Ozena (Fetid Runny Nose)

Ozena (fetid runny nose)

Ozena is a chronic disease of the nasal cavity, characterized by a sharp atrophy of the mucous membrane, the formation of thick secretions that shrink into fetid crusts, and thinning of the bone tissue of the turbinates and walls of the nose.

Ozena occurs 2-3 times more often in females and is sometimes observed simultaneously in several family members. The disease begins at the age of 8-16 years, sometimes later.

Symptoms and course

Ozena develops slowly, sometimes with the transition of the atrophic process to the mucous membrane of the pharynx, larynx, and sometimes the trachea and bronchi.

Patients complain of difficulty breathing through the nose, painful dryness and itching in the nose, a sharp weakening or complete absence of smell. People around you pay attention to the smell from the nose (the patients themselves do not feel it).

Patients are often depressed and depressed; the unpleasant smell from the nose makes them avoid communicating with people.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of ozena is made on the basis of the patient’s characteristic complaints, severe atrophy of the nasal mucosa and fetid crusts in the nose.

Treatment

Treatment is primarily symptomatic and is aimed at softening and eliminating crusts, as well as dryness of the nasal cavity.