Ozena (smelly cold)

Ozena (malodorous rhinitis) - a chronic disease of the nasal cavity with a sharp atrophy of the mucous membrane, the formation of thick secretions, which are poured into fetid crusts, thinning of the bone tissue of the shells and walls of the nose. It occurs 2-3 times more often in female patients and sometimes occurs simultaneously with several members of the family. Begins at the age of 8-16 years, sometimes later.

Symptoms, course. It develops slowly, sometimes with the transition of the atrophic process to the mucous membrane of the pharynx, larynx, and sometimes trachea and bronchi. Patients complain of difficulty nasal breathing, excruciating dryness and itching in the nose, a sharp weakening or complete absence of smell. On the scent of the nose draw attention to the surrounding (the patients themselves do not feel it). Patients are often oppressed and depressed; An unpleasant odor from the nose makes them avoid contact with people. The diagnosis is based on the patient's characteristic complaints, sharp atrophy of the nasal mucosa and smelly crusts in the nose.

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