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Studies of rhinitis medicamentosa
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, First Affiliated Hospital, Bethune University of Medical Sciences, Changchun.
Abstract:
Nasal mucous membrane of patients with rhinitis medicamentosa caused by prolonged use of decongestants (privine) was studied by measurement of nasal mucus clearance time and observation of pathological changes under both optical and electron microscopes. It was found that privine destroyed the nasal cilia and mitochondria of epithelial cells, and disturbed their function so that they were damaged and dropped. Pathologically, the nasal epithelia were swollen, the arterioles dilated, and the glands proliferated. Twenty-two patients with rhinitis medicamentosa were treated by topical dexamethasone or triamcinolon in normal saline for 1-2 weeks followed by normal saline as regular nasal drops. Eight patients were treated effectively by oral ATP 20mg tid. The results were evaluated by nasal mucus clearance time measurement and rhinomanometry.
Insights
Prolonged decongestant nasal spray use damages nasal cilia and impairs mucus clearance. Topical steroids and oral ATP showed potential in treating rhinitis medicamentosa.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rhinitis medicamentosa is a condition caused by the prolonged use of decongestant nasal sprays.
- Decongestant abuse leads to significant pathological changes in the nasal mucosa.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological changes in the nasal mucous membrane due to prolonged decongestant use.
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical corticosteroids and oral ATP in treating rhinitis medicamentosa.
Main Methods:
- Studied nasal mucus clearance time and observed pathological changes using optical and electron microscopy.
- Treated patients with topical dexamethasone or triamcinolone, followed by saline drops.
- Assessed treatment effectiveness using nasal mucus clearance time and rhinomanometry.
Main Results:
- Decongestant use was found to destroy nasal cilia and damage epithelial cell mitochondria, impairing function.
- Pathological findings included swollen nasal epithelia, dilated arterioles, and gland proliferation.
- Topical corticosteroids and oral ATP demonstrated effectiveness in improving nasal function.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged decongestant use causes severe damage to the nasal mucosa.
- Topical corticosteroids and oral ATP offer effective treatment options for rhinitis medicamentosa.