Atrophic Rhinitis
Etiology and Pathogenesis
Presented by: [Your Name]
Date: [Insert Date]
Introduction
• Chronic nasal condition characterized by:
• • Progressive atrophy of nasal mucosa, glands,
and turbinates
• • Crusting, foul smell, and nasal obstruction
Types of Atrophic Rhinitis
• Primary (Idiopathic): No identifiable cause
• Secondary: Occurs due to underlying
condition or intervention
Etiology – Primary Atrophic Rhinitis
• Hereditary predisposition
• Nutritional deficiencies (Vitamin A, iron)
• Endocrine imbalance (puberty, menopause)
• Autoimmune mechanisms
Etiology – Secondary Atrophic
Rhinitis
• Infections: Syphilis, leprosy, tuberculosis
• Surgery: Overzealous turbinectomy
• Radiation: Post-radiotherapy damage
• Chemical exposure: Chronic inhalation of
irritants
• Trauma
Microbiology
• Commonly associated organisms:
• • Klebsiella ozaenae
• • Proteus, E. coli, Pseudomonas
• Bacteria contribute to fetid odor and crusting
Pathogenesis Overview
• Chronic inflammation of nasal mucosa
• Loss of ciliated epithelium
• Glandular atrophy → ↓ mucus production
• Bone resorption → Enlarged nasal cavities
• Crusting & secondary infection
Pathological Changes
• Mucosal atrophy
• Vascular endarteritis → ↓ blood supply
• Squamous metaplasia
• Wide nasal cavities with foul-smelling crusts
Clinical Features (Brief Overview)
• Nasal obstruction (despite wide cavity)
• Crusting with foul odor
• Epistaxis
• Anosmia or hyposmia
Summary
• Atrophic rhinitis is a progressive condition
affecting the nasal mucosa.
• Primary AR: Idiopathic, multifactorial etiology.
• Secondary AR: Due to infection, trauma,
surgery.
• Pathogenesis involves mucosal atrophy,
vascular changes, and bacterial colonization.