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Atrophic Rhinitis Treatment

Atrophic rhinitis is a disease of the nasal cavity that is characterized by thinning of the nasal membranes. When a person develops this disease, he will experience widening of the nasal cavity, nasal crusting and loss of the sense of smell. The patient with the disease also will develop a foul odor, which will be noticeable to everyone but the infected individual. Atrophic rhinitis is most common in developing countries.

  1. Nasal Irrigation

    • Mild cases of atrophic rhinitis involve a lot of nasal crusting. This symptom can be treated with nasal irrigation, which uses water to flush out the nasal cavities and remove the buildup of crusty mucus. Nasal irrigation can be accomplished by inhaling water or a saline solution. It also can be done by using a syringe to spray water into the cavities. The buildup can be bothersome and impede breathing. Nasal irrigation is a temporary solution and must be done often in order to keep the crust from rebuilding.

    Antibiotics

    • The buildup of mucus in sinuses can cause infection, which can result in discharge and make breathing even more difficult. A physician may prescribe an antibiotic to help get rid of the infection. The antibiotic also can help eliminate the condition's odor by destroying its associated bacteria. An antibiotic is usually used in conjunction with nasal irrigation or other forms of treatment.

    Topical Ointments

    • Topical ointments can aid in keeping nasal membranes moist and preventing crust from forming. Antibiotic ointments help fight the disease's bacteria while keeping the area moist. Other topical treatments may include Vitamin A or Vitamin D ointments that are rubbed in the nostrils several times a day. Like other treatments, once the topical ointments are discontinued, symptoms will return.

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