Hyperplastic rhinitis is a fairly common disease, which is usually referred to otorhinolaryngologists as a group of protracted, chronic rhinitis. It is worth noting that the diagnostic process in this case is quite complicated, because the main symptoms resemble a common cold. So what is the peculiarity of this ailment and what treatment methods are considered the most effective?
Hyperplastic rhinitis: what is it? Signs, features and causes
Hyperplastic rhinitis is a form of inflammation that is accompanied by proliferation of connective tissue in the nasal passages. Therefore, patients have difficulty breathing and some other problems.
As a rule, adults suffer from the disease, much less often such rhinitis is diagnosed in children. Symptoms and treatment are certainly interesting points, but first you need to study the main causes of the onset of the disease.
Despite the fact that the disease has been known for hundreds of years, the exact mechanism of development has not yet been sufficiently studied. Nevertheless, it was noted that proliferation of connective tissue is much more often diagnosed in patients with a curved nasal septum. Potential causes include other problems:
- chronic sinusitis;
- allergic diseases that are accompanied by irritation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose;
- diseases of the lymphatic system;
- decreased immune system activity;
- frequent infectious lesions of the respiratory tract;
- inadequate treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx and upper respiratory tract;
- work or residence near harmful industrial enterprises;
- smoking;
- hereditary predisposition.
Hyperplastic rhinitis: symptoms
In the initial stages, the ailment is accompanied by the usual symptoms, including nasal congestion and the appearance of mucous secretions. But with development, hyperplastic rhinitis greatly complicates nasal breathing and often causes its complete absence. Because of this, patients complain of dry mouth and partial (sometimes complete) loss of smell. Snoring appears in a dream. The feeling of nasal congestion does not disappear even if the nasal passages are clean.
Hyperplastic rhinitis is accompanied by other symptoms, including:
- foreign body sensation in the nose;
- loss of appetite;
- unpleasant, sometimes even painful sensations when swallowing;
- aching headaches;
- frequent nosebleeds;
- hearing impairment;
- the presence of dense mucous discharge from the nose, and often with impurities of pus.
Due to the proliferation of connective tissue and problems with nasal breathing, the mucous membrane does not receive enough oxygen. Quite often, an inflammatory process develops, which proceeds in waves, then fading, then progressing, and the appearance of purulent, thick discharge with this disease is not considered rare. Even vasoconstrictive drops do not help with congestion. The risk of developing serious bacterial infections is increased.
Diagnosis of the disease
Of course, to begin with, the doctor must familiarize himself with the patient's complaints, as well as conduct a physical examination. Hyperplastic rhinitis is accompanied by swelling of the nasal concha, pallor of the nasal membranes and drooping ends of the nasal concha in the nasopharynx. Atypical brown or gray spots often appear on the mucous membrane.
Naturally, further studies are carried out, including a general blood test and an endoscopic test. A nasal swab is also taken from the patient to determine bacterial infections. Diagnostic methods include radiography and diaphanoscopy. Examine the nasal passages and after using vasoconstrictor drops to determine their effectiveness.
How is hyperplastic rhinitis treated?
Treatment depends on the characteristics of the course of the disease, as well as its possible causes. For example, a person is strongly recommended to quit smoking or change their job if it comes to harmful chemical production.
For treatment, vasoconstrictor drugs are used, in particular, Xymelin, Otrivin, Nazivin. Often, patients are prescribed glucocorticosteroids, for example, Avamis. Sometimes a mixture of glycerin, glucose and corticosteroids is injected into the nasal passages. It turns out to be effective and massage the nasal membrane with the use of "Protargol" and "Splenin."
As for the removal of excess connective tissue masses, in modern medicine, chemical cauterization (for example, trichloroacetic acid), laser therapy, cryotherapy and some other methods are used. In severe cases, conchotomy is performed - a surgical procedure during which the doctor removes tissue using medical scissors.
Possible complications of the disease
In the absence of adequate therapy or attempts to cure the disease on its own, complications may develop, including the appearance of chronic epistaxis, the development of a protracted inflammatory process, the absence of nasal breathing, and loss of smell.
Unfortunately, complications often extend to other organs. Hyperplastic rhinitis can lead to hearing loss, the appearance of chronic headaches and pains in the jaw area. Complications include bronchitis, sinusitis, adenoiditis, sinusitis, as well as frequent conjunctivitis. Some patients have heart failure, problems in the liver and kidneys, a general deterioration in well-being and decreased performance.
That is why it is so important to detect the ailment in time and start therapy, especially if hyperplastic rhinitis in children is diagnosed. Symptoms and treatment in this case are almost the same as in adult patients, but a nasal breathing disorder can cause serious damage to a growing body.