Clinical Profile and Treatment Modalities in Atrophic Rhinitis: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: Atrophic rhinitis is a chronic nasal disease characterized by progressive atrophy of the mucosa and underlying bone of the turbinates and the presence of a viscid secretion which rapidly dries and forms crusts which emit characteristic foul odor sometimes called ozaena. The objective of the study aimed to describe the clinical presentation of atrophic rhinitis, various modalities of treatment and clinical response to the treatment at our tertiary care centre. Methods: The clinical profile of the patients was categorized into symptoms and signs of the disease. the various modalities of treatment employed were, Alkaline nasal douching in 14 patients, nasal douching followed by 25% glucose in glycerine nasal drops in 10, modified Young’s surgery in 8, endoscopic neoturbinate surgery in 3 patients. Follow up period was 6 months. Results: The patients who undergone alkaline nasal douching, satisfactory response seen in 8 (57.1%) and unsatisfactory response in 6 (42.9%) patients. Patients with nasal douching and 25% glucose in glycerine nasal drops 8 (80%) had satisfactory response and 2 (20%) unsatisfactory. Among patients with modified Young’s surgery showed satisfactory response in 6 (75%) patients. Endoscopic neoturbinate surgery showed satisfactory response in 2 (66.6%) patients. Conclusion: The results are encouraging with healthier mucosa, reduced crusting and foul odour. In spite of tireless efforts, as etiology still remains unexplained, management of the disease done with various medical regimens and various surgical procedures. Surgical options for the disease are also not completely satisfactory.