Historia del manejo de rinitis atrófica / The history of the treatment of atrophic rhinitis

La rinitis atrófica es una enfermedad crónica progresiva caracterizada por dilatación anormal de las cavidades nasales con atrofia de la mucosa, submucosa y cornetes nasales subyacentes. Los factores etiopatogénicos aún son desconocidos. Su presentación clínica consiste en congestión nasal paradójica asociado a secreciones viscosas, con presencia de costras secas de mal olor. La higiene nasal con irrigación de alto volumen y baja presión es el estándar de tratamiento médico. El tratamiento quirúrgico busca reducir el tamaño de las cavidades nasales y promover la regeneración de la mucosa nasal así como también su vascularización y lubricación. A lo largo de la historia se han descrito múltiples procedimientos quirúrgicos que han buscado estrechar la cavidad nasal para permitir el paso de aire de forma más fisiológica. Por otra parte, se han propuesto intervenciones radicales como el cierre de las fosas nasales para disminuir los síntomas y mejorar la calidad de vida. En este artículo se resumen los principales manejos y procedimientos propuestos junto con sus resultados y conclusiones. Si bien la mayoría de las técnicas descritas ya no se utilizan en la actualidad, es importante conocerlas ya que aún existen pacientes que fueron sometidos a ellas pudiendo presentar complicaciones y/o efectos adversos.

Atrophic rhinitis is a chronic progressive disease characterized by abnormal dilatation of the nasal cavities with atrophy of the mucosa, nasal submucosa and underlying nasal turbinates. The etiopathogenic factors are still unknown. Its clinical presentation consists of paradoxical nasal congestion associated with viscous secretions, usually with the presence of dry, bad-smelling crusts. Nasal hygiene with high pressure irrigation remains the standard of medical treatment. Surgical treatment seeks to reduce the size of nasal cavities and promote regeneration of nasal mucosa as well as its vascularization and lubrication. Throughout history, multiple surgical procedures have been described that have sought the narrowing of the nasal cavity to allow the passage of air more physiologically. On the other hand, radical interventions have been proposed such as the closure of the nostrils to reduce symptoms and improve quality. This article summarizes the main proposed procedures along with their results and conclusions. Although most of the techniques described are no longer used today, it is important to know them since there are still patients who were subjected to them and may present complications and / or adverse effects.

Atrophic rhinitis-revisited

Atrophic Rhinitis is a chronic nasal disease characterized by progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa and underlying bone and by the formation of thick dry crust in the enlarging nasal cavity. The true aetiology of Ozaena has not been elucidated nor has its pathogenesis been clearly established. Immunological mechanisms have been postulated in the causation. Various medical and surgical lines of treatment have been advocated but none has cured the condition. In our recent study, twenty-five cases of atrophic rhinitis in two different provinces of Saudi Arabia having different climatic conditions were the subject of research. The overall response was satisfactory. Five patients had occasional rhinorrhoea and one developed nasal polypi. One patient did not show satisfactory response and had to be put on intravenous Amikacin. In rest of the patients nasal exfoliation and stench disappeared. Nasal obstruction was relieved