Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay
06:08

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay

Published on: September 22, 2023

Chronic rhinitis: a manifestation of leprosy

Ivan D Camacho1, Anne Burdick, Latanya Benjamin

  • 1Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1600 NW 10th Ave, Room 2023A, Miami, FL 33136, USA. icamacho2@med.miami.edu

Ear, Nose, & Throat Journal
|September 23, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, can cause chronic rhinitis and nasal symptoms. Consider leprosy in patients with persistent nasal issues unresponsive to standard treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Otolaryngology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Leprosy (Hansen disease) is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves, but it can involve mucous membranes.
  • Nasal symptoms like chronic rhinitis, congestion, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis can be presenting signs of leprosy.
  • Endoscopic sinus surgery is a common procedure for managing chronic rhinitis.

Observation:

  • A case report details a woman diagnosed with leprosy incidentally via biopsy during endoscopic sinus surgery.
  • The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of chronic rhinitis.
  • Leprosy was an unexpected finding in the context of sinus surgery for rhinitis.

Findings:

  • Leprosy can manifest insidiously with respiratory and nasal symptoms mimicking chronic rhinitis.
  • Nasal manifestations of leprosy may include chronic rhinitis, congestion, rhinorrhea, and epistaxis.
  • Biopsy during sinus surgery can lead to incidental diagnosis of leprosy.

Implications:

  • The diagnosis of leprosy should be considered in the differential for patients with refractory chronic rhinitis and nasal symptoms.
  • Early consideration of leprosy in non-responsive rhinitis cases may improve patient outcomes.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering uncommon etiologies for common symptoms in otolaryngology.

More Related Videos

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber08:47

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber

Published on: March 3, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features01:24

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations01:19

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction01:23

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...
Leishmaniasis01:30

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal disease caused by species of the genus Leishmania and transmitted through the bite of infected female sandflies. The parasite exists in two principal morphological forms during its life cycle. A sandfly acquires intracellular amastigotes from an infected reservoir host, such as a dog. Within the sandfly, these forms differentiate into motile, flagellated promastigotes. During a subsequent blood meal, promastigotes are injected into the human host, where they...