Atrophic rhinitis

Atrophic rhinitis (AR) is a condition that affects the interior of your nose. The condition occurs when the tissue that lines the nose, known as the mucosa, and the bone underneath shrink down. This shrinking down is known as atrophy. It can lead to changes in function of the nasal passages.

Typically, AR is a condition that affects both of your nostrils at the same time. AR can be very bothersome, but it’s not life-threatening. You may require several types of treatment to resolve symptoms.

SYMPTOMS
What are the symptoms?

AR can lead to many unpleasant symptoms. This includes a strong, foul smell. Often you won’t recognize the smell yourself if you have AR, but those around you will notice the potent odor right away. Your breath will also smell particularly foul.

Other common symptoms of AR include:

• crusting that can fill the nose, often green
• nasal obstruction
• nasal discharge
• nasal deformity
• nosebleeds
• loss of smell or decreased smell
• frequent upper respiratory infections
• sore throat
• watery eyes
• headaches

In tropical regions, some people with AR may even have maggots living inside the nose from the flies attracted to the strong odor.

TREATMENT
What are the treatment options?

There are a variety of methods to help treat AR. The main goals of treatment are to rehydrate the inside of your nose and to alleviate the crusting that builds up in the nose.

Treatment for AR is extensive and not always successful. You may find that a variety of treatments are necessary to manage the condition. Ongoing treatment is also necessary. Symptoms typically return when treatment stops.

Nonsurgical treatments try to help treat and minimize your symptoms. Surgical options narrow the nasal passageways to improve the condition.

The first-line treatment for AR includes nasal irrigation. This treatment can help reduce crusting in the nose by improving tissue hydration. You must irrigate your nose several times a day. The irrigation solution may consist of saline, a mixture of other salts, or even an antibiotic solution.

Additionally, your doctor may also suggest trying a product that helps prevent drying in the nose, such as glycerin or mineral oil mixed with sugar. This may be administered as a nose drop.

A recent study in India looked at the use of honey nose drops as a substitution for glycerin drops. In this small study, researchers observed that 77 percent of the participants who used honey nose drops had “good” improvement of their symptoms, compared to 50 percent who improved with glycerin drops. The study researchers believe that honey helps the body release substances important in wound healing, along with having antibacterial properties.

Prescription medication may also be useful to treat the condition. These options may help with the odor and fluid discharge caused by AR. You’ll likely still need to engage in nasal irrigation during or after the use of these medications. There are many options available, including:

• topical antibiotics
• oral antibiotics
• drugs that dilate the blood vessels

Your doctor may also suggest wearing a nasal obturator in the nose to close it up. While this doesn’t treat the condition, it does reduce problematic symptoms.

You may be able to avoid surgical procedures with this device as well as continue other treatments like irrigation when you remove it. This device is molded much like a hearing aid so it fits comfortably into your nose.