Rhinoscleroma | Medtick
Medtick

Rhinoscleroma

What is it?

A condition which cause lumps in and on the nose, mouth, lips throat and respiratory tract.

  • It occurs normally due to reactivity of capillaries to heat (blood vessels enlarge as react to heat, facial flushing).
  • It is a slow worsening condition bacterial infection and occurs mainly in people of 10-30 years of age and is associated with rosacea.
  • People who have a weak immune system are particularly vulnerable.

It mainly occurs in world regions of:

  • Africa
  • Central and Eastern Europe
  • Central and South America
  • India
  • Middle East
  • The Pacific
  • The Philippines

Diagnosis tests

  • Clinical examination
    • Examine nasal passages for crusting, nodules , narrow nostrils, granuloma masses
    • Anterior rhinoscopy
    • Nasal endoscopy
  • Biopsy
    • Mikulicz cells (large foamy macrophages containing bacteria) to check for formation of granulomatous masses
    • Russell bodies (plasma cells with immunoglobulin inclusions) to check for formation of granulomatous masses
    • Chronic granulomatous inflammation
  • Bacterial culture
  • Histopathological staining
    • Special stains such as PAS or Warthin–Starry may help demonstrate the organisms.
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan
  • PCR test assay

Cause

  • Bacteria: Klebsiella rhinoscerlomatis
    • Spread mainly by respiratory droplets and prolonged close person-to-person contact.
  • It is not highly contagious and usually requires prolonged exposure (Long contact with infected patients).

Higher risk of having condition:

  • Malnutrition
  • Overcrowding (those who have condition can spread to others)
  • Poor hygiene
  • Poor socioeconomic conditions
  • Prolonged close contact with infected individuals
  • Weakened immune system

Symptoms

  • Runny nose, congestion, cold not cleared by over the counter medication or greater than three weeks?
  • Smelly, pussy, runny or blocked nose and dry crusting in the nose up to weeks to months?
  • Lumps form in nose causing nasal blockage and change shape of nose?
  • Nose bleeds?
  • Dry cough longer than three weeks and/or breathing difficulties?
  • Changes in taste, smell and hoarse voice?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

It can lead to eye infections such as:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Rhinoscleroma in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • Medscape (Professional level)

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • EveryDay Health

    Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Nathnac

    Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

  • Better health - NHS

    Healthy changes start with little changes. Whether you want to lose weight, drink less alcohol, get active or quit smoking, you have access to lots of free tools and support through Better Health. You can also find simple ways to lift your mood with Every Mind Matters.

    There has never been a better time to kickstart your health. Let’s do this!

Medtick

© Medtick - 2026. All Rights Reserved.