Rhinitis, which manifests itself in the form of symptoms of a seasonal cold, has been experienced by almost everyone. However, this is not the only type of discharge from the nasal passages. There is a more dangerous condition - atrophic rhinitis, which accompanies atrophy of the nasal mucosa. The causes of the disease, its symptoms and treatment are described in the article.
Definition
Atrophy is a condition in which an organ of the human body ceases to perform its functions and decreases in size. Atrophy of the nasal mucosa is a chronic disease in which its structure changes, degradation is noticeable, and there is also a gradual death of the nerve endings inside. In especially neglected conditions, the mucous membrane is gradually replaced by bone tissue.
As a result, the necessary humidification of the air, which was previously performed by the mucous membrane, does not occur, the barrier functions are also significantly reduced. In addition, it should be noted that with this pathologicalcondition, there is often a partial or complete loss of smell.
Causes of occurrence
Atrophy of the nasal mucosa can occur for a number of reasons:
- Surgery involving the nasal cavity.
- Genetic predisposition.
- Unfavorable ecological situation in the region.
- Hormonal disorders.
- Infectious disease for which treatment was incorrect or insufficient.
- Working in hazardous industries without the use of respiratory protection.
- Overuse of vasoconstrictor nasal drops.
- Too dry air in the home.
- Chronic stress conditions.
- Smoking.
- Frequent use of fragrances and air fresheners.
- Viral infections such as influenza, SARS.
- Injuries to the nose.
- Pregnancy and lactation.
Also, pathological changes in the nasal mucosa can be observed in some mental illnesses.
Varieties
Otorhinolaryngologists distinguish several types of diseases in which atrophy of the mucosa is noted:
- Atrophic rhinitis is a condition characterized by foreign body sensation in the nose, scanty viscous mucous secretions and occasional nosebleeds.
- Subatrophic rhinitis - a disease without obvious signs. It can only be recognized by the fact that crusts constantly form in the nose, andthe mucous membrane is rough to the touch.
- Ozena is a serious condition in which there is necrosis of the mucous membranes. At the same time, a large amount of fetid mucus is discharged from the nose. The patient constantly feels nasal congestion, his sense of smell decreases, and yellow-green crusts constantly form in his nose.
- Infectious rhinitis is a disease in which an infection is connected to atrophy of the mucosa.
Depends on the symptoms of the treatment of atrophic rhinitis and its other varieties. These types have varying degrees of severity, so the appropriate therapy is selected.
Symptomatics
Manifestations of atrophy of the nasal mucosa may differ depending on the disease that has developed:
- With atrophic rhinitis, a person notices crusts that form as a result of drying of the mucous membrane, partial loss of smell, whistling when breathing, frequent mouth breathing, loss of appetite, insomnia.
- With infectious rhinitis, symptoms such as an inflammatory process in the nasopharynx, frequent sneezing, a slight increase in body temperature, a mucous secretion from the nose, and increased nervousness are connected. Also, with an advanced case of infectious rhinitis, asymmetry of the jaw, swelling of the face, curvature and softening of the nasal septum can be noted.
Ozen often causes blood crusts in the nose, which also makes breathing much more difficult. In addition, a person constantly smells putrid.
Possible Complications
If with atrophyIf the nasal mucosa does not provide the necessary treatment to a person, then in addition to the main problem, the following complications may occur:
- inflammatory process in the lungs as a result of insufficient air filtration through the nose;
- meningitis;
- tracheitis;
- significant decrease in immunity;
- inflammatory diseases of the larynx;
- sinusitis;
- hearing impairment.
In extremely rare cases, blood poisoning is possible. For this, several factors must coincide - extensive atrophy of the mucosa, reduced immunity and aggressive pathogenic bacteria or viruses that have entered the body.
Diagnosis
An experienced otolaryngologist (ENT) will conduct the following tests to make a diagnosis:
- History taking and examination to gather information about the symptoms the patient is experiencing.
- A swab from the nasal passages, which is necessary to detect pathogenic microflora.
- X-ray to clarify the structural features of the nasal passages and septum.
- Computer or magnetic resonance imaging is used in advanced cases, when it is impossible to determine structural changes in the nasal mucosa using other methods.
- Laboratory tests for thyroid hormone levels.
- Complete blood test, which can show the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
An endoscopic examination of the nasal passages is also used. Make a preliminary diagnosiscan be done almost immediately after rhinoscopy and patient questioning, other diagnostic methods are used to obtain a more detailed clinical picture.
Medicated treatment
The therapeutic complex used for mucosal atrophy is as follows:
- Frequent irrigation of the nasal mucosa with saline or weak solutions of sea s alt, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.
- Instructions for the use of the solution "Dioksidina" involves instillation of the nose. It is a broad spectrum antibacterial agent. The drug before instillation should be pre-diluted with a solution of sodium chloride, hydrocortisone or water for injection. Dosage in the nose for an adult - from 2 drops to a third of the pipette 3 to 5 times a day.
- Irrigation of the nasal mucosa with a composition of glucose and glycerin.
- Topical antibiotics are used in case of presence of pathogenic microflora in the nose.
- Soothing ointments for the nose based on herbal ingredients, petroleum jelly or glycerin.
- Immunomodulators to improve the functioning of the immune system.
- Vitamin complexes rich in B and D vitamins.
In some cases, it is necessary to connect hormone therapy.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy procedures are aimed at improving the blood circulation of the nasal mucosa, as well as restoring its natural functions. The most commonly used treatments are:
- electrophoresis;
- laser treatment;
- ultraviolet irradiation;
- Inductothermia of the nasal passages;
- aeroionotherapy.
With regular visits to the physiotherapy room and following the prescriptions of the otolaryngologist (Laura), the first improvements are noticeable after a few procedures.
Surgery
Surgery is indicated in cases where conservative therapy does not bring the desired results. During surgery, the surgeon may perform the following actions:
- Elimination of the defect of the curvature of the nasal septum.
- Transplantation of one's own mucous membrane in place of the affected atrophied areas.
- Donor mucosal tissue transplantation.
After the operation, the recovery period is significantly increased.
Folk remedies
To moisturize the nasal mucosa, folk remedies can be used:
- sea buckthorn oil, which should be applied to a cotton swab and inserted into the nose for 10 minutes, repeat the procedure daily, before going to bed;
- instilling nose with olive oil 1 drop in each nostril 2 times a day;
- washing the nose with a decoction of calendula 2 times a day.
No traditional medicine can be used as the main treatment, as they can only alleviate the condition, but do not have a therapeutic effect. In addition, the use of various oils to lubricate the nasal mucosa is unacceptable for bacteri althe nature of the pathological condition. This is due to the fact that any oil environment is favorable for the development of harmful microorganisms.
Forbidden moves
What absolutely can not be done in the treatment of atrophy of the nasal mucosa?
- Use drying and vasoconstrictor drops and sprays.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Work or be in dusty areas without wearing personal respiratory protection equipment.
- Remove dry crusts from the nose without first moisturizing. This threatens with additional injury to the already atrophied mucosa.
Treatment of this pathology should always be carried out under the supervision of a qualified otorhinolaryngologist.
