Rhinolith

Rhinolith is a stone present in the nasal cavity. The term is derived from the Greek words 'rhino' meaning nose and 'lith' meaning stone. Rhinoliths are rare and are often unilateral, affecting only one side of the nasal cavity. They can cause symptoms such as nasal obstruction, foul-smelling nasal discharge, and epistaxis (nosebleeds).

Causes

Rhinoliths are formed when mineral salts like calcium and magnesium phosphate deposit around a nidus (a central point or focus of bacterial activity) within the nasal cavity. The nidus can be either endogenous (originating within the body, such as a blood clot or a piece of bone) or exogenous (originating outside the body, such as a bead or a piece of cotton).

Symptoms

The symptoms of rhinoliths can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Common symptoms include:

• Unilateral nasal obstruction
• Foul-smelling nasal discharge
• Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
• Facial pain
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
• Sinusitis

Diagnosis

Rhinoliths can be diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging studies. During a physical examination, a healthcare provider may be able to see the stone through the nostril. Imaging studies such as X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans can help confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and location of the stone.

Treatment

The treatment for rhinoliths is surgical removal. This can be done through a simple outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. In some cases, a more extensive surgery may be required if the stone is large or if it has caused complications such as sinusitis or nasal polyps.

See Also

• Nasal polyp
• Sinusitis
• Epistaxis
• Rhinorrhea

Rhinolith Resources
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