Ionization as a Prolonged Palliative in Vasomotor Rhinitis

Abstract

The object of the following presentation is to call attention to a method of ionization which has a pronounced and lasting palliative effect in cases of vasomotor rhinitis. NATURE OF VASOMOTOR RHINITISThe factors underlying vasomotor conditions of the nose are not sharply defined. Some authors have assumed that vasomotor rhinitis is a local manifestation of a constitutional allergic state; others have expressed the belief that it is a symptom of some metabolic, endocrinic or nervous disorder. Whichever view is correct, it is generally agreed that this type of rhinitis is not a disease entity, even though substantial proof is still lacking. The nasal condition itself is not a true inflammation but an edema of the membranous tissues characterized by eosinophilic infiltration. As this manifestation is the predominating phenomenon for which patients seek relief, it is clear that rhinologists must pay attention to it in addition to giving whatever general treatment they deem indicated to influence the underlying constitutional factor or factors.Diagnostic difficulties are not limited to discovering the constitutional factors, for not infrequently the condition is masked by sinusitis or other nasal involvement. Lindsay and Walsh 1 have suggested a simple and effective diagnostic measure in the presence of such a complication. According to these authors, the presence of eosinophils in nasal secretions is conclusive for the diagnosis of vasomotor rhinitis. In the presence of a complicating infection the ratio of eosinophils to neutrophils is lowered, while in infections without coexisting vasomotor rhinitis the eosinophil count in the nasal secretions never exceeds 1 per cent. REVIEW OF THERAPY OF VASOMOTOR RHINITISWhile the incidence of true hyperesthetic rhinitis is probably not as large as it is commonly believed to be, it nevertheless presents a From the

Sodium Morrhuate Therapy for Chronic Simple, Vasomotor and Hypertrophic Forms of Rhinitis

“…Tampons saturated with a solution of butyn sulfate were used, and 0.5 cc. of a 5 per cent solution of sodium morrhuate was introduced into the left inferior turbinate on Jan. 8,1940. Four days later the right inferior turbinate was similarly treated.…”

“…Disadvantages of using the caustics and the escharotics are the discomfort, the sloughing and the formation of crusts and adhesions. Lewy 4 used a watery paste of resorcinol on the mucous membrane, with favorable results lasting from a few weeks to Hollender,8 ionization is only occasionally effective in the treatment of hay fever. In cases of vasomotor rhinitis it is beneficial as a prolonged palliative treatment.…”

“…After about five minutes the pledget of cotton and the strip of cotton on the floor of the nose are removed. 8. A solution of cocaine, ephedrine or neo-synephrin hydrochloride is used to shrink the nasal mucosa.…”

LXXVI The Prevention of Recurrence of Nasal Polyps

“…3. Of the postoperative physical methods employed to prevent recurrence of polyps, electrosurgery, radium therapy and zinc ion transfer have been found effective in a large precentage of patients.…”