NEET-PG 2021 — ENT

Question 1: A woman visits the ENT outpatient department with complaints of nasal obstruction. On examination, greenish-black crusts were found in the nasal cavity covering the turbinates and septum, and she also had complete anosmia (lack of sense of smell). What other sign is most likely to be found on examination in this case?

• A. Hypertrophied inferior turbinate
• B. Polyp
• C. Foreign Body
• D. Roomy nasal cavity (Correct Answer)

Explanation: ***Roomy nasal cavity*** - The presence of **greenish-black crusts**, **anosmia**, and **nasal obstruction** in the context of chronic atrophy of the nasal mucosa strongly suggests **atrophic rhinitis**. - **Atrophic rhinitis** (also known as ozena) is characterized by progressive atrophy of the nasal mucosa, turbinates, and underlying bone, leading to an abnormally **wide and roomy nasal cavity**. *Hypertrophied inferior turbinate* - **Hypertrophied turbinates** typically result in nasal obstruction but would present with a narrow, rather than a roomy, nasal cavity. - There would also be no greenish-black crusts or complete anosmia with simple turbinate hypertrophy. *Polyp* - **Nasal polyps** are typically pale, glistening, grape-like masses that cause nasal obstruction and hyposmia but do not cause greenish-black crusts or a roomy nasal cavity. - They usually result from chronic inflammation and are often associated with conditions like allergic rhinitis or asthma. *Foreign Body* - A **nasal foreign body** would cause unilateral nasal obstruction and often a foul-smelling, purulent discharge, but not typically greenish-black crusts or a roomy nasal cavity. - It would also not explain the complete anosmia unless it severely obstructed both nasal passages for an extended period, which is less likely than atrophic rhinitis.