Atrophic nasal mucosa inflammation
Rhinitis atrophicans is also known under the name Ozaena or popularly “stinky nose“. It is a disease of the nose in which the mucous membrane of the nose is affected by a loss of tissue (atrophy). The name “stinky nose” is derived from the fact that the atrophic nasal mucosa is often colonized by germs that secrete an unpleasant, foul odor.
The mucous glands are also affected by the tissue loss, which is why the interior of the nose becomes dry and black to yellow-green bark forms. Consequences of this crust formation can be nosebleeds, headaches or nasal pain and suppurations. The stench from the nose is often not perceived by the affected person himself, since the olfactory nerves also atrophy and a habituation to the inherent odor takes place.
However, people suffering from rhinitis atrophicans are often shunned by others and suffer social exclusion due to the stinking nasal odor. The disease is more common in women than in men, is probably inherited and usually begins in puberty. In some cases, atrophic nasal mucositis is caused by tumors of the nasopharynx, malformations of the nasal septum, misuse of decongestant nasal sprays or after surgical interventions in the nasal cavity.
Rhinitis atrophicans is treated with oily nasal drops and ointments to keep the nasal mucous membranes moist. The bark can be removed with the help of a nasal irrigation and high doses of vitamins A and E can counteract tissue loss. A complete healing of the disease is not expected, but often a reduction of the symptoms can be achieved for a few years by surgical narrowing of the nasal cavity.
Vasomotor mucosa inflammation
Sinusitis
An inflammation of the mucous membrane of the paranasal sinuses is called sinusitis. The sinuses include the maxillary sinuses, ethmoid cells, frontal sinuses and the sphenoidal sinus and a distinction is made between an acute and a chronic form of sinusitis. The acute form often develops from a common cold.
The swelling of the nasal mucosa hinders the outflow of secretions from the sinuses, resulting in ulceration. The disease is often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache, tiredness and fatigue. A burning sensation in the nose can also occur frequently.
Since acute sinusitis is usually caused by acute rhinitis, bacteria are also a trigger in a few cases, usually a viral infection. If a sinusitis lasts more than two to three months, it is called chronic sinusitis. Frequently, a chronic, usually watery rhinorrhea, a prolonged loss of smell (anosmia), nasal secretion flow into the throat and a dull pressure over the paranasal sinuses or in the area behind the eyes.
In many cases a simultaneous growth of inflammatory polyps in the paranasal sinuses can be observed. Chronic sinusitis is treated with cortisone preparations (e.g. nasal spray or tablets). An operation is only necessary if the drug therapy does not lead to a significant improvement of the symptoms.
Paranasal sinus surgery is performed inside the nose and improves the condition in about 80 percent of cases. Chronic sinusitis can spread to the lower airways, which is also known as sinubronchial syndrome. The constant flow of nasal secretions can lead to an acute inflammation of the bronchi (bronchitis).In rare cases, it should be clarified whether cystic fibrosis is present in chronic sinusitis that does not heal despite therapy or recurs (recurrence). Cystic fibrosis is an inherited metabolic disease that causes various functional disorders in different organs.