Rhinolithiasis

C. C. Wu*, C. Y. Su, C. Y. Chien

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

Abstract

Background: Rhinolithiasis is a rare disease and there have been very few cases reported in Taiwan. This study sought to describe the characteristics of rhinolithiasis in a group of Taiwanese patients. Methods: From May 1992 to April 1998, rhinolithiasis was diagnosed in 7 patients in our department. The demographic characteristics, etiology, symptoms and locations of the rhinoliths were studied. Results: Of the 7 cases, there were 4 men and 3 women. The age ranged from 7 to 35 with a mean of 22. A rhinolith with an exogenous nucleus was found in 6 cases. Seven rhinoliths lodged in the lower half of the nasal cavity. The major symptoms of rhinolithiasis were unilateral nasal obstruction, epistaxis and foul odor nasal discharge. After removal of the rhinolith, all patients recovered fully without any complication. Conclusion: Rhinoliths are mineralized masses within the nasal cavity. The mineralization is generally secondary to an object that has previously lodged in the nasal cavity for a long time. In this series, most objects acting as a nidus for mineralization are exogenous.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)442-446
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the Otolaryngological Society of the Republic of China
Volume33
Issue number5
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Rhinolithiasis

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