Condition Lookup

Sarcoidosis affecting the nasal cavity

Sub-category: Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases

Symptoms:
nasal congestion; nasal crusting; epistaxis (nosebleeds); anosmia (loss of smell); nasal obstruction; nasal pain; nasal discharge

Root Cause:
An inflammatory granulomatous disease of unknown cause that leads to the formation of granulomas in the nasal mucosa, often associated with systemic sarcoidosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Biopsy of nasal tissue showing non-caseating granulomas, clinical history, imaging studies (CT/MRI of the sinuses), and blood tests (e.g., elevated angiotensin-converting enzyme levels, calcium levels).

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation with corticosteroids (topical or systemic), immunosuppressive agents, and supportive measures like nasal irrigation. Surgery may be required for severe obstruction.

Medications:
Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) are the primary treatment. Immunosuppressive agents, such as methotrexate or azathioprine , may be used for steroid-sparing purposes. Nasal corticosteroid sprays (e.g., fluticasone or budesonide ) can help reduce local inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sarcoidosis affects 10-20 per 100,000 individuals in the general population, with nasal involvement being less common (estimated in 1-10% of sarcoidosis cases).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
African-American ethnicity, female gender, family history of sarcoidosis, environmental exposures (e.g., mold, dust, or agricultural chemicals).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the extent of systemic involvement. Nasal symptoms often respond to treatment, but recurrence is possible. Chronic or severe cases may lead to nasal deformity or persistent obstruction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic nasal obstruction, saddle-nose deformity due to granulomatous destruction, secondary infections, or progression to systemic organ involvement (lungs, heart, or eyes).

Lupus pernio (associated with systemic sarcoidosis)

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Nasal Conditions

Sub-category: Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases

Symptoms:
violaceous or erythematous plaques on the nose and face; facial swelling; nasal congestion; nasal crusting; disfigurement in severe cases

Root Cause:
A chronic form of cutaneous sarcoidosis manifesting as granulomatous inflammation affecting the nasal and facial tissues, often linked to systemic sarcoidosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical appearance, skin or nasal biopsy revealing non-caseating granulomas, imaging for systemic involvement, and blood tests (e.g., ACE levels, calcium).

Treatment:
Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) are the first-line treatment. Immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine) or biologic agents like infliximab may be used for refractory cases.

Medications:
Prednisone (systemic corticosteroid), methotrexate (immunosuppressant), azathioprine (immunosuppressant), infliximab (TNF-alpha inhibitor). Topical corticosteroids (e.g., clobetasol ) or intralesional corticosteroid injections may also be used for localized lesions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare manifestation of sarcoidosis, more common in African-American women and individuals of Northern European descent.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Systemic sarcoidosis, family history of sarcoidosis, chronic inflammation, environmental exposures.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and often resistant to treatment, with a risk of disfigurement. Systemic complications from sarcoidosis can worsen the prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Facial disfigurement, chronic nasal obstruction, psychological impact, and systemic organ involvement.

Relapsing polychondritis (affects nasal cartilage)

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Nasal Conditions

Sub-category: Autoimmune and Systemic Diseases

Symptoms:
nasal tenderness; nasal redness; saddle-nose deformity; nasal obstruction; crusting; difficulty breathing through the nose

Root Cause:
An autoimmune disorder characterized by recurrent inflammation and degeneration of cartilage, including the nasal septum, leading to structural damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical findings of recurrent cartilage inflammation, imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI of the nasal cartilage), and biopsy of affected cartilage confirming inflammation and degeneration.

Treatment:
Systemic corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressive agents (e.g., methotrexate or cyclophosphamide), and reconstructive surgery for severe deformities.

Medications:
Prednisone (systemic corticosteroid), methotrexate (immunosuppressant), cyclophosphamide (immunosuppressant), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) for pain and inflammation. Biologic agents (e.g., rituximab ) may be considered in refractory cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare, estimated at 3.5 cases per million people per year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unknown, though it may have genetic or autoimmune predispositions. Triggers such as infections or environmental exposures may play a role.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment can improve quality of life, but relapses and progression are common. Severe cases can lead to respiratory complications or systemic organ involvement.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Saddle-nose deformity, chronic nasal obstruction, respiratory tract collapse, and systemic complications affecting joints, heart, or eyes.