The Nose and the Aging Process

Changes from normal in the nose of elderly persons reflect not only the course of their general health but also localized nasal and paranasal processes.Pathologic nasal conditions which may occur in older persons include the following: dryness and stuffiness due to atrophic changes in the nasal mucosa which widen the air passages; nasal discharge caused by exposure to temperature changes, presence of vestibulitis, or stimulation of nasal mucosa by certain odors or fumes; nasal congestion and rhinorrhea produced by some hypotensive drugs; aching in the nasal region and increased breathlessness on exposure to cold air; permanent loss of sense of smell after a common cold; and severe epistaxis.Care of nasal injuries in the older person should adhere to the same general principles as those which are followed in patients of any age.