Background/objective: Rhinoliths are calcified masses that surround a nucleus. Every age-group experiences them. An endogenous or external core is possible. Nasal mucus, blood clots, and epithelium can all contain endogenous ones. In childhood, exogenous ones are created by calcification surrounding forgotten foreign bodies. Symptoms include unilateral headache, nasal blockage, or foul-smelling nasal discharge that persists despite medical therapy.
Materials and methods: A prospective study of 11 patients (7 males, 4 females) diagnosed with rhinolith over a period of 8 years in a medical college hospital. Patient history, presenting symptoms, and thorough clinical examination and radiological investigation were done.
Results: A total of 11 patients (7 males, 4 females) with mean age of 33.27 years. Among these six had deviated nasal septum (DNS) toward right and all six had rhinolith in right nasal cavity. Five had DNS toward left and all five had rhinolith in left nasal cavity. All 11 patients underwent endoscopic removal of rhinolith with septoplasty under general anesthesia.
Conclusion: Rhinoliths are not a very uncommon condition. Formation of eddy currents behind the deviated part of the septum and collection of nasal secretions behind it causes precipitation of debris around forgotten foreign bodies leading to the formation of rhinolith.
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