Ozena

Ozena (fetid runny nose) is a disease of unclear etiology, characterized by the development of a chronic dystrophic process in the mucous membrane and bony walls of the nasal cavity with the formation of dirty gray crusts on the surface of the mucous membrane; manifested by a sharp unpleasant odor from the nose, hypo- or anosmia.

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Epidemiology

The epidemiology of the disease has not been sufficiently studied. The disease is widespread throughout the world. It is enough to mention that in the 60-70s of the last century, researchers performed hundreds of operations for ozena.

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Causes ozenes

The reason for the development of ozena is still unclear. There are many theories about its origin:

• alimentary - one of the most common theories, people who live in poor sanitary and hygienic conditions and eat poorly are more likely to get sick;
• avitaminosis theory - a lack of vitamins A and D, according to other data - K and group B;
• anatomical - based on the structural features of the skull, nasal cavity and nasopharynx;
• hereditary;

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Symptoms ozenes

The disease is most often diagnosed in young women. Patients complain of severe dryness and the formation of a large number of crusts in the nose, the presence of an unpleasant foul odor from the nose, which patients themselves usually do not notice, difficulty breathing through the nose and the absence of the sense of smell (anosmia). The foul odor is so pronounced that others avoid the patient's presence, and this affects his mental state, interpersonal relationships - the patient becomes socially withdrawn. At the very beginning of the disease, olfactory impairment is usually due to the presence of crusts covering the olfactory region of the nasal cavity, later anosmia occurs due to atrophy of the olfactory receptors. In some cases, a saddle-shaped nose is observed with ozena.

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Forms

There are mild, moderate and severe forms of ozena.

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Treatment ozenes

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.

Hospitalization is indicated for moderate and severe forms of the disease, provided that outpatient treatment is not possible.

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Ozena screening

In case of long-term chronic catarrhal rhinitis and lack of effect from conventional treatment methods, additional examination should be carried out, in particular, smear culture for microflora and sensitivity to antibiotics.