Question: Is there any reason for septicemia in the condition of atrophic rhinitis?
Answer: Thank you for your question. Atrophic rhinitis, also known as ozena, is a condition in which the nasal cavity loses its ability to serve as a filter due to chronic inflammation of the nose. While atrophic rhinitis is a chronic nasal condition that has an unknown cause, it causes the formation of thick dry crusts in a normally roomy nasal cavity. This is a result of a decrease in size (atrophy) of the nasal mucous lining and the underlying bone. However, while this condition is characterized by the atrophy of the nasal mucosa, it also includes the turbinate bones, the glands, as well as the nerve elements that supply the nose. Normally, the air we breathe in should reach 98.6 degrees F and 100 percent humidity by the time it reaches the back of the nose.
The common symptoms associated with atrophic rhinitis include a runny nose, a stuffy nose, nosebleeds, nasal crusting, nasal deformity, a sore throat, a decreased or loss of smell, as well as frequent upper respiratory infections.
Aggressive surgery, or chronic infection, can cause scarring and the loss of the function of the nose. It can result in crusting, stuffiness, a bad odor and increased risk of infection. Septicemia (a blood-borne infection), while possible, would be quite rare.
Treatment for atrophic rhinitis includes humidification, treatment with ointments and irrigations with a Netti pot or nasal flush. Using nasal irrigation is usually the first line of defense, as this treatment option can help improve tissue hydration and can help reduce crusting in the nose. However, it is important that you irrigate your nose several times a day, and the irrigation solution that you use could be a saline solution, a mixture of other salts, or even an antibiotic solution.
I hope this helps clear things up.
Robert Pincus MD
Co-Director NY Sinus Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Atrophic rhinitis, also known as ozena, is a chronic nasal condition characterized by the shrinking (atrophy) of the nasal mucous lining, underlying bone, turbinate bones, glands, and nerve elements that supply the nose. This condition leads to the loss of the nose's ability to properly filter and humidify the air, resulting in thick dry crusts within the nasal cavity.
Common symptoms of atrophic rhinitis include a runny or stuffy nose, nosebleeds, nasal crusting, nasal deformity, sore throat, decreased or loss of smell, and frequent upper respiratory infections. These symptoms arise due to chronic inflammation and atrophy affecting the nasal tissues and structures.
While septicemia, a blood-borne infection, can theoretically occur due to severe infection, it is considered quite rare in patients with atrophic rhinitis. The condition primarily causes local issues such as crusting, bad odor, and increased risk of infection, but systemic bloodstream infections are uncommon.
Treatment for atrophic rhinitis includes humidification, the use of ointments, and regular nasal irrigations using devices like a Neti pot or nasal flush. Nasal irrigation with saline or other solutions helps improve tissue hydration, reduce crusting, and prevent further complications. Consistent and frequent irrigation several times a day is important for effective management.
Nasal irrigation is important because it helps maintain tissue hydration, removes thick crusts, and reduces the risk of infection. Using saline or antibiotic solutions several times daily can keep the nasal passages moist and promote better nasal function despite the atrophy.
The thick dry crusts form as a result of atrophy of the nasal mucosa and underlying bone, which impairs the nose's normal humidifying and filtering function. This leads to the accumulation of dried mucus and crusting within the roomy nasal cavity.
Atrophic rhinitis causes progressive shrinking (atrophy) of the nasal mucous lining and underlying bone, which can lead to weakening and loss of function of nasal structures including the turbinates, glands, and nerves. This structural damage impacts the nose's ability to warm, humidify, and filter incoming air.
