Abstract

Ganesh Dan*, Harikrishnan N. Menon and Prof. (Dr.) D. B. Vaghela

ABSTRACT

Atrophic rhinitis, a chronic nasal condition, involves progressive degradation of nasal mucosa and underlying bone, accompanied by malodorous discharge termed ozaena. Globally, prevalence estimates range from approximately 0.3% to 7.8% among otolaryngology patients. The ICD code J31.0 designates atrophic rhinitis in medical diagnosis. Atrophic rhinitis is categorized into primary and secondary types, the primary etiology remains elusive, with proposed factors including nutritional deficiencies, genetics, hormonal influences, and bacterial infections such as Klebsiella ozaena and Bacillus fetidins. Histopathological, primary atrophic rhinitis exhibits squamous metaplasia. In ayurveda atrophic rhinitis correlated with Apeenasa under Nasa Roga, attributing its pathogenesis to the vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas, resulting in tissue degeneration (dhatu kshaya), impaired nasal function(Nasasrotodusti), srotorodha (channel obstruction), and foul-smelling discharge (durgandha nishwas). This case report presents the successful Ayurvedic management of a 40-year-old male patient diagnosed with Atrophic Rhinitis, exhibiting classical symptoms of nasal obstruction, crusting, anosmia, and foul-smelling discharge.