title: Atrophic rhinitis.
abstract: A case of atrophic rhinitis complicated by nasal septum perforation is presented, followed by a discussion of the clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, 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.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Immunology, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland 20889-5600, USA. taylor.banks@med.navy.mil
authors.forename: Taylor A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Banks
authors.forename: Satyen M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Gada
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012222:Rhinitis, Atrophic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy