MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedonyuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 6. THE RESPIRATORY PROCESS AND ITS PATHOLOGY

DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

RHINITIS

Acute rhinitis (rhinitis acuta) is an acute non-specific inflammation of the nasal mucosa. This condition is among the most common in both children and adults.

Pathomorphological Changes in the nasal mucosa correspond to the classical pattern of acute inflammation development. During the first few hours (rarely 1–2 days) of the disease, the mucosa appears hyperemic and dry; this is followed by The formation of an abundant serous exudate, making the membrane moist and edematous. The epithelium and submucosa become infiltrated with lymphocytes, the ciliated columnar epithelium loses its cilia, the mucus content in the exudate increases, and epithelial desquamation accompanied by mucosal erosions occurs.

The main forms of chronic rhinitis (rhinitis chronica)—catarrhal, hypertrophic, and atrophic—represent a non-specific inflammatory process of the nasal mucosa.

The onset of chronic rhinitis is generally associated with recurrent acute inflammation within the Nasal cavity, as well as irritating environmental factors, most commonly dust, gas, dry or humid air, and Temperature fluctuations.

In chronic catarrhal rhinitis, morphological changes are primarily localized in the superficial layers of the mucosa. The ciliated epithelium loses its cilia, which may regenerate upon the patient's recovery. In some areas, the epithelial lining is disrupted or infiltrated by leukocytes, the mucosa is slightly edematous, and its Blood Vessels are dilated.

Chronic hypertrophic rhinitis is characterized by abundant mucous or mucopurulent exudate, along with proliferation and thickening of the nasal mucosa. The mucosa is typically hyperemic—bright red or dark bluish-red—and covered with mucus. The posterior ends of the inferior turbinates are frequently hypertrophied, obstructing the pharyngeal openings of the auditory tubes and thereby causing eustachianitis (otosalpingitis). Marked thickening of the anterior sections of the inferior turbinate can obstruct the nasolacrimal duct opening, leading to epiphora, Dacryocystitis, and Conjunctivitis. Due to the atrophy of olfactory Cells, irreversible anosmia (loss of smell) develops. In some patients, polypoid degeneration of the mucosa is observed, which is facilitated by body sensitization.

Chronic atrophic rhinitis is characterized by diffuse or localized Atrophy of the nasal mucosa. Its onset is typically linked to prolonged exposure to dust (especially mineral and tobacco dust), gases, vapors, and similar irritants.