Introduction:
Rhinolith was caused due to insertion of the neglected foreign body into the nasal cavity and over years, calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus salts accumulate around a foreign body. Initially, the patient might be asymptomatic, but later, due to the inflammatory and infective responses purulent nasal discharge and unilateral obstruction was observed. At this stage, it may be diagnosed as infective rhinosinusitis.
Objective:
This paper presents and discusses a case of a 19-year-old female patient with a chief complaint of nasal obstruction for many years, which was treated as allergic rhinitis.
Case history:
A 19-year-old female healthy patient, presented to the ENT clinic with the main complaint of nasal obstruction that was constant and more on the left side, which was …show more content…
Based on Clinical and endoscopic evaluation, diagnosis of rhinolith was made. Endoscopic removal under general anesthesia was recommended in this case. The patient was discharged on the next day and oral antibiotics, a local decongestant and local steroids were recommended. One week later at follow-up, the patient had complete resolution of the symptoms and she was extremely satisfied.
Conclusion:
• Diagnosis of a rhinolith needs a high index of suspicion based on the patient’s symptoms, unilateral complaint, physical examination and endoscopic evaluation.
• In the differential diagnosis in teenagers and adults presented present with unilateral nasal obstruction and foul-smelling unilateral nasal discharge rhinolith should always be taken into consideration.
• In the diagnosis of rhinolith, computed tomography scan helped in the confirmation and planning the best treatment