Persistent inflammations of the nasal membranes are usually of a
purulent nature or at least have had such a cause in the beginning.
=Etiology.=—Purulent rhinitis may be a result of an unsuccessfully
treated infection of the nose or throat following some disease of
childhood or early life. It may be due to infection at birth. Commonly
there is a subacute or chronic sinus infection that maintains the
infection of the nasal mucosa. Polyps, enlarged or cellular turbinates,
adenoids or adhesions in the epipharynx, often retain the secretions
and cause chronic rhinitis. In many cases I have found that osteopathic
lesions of the cervical or upper thoracic region are effective causes
of chronic rhinitis.
=The Pathology= consists of hyperemia, hypertrophy and exfoliation of
the cellular membrane. The turbinates and all membranes become enlarged
and thickened and the breathing space is usually greatly decreased.
=The Symptoms= are nasal obstruction, and mucous or mucopurulent
discharge with usually hypersensitiveness, which causes sneezing and
other symptoms common to “head colds.”
=Treatment.=—The same treatment as given above for acute rhinitis
applies here. A thorough examination should be made for all of the
various causes given above and the proper corrective treatment given
for any or all such causes.