Atrophic rhinitis
Atrophic Rhinitis
Atrophic rhinitis (pronounced: /æˈtroʊfɪk raɪˈnaɪtɪs/) is a chronic nasal disease that involves inflammation and thinning of the nasal mucosa. The condition is characterized by a progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa, nasal conchae and glands, leading to a widened nasal cavity and impaired mucociliary clearance.
Etymology
The term "atrophic rhinitis" is derived from the Greek words "atrophia" meaning "atrophy" and "rhinitis" meaning "inflammation of the nose".
Symptoms
The main symptoms of atrophic rhinitis include a foul smell (known as ozaena), nasal obstruction, crusting, and nosebleeds (epistaxis). In severe cases, it can lead to a loss of smell (anosmia).
Causes
Atrophic rhinitis can be primary or secondary. Primary atrophic rhinitis is of unknown cause, while secondary atrophic rhinitis can be caused by trauma, surgery, radiation therapy, or infection.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of atrophic rhinitis is based on the patient's history, physical examination, and endoscopic examination of the nasal cavity. Other tests such as CT scan or biopsy may be required in some cases.
Treatment
Treatment options for atrophic rhinitis include medical and surgical management. Medical management involves the use of antibiotics, nasal irrigation, and topical treatments. Surgical management may involve procedures to narrow the nasal cavity or to improve the vascular supply to the nasal mucosa.
Related Terms
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.