Intranasal drug-induced fungal rhinopharyngitis

Intranasal drug abuse has long been recognized as an etiology of sinonasal pathology. However, the intranasal use of prescription and nonprescription drugs has surpassed the use of illicit drugs, and the pattern of presentation and required therapeutic intervention appears to be different. We report on our experience with these patients, along with a successful treatment algorithm for this disease process.

Retrospective chart review of 9 consecutive patients who presented with rhinopharyngitis and a history of intranasal opioid and/or acetaminophen abuse, from 2007 to 2010, at a tertiary referral center.

Nine patients were found to have abused intranasal hydrocodone/acetaminophen, oxycodone/aceta-minophen, or acetaminophen and were diagnosed with rhinopharyngitis. Sinonasal pain and odynophagia were the most common chief complaints and 8 of 9 patients reported previous antibiotic failures. On endoscopy, all patients exhibited a thick, white, exudative process involving the nasal septum and lateral nasal mucosa. Five of 9 exhibited large septal perforations. Seven of 9 exhibited white, exudative pharyngitis. Seven of 9 patients had identifiable fungal organisms on culture, including 5 with species of Candida and 3 with Aspergillus. Two patients grew Staphylococcus aureus. Five patients were compliant with follow up. All 5 showed significant improvement in symptoms and examination, following treatment with oral and topical antifungal therapy and nasal irrigations.

Intranasal opioid and acetaminophen abuse is often associated with the development of fungal rhinopharyngitis. Recognizing that this process is primarily fungal in origin is paramount to successful treatment, as most patients respond well to antifungal therapy when compliant with treatment.