Ozena
Ozena is a disease of the nose in which the bony ridges and mucous membranes of the nose waste away.
Ozena is also called atrophic rhinitis.
Symptoms
Nasal crusting, discharge, congestion, and a very bad smell are other common symptoms of ozena.
Ozena may develop after a long period of nasal swelling.
References
Corren J, Baroody FM. Allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. In: O'Hehir RE, Holgate ST, Khurana Hershey GK, Sheikh A, eds. Allergy Essentials. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 8.
Yan CH, Hwang PH. Nonallergic rhinitis. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 39.
Nasal mucosa - illustration
The mucosa, or mucous membrane, is a type of tissue that lines the nasal cavity. Mucous membranes are usually moist tissues that are bathed by secretions such as in the nose.
Nasal mucosa
illustration
Review Date: 9/10/2023
Reviewed By: Josef Shargorodsky, MD, MPH, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.