Health Information : Rhinoscleroma

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What is Rhinoscleroma?

Rhinoscleroma is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the nose and upper respiratory passages. It is caused by bacteria called Klebsiellarhinoscleromatis. In Rhinoscleroma, there is granulomatous swellings, which means, lumpy firm masses comprising of immune cells are formed in the nose and other parts of respiratory tract (paranasal sinuses, mouth, lips, larynx, trachea and bronchi). It usually occurs in patients aged 10-30 years.

What causes Rhinoscleroma?

Rhinoscleroma is caused by bacteria called Klebsiellarhinoscleromatis and one gets infected from it directly by droplets or by contamination of material that is inhaled. The risk factors responsible for Rhinoscleroma include:

• Immunodeficiency
• Poverty
• Poor hygiene
• Prolonged contact with infected person

What are the symptoms of Rhinoscleroma?

The various symptoms experienced by a person suffering from Rhinoscleroma include:

• Runny or blocked nose
• Pus in nasal discharge
• Foul smelling discharge
• Dry crusting of mucous membranes
• Lumps formed in nose
• Bleeding from nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Hoarse voice
• Thickening/numbing of soft palate
• Nasal/respiratory tract obstruction

How can Rhinoscleroma be treated?

Rhinoscleroma is usually treated by:

• Antibiotics (when disease is in early stages)
• Surgery (granulomatous lesions or scarring are present)