Overview

Atrophic rhinitis is a condition characterized by the shrinking or loss of tissue in the nose, affecting the mucosa and turbinates. This inflammation affects the respiratory system and causes breathing problems. AR affects both nostrils simultaneously and can be bothersome but not life-threatening. There are two types of atrophic rhinitis: primary and secondary atrophic rhinitis.

Causes

Primary atrophic rhinitis can be caused by 

• Allergies 

• Bacterial infections 

• Estrogen hormone imbalance 

• Family history 

• Lack of micronutrients like iron and vitamins A and D

• Structural nasal passage changes from birth. 

• Secondary atrophic rhinitis can be caused by autoimmune diseases like granulomatosis with polyangiitis

• Sinus infections 

• Radiation therapy

• Sarcoidosis

• Syphilis

• Trauma or injury to your nose

• Nasal decongestants.

Symptoms

Atrophic rhinitis is a condition characterized by a strong, foul smell, often unnoticed by the individual but noticeable to others. Common symptoms include 

• Discharge of pus and crusting

• Nasal congestion

• Obstruction

• Discharge

• Nasal deformity

• Nosebleeds

• Loss of smell

• Upper respiratory infections

• Sore throat

• Watery eyes

• Headaches. 

• In tropical regions maggots may live inside the nose due to flies attracted to the strong odor.

Ayurvedic View

Nasa shosha, Nasa parishosha, puti nasya -the disease in which there is rukshata (dryness) of nasa due to ruksha guna (drying quality of vata dosha) and ushna guna (heat quality of pitta dosha) where there is breathing difficulty , this is atrophic rhinitis.This vata dosha along with aggravated kapha and pitta dosha elimates puti gandha (foul smell discharge from nose and mouth. Ayurveda way of approach is to correct agni (metabolism), help making breathing easy by bringing doshas back to prakruta awastha (balanced state) by ayurvedic treatment modalities.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Nasyam  Abhyangam     Shirovirechanam 

Naturopathy Treatments

Facial sauna    Diet Therapy   Pranayama   Yogic Kriyas