ABOUT THE DISEASE

Rhinoscleroma is a rare, slowly progressive, chronic inflammatory condition caused by a bacteria called Klebsiella rhinoscleromatis, affecting the nose and other parts of the respiratory tract like paranasal sinuses, mouth, lips, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. It is characterised by granulomatous swellings (lumpy firm masses composed of immune cells) in these areas, commonly in patients aged 10-30 years of age.

CAUSES

Some common risk factors for the disease include:
- Immunodeficiency especially HIV infection
- Poverty and poor hygiene

Rhinoscleroma is contracted by means of the direct inhalation of droplets or contaminated material.

SYMPTOMS

In the initial stages :-
• Runny nose or blocked nose. As the disease progresses, the nasal discharge may contain pus and develop a foul odour. Dry crusting of the mucous membranes of the nose can occur. This stage can last for weeks to months.

Later Stages :-
In this stage the mucosal tissue inside the nose becomes bluish-red, and rubbery nodules (lumps) form. As these granulomatous swellings grow, they can cause nasal enlargement and deformity. Symptoms include:
• bleeding from nose, nasal/respiratory tract obstruction
• loss of sense of smell
• hoarse voice, and thickening or numbing of the soft palate.

Third Stage :-
The Sclerotic or fibrotic phase - the granulation tissue is replaced by hardened scars, which can occasionally result in blocked airways.

DIAGNOSIS

It is confirmed on the basis of identifying the organism through growth in laboratory or under microscope in biopsy samples along with other characteristic findings.

TREATMENT METHODS

Rhinoscleroma is treated with long-term antibiotics and surgery in patients with symptoms of respiratory tract obstruction. The medicines are to be taken for months to years to prevent recurrent infection.

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