DISEASES OF THE NOSE Apart from affections of the external skin and tumour-like overgrowth of the mucous membrane (polypi), deflection of the septum and plastic operations for correction of deformities, dis eases of the nose are important from coincident infection of the air cells or sinuses.
In this connection also no organ or tissue of the body appears to be exempt from possible sub-infection by the organisms or their toxins if and when these are located in the antral, ethmoidal, frontal or sphenoidal sinuses. They gain entry into the system by inhalation or swallowing, or by the lymphatics or blood-vessels. This important subject was dealt with in the "Semon Lecture," University of London (Ig25), by Dr. Watson-Williams.
One of the most intractable diseases of the nose is Foetid Atrophic Rhinitis (Ozaena). It is characterized by gradual wast ing of the nasal mucous membranes and the bony structures which they cover. These atrophic changes are accompanied by the for mation of foul-smelling crusts and not infrequently with a sinking in of the bony frame-work of the nose. Its cause has not been fully ascertained. Very similar effects are produced by syphilitic and tuberculous affections involving the bones of the nose. Hither to surgeons have depended chiefly on local antiseptic applications and the daily use of cleansing washes. Recently better results have been obtained by surgical measures which aim at narrowing the nasal cavities by forcing inwards the inner walls of the antral sinuses and maintaining them in that position. Many cases appear to have been cured or greatly benefited. Lupus of the nasal mu cous membrane has proved to be amenable to radium therapy.
(For hay fever, see HAY FEVER; ANAPHYLAXIS.)