a foul odor (**foetor**). - While it causes dry mucosa and encrustations, it does not typically lead to the **woody hardness** of the external nose described. *Carcinoma of the nose* - Can present with varied symptoms, including **nasal obstruction, discharge, epistaxis**, and sometimes **local invasion** leading to external deformity. - However, the combination of **atrophic mucosa, extensive crusting**, and specifically the "**woody**" hardness points more directly to Rhinoscleroma due to its characteristic fibrous tissue reaction.
Question 5: Myasthenia gravis is which type of hypersensitivity?
- A. Type IV
- B. Type III
- C. Type II (Correct Answer)
- D. Type I
Explanation: ***Type II*** - Myasthenia gravis is an **autoimmune disease** where antibodies are directed against the **nicotinic acetylcholine receptors** at the neuromuscular junction [1], [2]. - This **antibody-mediated cytotoxicity** and receptor blockade leading to muscle weakness is characteristic of a **Type II hypersensitivity reaction** [1]. *Type IV* - Type IV hypersensitivity is a **delayed-type hypersensitivity**, mediated by **T-cells** rather than antibodies. - Examples include **contact dermatitis** and the tuberculin skin test, which do not involve autoantibodies against receptors. *Type III* - Type III hypersensitivity involves the formation of **immune complexes** (antigen-antibody complexes) that deposit in tissues and cause inflammation. - Conditions like **serum sickness** and **lupus nephritis** are examples, differing from receptor-specific antibody attacks. *Type I* - Type I hypersensitivity is an **immediate hypersensitivity** mediated by **IgE antibodies** binding to mast cells and basophils, leading to histamine release. - This type is responsible for **allergic reactions** like anaphylaxis and asthma, which is distinct from autoimmune receptor blockade. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Diseases of the Immune System, pp. 213-214. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. Peripheral Nerves and Skeletal Muscles, pp. 1237-1238.
Question 6: A patient with chronic sinusitis has nasal polyps, aspirin sensitivity, and asthma. Most appropriate treatment is:
- A. Early polypectomy
- B. Aspirin desensitization (Correct Answer)
- C. Antibiotics
- D. Topical steroids
Explanation: Aspirin desensitization - The combination of **nasal polyps**, **aspirin sensitivity**, and **asthma** is characteristic of **Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease (AERD)**, also known as Samter's triad. - **Aspirin desensitization** is the most effective treatment for AERD as it addresses the underlying inflammatory pathway, leading to improved asthma control, reduced polyp recurrence, and decreased need for oral corticosteroids. *Early polypectomy* - While polypectomy can temporarily relieve symptoms by removing the polyps, it does not address the underlying inflammatory process of **AERD**. - Polyps in AERD patients have a **high recurrence rate** after surgical removal if the underlying aspirin sensitivity is not managed. *Antibiotics* - Antibiotics are used to treat **bacterial infections**, but they do not address the **chronic inflammatory condition** of AERD or the formation of nasal polyps. - Chronic sinusitis in AERD is often an inflammatory, not primarily infectious, process. *Topical steroids* - **Topical nasal steroids** can help manage chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms and may slow polyp growth but are generally insufficient as a sole treatment [1] for patients with established **AERD** and significant symptoms. - They provide **symptomatic relief** but do not modify the disease course in the same comprehensive way as aspirin desensitization.
Question 7: Which of the following is NOT typically associated with acute bacterial sinusitis?
- A. Purulent nasal discharge
- B. Epistaxis (Correct Answer)
- C. Facial pain
- D. Fever
Explanation: ***Epistaxis*** - While possible due to **mucosal inflammation** or irritation from forceful blowing, **epistaxis (nosebleeds)** is not considered a typical or primary symptom of acute bacterial sinusitis. - The main symptoms revolve around pressure, discharge, and systemic signs of infection. *Purulent nasal discharge* - This is a hallmark symptom of acute bacterial sinusitis, indicating the presence of **bacterial infection** and inflammation in the sinuses. - The discharge is often thick, colored (yellow, green), and can be accompanied by a **foul odor**. *Facial pain* - **Facial pain** or pressure, especially around the cheeks, forehead, or eyes, is a characteristic symptom stemming from inflammation and fluid accumulation within the **sinus cavities**. - This pain often worsens when bending forward. *Fever* - **Fever** is a systemic sign of infection and is commonly present in acute bacterial sinusitis, especially in more severe cases. - It indicates the body's immune response to the bacterial invasion.
Question 8: Type of speech seen in nasopharyngeal carcinoma -
- A. Hot potato voice
- B. Hoarse voice
- C. Rhinolalia clausa (Correct Answer)
- D. Rhinolalia aperta
Explanation: ***Rhinolalia clausa*** - This is also known as **hyponasal speech** or **closed nasality**, where there is insufficient nasal airflow during speech. - In **nasopharyngeal carcinoma**, the tumor can obstruct the nasopharynx, preventing air from flowing into the nasal cavity during vocalization, leading to this type of speech. *Hot potato voice* - This type of dysphonia is characterized by **muffled speech** as if the speaker is trying to talk with a hot object in their mouth. - It is typically associated with conditions causing **pharyngeal or tonsillar swelling** or peritonsillar abscess, which are distinct from nasopharyngeal carcinoma. *Hoarse voice* - **Hoarseness** results from abnormal vibration of the vocal cords, leading to a rough or breathy voice. - While possible in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma due to cranial nerve involvement affecting vocal cords, it is not the primary or most characteristic speech alteration from the tumor's location within the nasopharynx. *Rhinolalia aperta* - Also known as **hypernasal speech** or **open nasality**, this occurs when there is excessive nasal airflow during speech, making non-nasal sounds sound nasal. - This is typically caused by **velopharyngeal insufficiency** or defects that prevent proper closure between the oral and nasal cavities, such as a cleft palate, which is the opposite of the obstruction seen in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Question 9: Partial closure of the nose is performed in which condition?
- A. Vasomotor rhinitis
- B. Atrophic rhinitis (Correct Answer)
- C. Allergic rhinitis
- D. Occupational rhinitis
Explanation: ***Atrophic rhinitis*** - **Partial closure of the nose** (Young's operation or naris plasty) is a surgical procedure used to reduce the size of the nasal passages and improve airflow in patients with atrophic rhinitis. - This condition involves progressive **atrophy of the nasal mucosa** and turbinates, leading to dryness, crusting, paradoxical obstruction, and often a foul odor. *Vasomotor rhinitis* - This condition involves **non-allergic rhinitis** triggered by environmental changes, temperature shifts, or irritants, causing symptoms like sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion. - Management typically involves **avoidance of triggers**, nasal corticosteroids, or anticholinergic sprays, not surgical closure of the nose. *Allergic rhinitis* - Caused by an ** IgE-mediated immune response** to airborne allergens, leading to inflammation of the nasal mucosa, sneezing, itching, rhinorrhea, and congestion. - Treatment focuses on **allergen avoidance**, antihistamines, and nasal corticosteroids; surgical modification of nasal passages is not indicated. *Occupational rhinitis* - This form of rhinitis is caused by exposure to **irritants or allergens in the workplace**, leading to nasal symptoms similar to allergic or non-allergic rhinitis. - Management involves **identifying and avoiding the offending agent** at work, and medical treatments like nasal sprays, but not surgical narrowing of the nostrils.
Question 10: Atrophic dry nasal mucosa, extensive encrustations, and a woody hard external nose are suggestive of:
- A. Atrophic rhinitis (Correct Answer)
- B. Nasal obstruction due to foreign body
- C. Chronic rhinosinusitis
- D. Nasal polyps
Explanation: ***Atrophic rhinitis*** - **Atrophic dry nasal mucosa**, extensive **encrustations**, and a **woody hard external nose** are classic presentations of atrophic rhinitis, especially the primary form (ozena). - This condition involves progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa and turbinates. *Nasal obstruction due to foreign body* - A **foreign body** in the nose typically causes unilateral foul-smelling discharge, obstruction, and sometimes pain, not generalized dryness or extensive encrustations. - It does not lead to a "woody hard" external nose. *Chronic rhinosinusitis* - Characterized by **mucopurulent discharge**, facial pain/pressure, and nasal obstruction, usually without the extreme dryness or global mucosal atrophy seen in the question. - Encrustations can occur, but typically not to the extent or with the atrophic changes described. *Nasal polyps* - **Nasal polyps** cause nasal obstruction, anosmia (loss of smell), and often runny nose, but they do not typically cause atrophic mucosa or a woody hard external nose. - They are soft, movable growths, distinct from the features presented.
Want unlimited practice?
Get full access to all questions, explanations, and performance tracking.
Start For Free