Reiss M, Reiss G
HNO-Klinik, Städtisches Klinikum Görlitz.
Praxis (Bern 1994). 2002 Feb 27;91(9):353-8. doi: 10.1024/0369-8394.91.9.353.
The chronic rhinitis is a frequent problem with age. In the nose, normal physiologic changes of aging include loss of nasal tip support, atrophy of mucus-producing mucosal glands, and decreased olfaction. The fragmentation and weakening of the cartilage of the septum also causes airflow changes contributing to nasal stuffiness. These changes contribute to geriatric rhinitis, the symptoms of which are often attributed by the older patient to "allergies" or "sinus trouble". An understanding of these anatomic changes, linked with a thorough history and physical examination, allows the physician to properly manage geriatric rhinitis. Earnest causes like tumors or mycosis must be excluded. The treatment depends on the etiology of the rhinitis and also the symptoms of the patient. Therapy includes avoidance of all sorts of allergens (dust, fumes, sprays) and appropriate attention to minimizing home environmental and occupational exposures. Pharmacotherapy most often involves liquifying--not drying--nasal secretions with oral and topical preparations. Conservative surgical treatment is occasionally indicated.
慢性鼻炎是随年龄增长而常见的问题。在鼻腔，衰老的正常生理变化包括鼻尖支撑力丧失、产生黏液的黏膜腺体萎缩以及嗅觉减退。鼻中隔软骨的破碎和弱化也会导致气流变化，进而造成鼻塞。这些变化导致了老年鼻炎，而老年患者常将其症状归因于“过敏”或“鼻窦问题”。了解这些解剖学变化，并结合全面的病史和体格检查，有助于医生妥善处理老年鼻炎。必须排除肿瘤或真菌病等严重病因。治疗取决于鼻炎的病因以及患者的症状。治疗方法包括避免接触各种过敏原（灰尘、烟雾、喷雾剂），并适当注意尽量减少家庭环境和职业暴露。药物治疗通常采用口服和局部制剂来液化——而非干燥——鼻腔分泌物。偶尔需要进行保守性手术治疗。
