Atrophic Rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory nasal disease characterized by progressive atrophy of the mucosa, and underlying bone of the turbinates. There is a viscid secretion in the nose which rapidly dries and forms crusts which emits a characteristic foul odour called ozaena and the patient himself suffers from anosmia. It is also termed as Ozaena. Types: Atrophic rhinitis is of two types:

1. Primary.
2. Secondary.

Aetiology: The exact aetiology is unknown. It is more common in females. Aetiology of primary atrophic rhinitis includes:

1. 1. Hereditary factors: The disease runs in family.
   2. Endocrinal disturbance: The disease usually starts at puberty. It involves females more than males. It tends to cease after menopause. These factors have raised the possibility of disease being an endocrinal disorder.
   3. Racial factors: White and yellow races are more susceptible than natives of equatorial Africa.
   4. Nutritional deficiency: Due to deficiency of vitamin A, D or iron or some other dietary factors.
   5. Infective: Organisms involved includes Klebsiella ozaenae, Diphtheroids, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, staphylococci and streptococci.
   6. Autoimmune process.

Aetiology of Secondary atrophic rhinitis includes:

1. 1. Infections like syphilis, leprosy, tuberculosis, Lupus vulgaris.
   2. Extensive surgery.

Organisms isolated are:

1. 1. Klebsiella ozaenae
   2. Diphtheroids
   3. Proteus vulgaris
   4. Escherichia coli
   5. Staphylococci
   6. Streptococci