Definition: When there is a long-standing foreign body in the nose it is surrounded by granulation tissue and it acts as a nucleus for concretion to occur. It eventually gets coated with calcium and magnesium phosphate and carbonate to form a Rhinolith.
Aetiology:
- Age: Can occur in any age group but is more common in children.
- Foreign bodies, blood clots, inspissated pus.
Clinical features:
- Rhinorrhea: Unilateral, Purulent, foul smelling.
- Nasal obstruction: Unilateral.
- Rhinolith usually seen on anterior rhinoscopy.
Investigations:
X-ray PNS/ CT Scan PNS reveals the radio-opaque rhinolith.