With aging, the physiology and function of the nose changes. The nose lengthens, and the nasal tip begins to droop due to weakening of the supporting cartilage. As a result the tip of the the nose is displaced downward forming what some people call a “hump” or a slight depression in the profile area between the eyes extending down to the end of the lower eyelid at the base of the eyelashes.
Elderly patients with symptoms such as repeated sneezing, and watery eyes, nasal obstruction with clear profuse watery runny nose, and soft, pale turbinates (top-shaped bones in the nose) may have allergic rhinitis. Rhinorrhoea is excessive discharge of mucus from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract due to inflammation of the blood vessels of these membranes or from increased secretion by glands within these structures with subsequent congestion. Patients with chronic sinusitis will have a long history of thick drainage that is often foul smelling and tasting and is associated with nasal obstruction, headaches, and facial pressure.
Rhinitis induced by acute rhinosinusitus is of shorter duration and has fewer symptoms than patients with chronic disease but is commonly associated with sneezing and a runny nose for less than two weeks in uncomplicated cases.
Chronic rhinosinusitis in elderly patients is associated with an exaggerated neutrophilic proinflammatory response to pathogenic bacteria. Because age-related changes lead to decreased resistance to infection, it is conceivable that a decrease in antibacterial mechanisms contributes to the development of chronic sinusitis (CRS) in the elderly population. If your elderly love ones suffer from this condition we suggest to seek for help in order to give them proper care, you can visit carltonseniorliving.com/community/pleasant-hill-downtown/ or look into a senior assisted living community like The Chelsea at Bald Eagle residences to get assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
As people age, the nose undergoes physiological changes such as lengthening and drooping of the nasal tip. This occurs due to weakening of the supporting cartilage, leading to a downward displacement of the nasal tip and sometimes forming a hump or depression in the profile area between the eyes down to the base of the eyelashes.
Elderly patients with allergic rhinitis often experience repeated sneezing, watery eyes, nasal obstruction accompanied by a clear, profuse watery runny nose, and soft, pale turbinates. These symptoms reflect inflammation and allergic reactions within the nasal passages.
Chronic sinusitis is characterized by a long history of thick, often foul-smelling nasal drainage, nasal obstruction, headaches, and facial pressure. In contrast, acute rhinosinusitis lasts less than two weeks, presents fewer symptoms, and is commonly marked by sneezing and a runny nose in uncomplicated cases.
Elderly patients are more prone to chronic rhinosinusitis due to age-related decreases in antibacterial defense mechanisms and an exaggerated proinflammatory response to bacteria. These changes reduce resistance to infections, contributing to the development and persistence of sinusitis.
Rhinorrhoea is the excessive discharge of mucus from the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels in these membranes or increased secretion by glands, resulting in congestion and a runny nose.
For elderly individuals suffering from chronic sinus conditions, seeking professional help is important. Options include visiting specialized senior living communities or assisted living residences that provide proper care and support, such as those offered by Carlton Senior Living or The Chelsea at Bald Eagle residences.