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Have a question about rosacea?
Leading dermatologists, ophthalmologists, researchers and others will answer questions about this chronic but treatable condition. New questions are answered every month, so be sure to check back regularly.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Q Is there a link between chronic nasal blockage and rosacea?
AResponse from Dr. Mark Dahl, chairman of dermatology at Mayo Clinic-Arizona, and former president of the American Academy of Dermatology:
Not that we know of. Even patients with rhinophyma usually can breathe well through their noses.
Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, various theories about the disorder's origin have evolved over the years, and some share common characteristics with chronic nasal blockage.
Chronic nasal obstruction has many causes. Typical stuffy nose is commonly associated with inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose from various causes, often allergies or viruses. When the mucosa becomes inflamed, the blood vessels inside the membrane swell and expand, causing the turbinates -- small, shelf-like, bony structures that are covered by the mucous membranes -- to become enlarged and obstruct the flow of air through the nose.
Although theories about rosacea's cause also involve inflammation and swelling of blood vessels, the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth are not affected. The eyelids can become inflamed from ocular rosacea, but exactly how this happens is speculative. Also, the occurrence of stuffy nose does not usually trigger attacks of rosacea, although frequent nose blowing may temporarily aggravate flushing.
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