What are the types of atrophic rhinitis?
What are the types of atrophic rhinitis?
There are two types of atrophic rhinitis:
- Primary atrophic rhinitis is rare in North America. It affects about 1% of adults who live in hot, dry climates like India, Africa and Saudi Arabia. This type can also affect livestock like pigs and cows.
- Secondary atrophic rhinitis mostly affects people who get sinus surgeries. It can occur after a turbinate reduction. This surgical procedure for nasal congestion removes part or all of the turbinates and reduces (shrinks) your mucosa tissue.
- Rhinitis medicamentosa: This condition may lead to rhinitis in people who are taking nasal decongestants (such as oxymetazoline and phenylephrine) for long periods. Using these nasal sprays for more than three consecutive days isn’t generally recommended. The condition may lead to atrophic rhinitis.