Atrophic rhinitis

A case of atrophic rhinitis complicated by nasal septum perforation is presented, followed by a discussion of the clinical characteristics, pat hophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this disease process. Clinical pearls and pitfalls are emphasized for the use of the practicing allergist and fellow in-training. The diagnosis of atrophic rhinitis is guided by a careful clinical history and evaluation to exclude other possible etiologies for the patient's symptoms and physical findings. Because atrophic rhinitis is a poorly understood process, it is surrounded by considerable contention in the literature and its management is not well defined. Atrophic rhinitis often carries significant morbidity and is best addressed by a multidisciplinary approach. (Allergy Asthma Proc 34:185-187, 2013; doi: 10.2500/aap.2013.34.3639)