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Ozena - Treatment
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Currently, treatment measures are aimed at influencing the microbial factor, eliminating the main manifestations of the disease (crusts, odor) and symptomatic therapy aimed at improving the functional state of the nose.
Indications for hospitalization
Hospitalization is indicated for moderate and severe forms of the disease, provided that outpatient treatment is not possible.
Non-drug treatment
First of all, to remove crusts, you can use irrigation of the nasal cavity with a 0.9% solution of sodium chloride with the addition of iodine, sea salt preparations, and a nasal shower using the Dolphin device.
Drug treatment
Various antimicrobial drugs were used to treat Klebsiella pneumoniae ozaenae, but the aminoglycoside series of antibiotics deserve attention at the present time: gentamicin, streptomycin, etc. Streptomycin, for example, is administered intramuscularly at 0.5 g 2 times a day, for a course of treatment up to 20 g.
Along with this, local treatment is necessary, including antimicrobial drugs and medicines that improve the trophism of the tissues of the nasal cavity, preventing the formation of crusts and odor. Streptomycin, introduced into the composition of the medicinal mixture, has an antimicrobial effect. There are no conditions for the formation of crusts, the feeling of dryness disappears, the odor disappears. To expand blood vessels, xanthinol nicotinate can be introduced into the composition of the medicinal mixture.
Surgical treatment of ozena
All variants of existing surgical treatment are aimed at artificial narrowing of the nasal cavity, for which autotransplants (bone, rib cartilage), allotransplants, synthetic materials (polyurethane), etc. are introduced into the submucosa of the lateral walls or nasal septum. Before the operation, it is necessary to undergo a preparatory course of conservative therapy for 12-14 days, aimed at cleaning the mucous membrane from crusts and improving its trophism. The operation is a palliative measure and does not always improve the patient's condition.
Further management
Approximate periods of incapacity for work are 20-30 days with inpatient treatment. The patient must be under constant observation of an otolaryngologist with mandatory registration with a dispensary with periodic testing of the microflora of the nasal cavity.
The patient's attention should be drawn to the observance of personal and general hygiene rules, since infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae ozaenae occurs through contact and through shared items, as evidenced by cases of family illness with ozaena.
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Forecast
Currently, the prognosis in most cases is quite favorable for life, ability to work and communication with others (with proper patient management).
Prevention
Given the infectious nature of the disease, prevention involves observing the rules of personal hygiene of the patient with the allocation of individual care items. Strict adherence to sanitary and hygienic measures in the family and immediate environment is necessary.