Atrophic Rhinitis and Nasal Microbiome, a novel theory of etiopathogenesis and treatment strategy.

Exact etiology of Atrophic rhinitis (AtR) is yet unknown. Polygenic and polybacterial causes have been implicated in the onset and progression of this disease. Polygenic and polybacterial causes have been implicated in the onset and progression of this disease. AtR do not respond to any particular modality of treatment which targets specific etiology, this describes its multifactorial nature. In this study we report on a non-randomized control trial on use of a nasal spray of 10% Manuka honey in patients with AtR attending out-patient unit of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery. This study shows significant observations such as Decreased fetid smell, Thickening of mucosa, Decreased inflammation with healed mucosal ulcers, Increased concentration of the mucosal glands, Alteration in Nasal microbiome and Increased expression of SCFA receptors. These changes occurred in response to honey therapy, and are consequent to the resetting of the Nasal microbiome.