Clinical Management and Outcomes of Neonatal Rhinitis Nasal Obstruction: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVE

Neonatal rhinitis represents an underdiagnosed yet potentially serious condition in newborns. Standardized diagnostic and treatment protocols remain lacking. The objective is to review the current literature on the etiology, diagnosis, and management of neonatal rhinitis in infants ≤8 months of age.

DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Medline, Embase, Google Scholar and Sofia (January 1980-September 2025).

REVIEW

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The inclusion criteria targeted studies involving neonates with nasal obstruction caused by mucosal edema or inflammatory conditions. Data were extracted regarding clinical presentation, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic strategies, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Five key studies were found, including retrospective chart reviews, case series, and narrative reports. Across the studies, neonatal rhinitis was consistently characterized by mucoid rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, stertor, poor feeding, and respiratory distress, often in afebrile newborns. Standard diagnostic tools included fibre-optic endoscopy and CT imaging to exclude choanal atresia, pyriform aperture stenosis, and other etiologies. Conservative treatment approaches, such as saline irrigation, corticosteroid nasal drops (eg, dexamethasone), and nasopharyngeal airway placement, were favoured and proved efficient in most cases. Surgical intervention and more invasive interventions were reserved for severe or nonresponsive cases.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal rhinitis is a clinically significant yet undercharacterized condition. Although the available evidence is limited, it suggests that conservative management, including topical corticosteroids and mechanical airway support, is commonly used and associated with favourable outcomes. This scoping review identifies gaps and underscores the need for research to better define and guide the management of this condition.