Physical examination maneuver

Physical Exam

Nose Inspection

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Video coming September 2026

How to Perform

Inspect the external nose for shape, symmetry, and any swelling or lesions. Tilt the patient's head back and, using a light and a nasal speculum (or an otoscope with a wide speculum), inspect the nasal vestibule and then each nasal cavity, examining the nasal mucosa, the septum, and the inferior and middle turbinates. Note the color and moisture of the mucosa, and any discharge, swelling, bleeding, septal deviation or perforation, or masses such as polyps.

How to Interpret

Showing 1 of 5 findings

Acute Rhinosinusitis

Purulent (mucopurulent) secretions seen in the nasal cavity, especially draining from the middle meatus, on speculum or otoscope examination
Rule in
Somewhat helpful
Rule out
—
Evidence:Strong

References

  • Ebell MH, McKay B, Dale A, Guilbault R, Ermias Y. Accuracy of signs and symptoms for the diagnosis of acute rhinosinusitis and acute bacterial rhinosinusitis. Ann Fam Med. 2019;17(2):164-172. doi:10.1370/afm.2354. PMID 30858261.
  • Stankiewicz JA, Chow JM. Nasal endoscopy and the definition and diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2002;126(6):623-627. doi:10.1067/mhn.2002.125602. PMID 12087328.
  • Hamizan AW, Christensen JM, Ebenezer J, Oakley G, Tattersall J, Sacks R, Harvey RJ. Middle turbinate edema as a diagnostic marker of inhalant allergy. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol. 2017;7(1):37-42. doi:10.1002/alr.21835. PMID 27530103.
  • Gill C, Sturman J, Ozbek L, Henderson SR, Burns A, Hamour S, Pepper RJ, McClelland L, Chanouzas D, Gane S, Salama AD, Harper L. Cocaine-induced granulomatosis with polyangiitis-an under-recognized condition. Rheumatol Adv Pract. 2023;7(1):rkad027. doi:10.1093/rap/rkad027. PMID 37026037.
  • Gharehdaghi J, Samadi Rad B, Ghatreh Samani V, Kolahi F, Khatami Zonoozian A, Marashian SM. Comparison of physical examination and conventional radiography in diagnosis of nasal fracture. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2013;65(Suppl 2). doi:10.1007/s12070-011-0453-x. PMID 24427666.
  • Bickley LS, Szilagyi PG, Hoffman RM, Soriano RP. Bates' Guide to Physical Examination and History Taking. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021.
  • Swartz MH. Textbook of Physical Diagnosis: History and Examination. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025.

Related Chief Complaints

Blood in UrineBloody Nasal DischargeBroken NoseBruising Around the NoseChronic Sinus SymptomsCoughCoughing Up BloodCrooked NoseDeformed NoseDifficulty Breathing Through the NoseEar PainFacial PainFacial PressureFatigueFeverForehead PainHeadacheHearing LossItchy EyesItchy NoseJoint PainLoss of SmellMouth BreathingMouth Breathing in a ChildNasal BlockageNasal CongestionNasal CrustingNasal DischargeNasal InjuryNasal ItchingNose Pain After TraumaNosebleedNosebleedsPain Over the CheeksPain Worse on Bending ForwardPersistent Stuffy NosePostnasal DripRecurrent Sinus SymptomsRed EyesReduced Sense of SmellRunny NoseSaddle Nose DeformitySeasonal Nasal SymptomsShortness of BreathSinus PainSneezingSnoringStuffy NoseSwelling of the NoseThick Nasal DischargeThroat ClearingToothacheWatery EyesWeight Loss

Related Systems / Regions

Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat

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