Acute Crusting Rhinitis

What is Acute Crusting Rhinitis?

Acute Crusting Rhinitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose. It can result in crusts, sores, and yellow-green discharge from the nose. It usually occurs due to viral or bacterial infections, nasal allergies, and/or chronic irritants such as smoking. It is most common in young children but can occur in adults as well.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of Acute Crusting Rhinitis include:

A thick yellow-green nasal discharge.
Crusts that form around the nostrils.
Itching and/or burning in and around the nose.
Difficulty breathing through the nose.
Foul smelling breath due to the discharge.
Tears and/or excessive mucus production.
Swelling and redness around the nose.

Causes

Acute Crusting Rhinitis can be caused by many different factors, including:

Viral infections such as the common cold.
Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus pneumonia.
Allergic reactions to airborne allergens.
Chronic exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke.
Frequent upper respiratory tract infections.
Anatomic abnormalities of the nose or sinuses.

Diagnosis

Your doctor may diagnose Acute Crusting Rhinitis by performing a physical examination of the nose and sinuses. They may also take a sample of the discharge from the nose to determine if it is caused by bacteria or a virus. In some cases, an x-ray or CT scan may be performed to look for any anatomic abnormalities.

Treatment

Treatment for Acute Crusting Rhinitis may include:

Nasal irrigation with plain warm water or saline solution.
Nasal decongestants or corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
Antibiotics, if the condition is caused by bacterial infection.
Avoiding triggers such as cigarette smoke and other irritants.
Antihistamines to reduce allergic reactions.

Complications

If left untreated, Acute Crusting Rhinitis can lead to complications such as sinus and ear infections. It can also worsen existing conditions such as asthma. In rare cases, it can lead to meningitis or encephalitis.