21 interesting facts about nasal treatments

The 1500 BCE records reveal that Egyptians mastered the art and skill of removing the cranial material through the nose to avoid any disfiguration of the face while mummifying the bodies.

Records of various rhinologic procedures practiced during 700 BCE are found in the Egyptian and Indian medical books.

In 5th century, Susruta, the famous Indian surgeon, invented nasal reconstructive flaps and rhinoplasty that are still used.

Do you know that physicians examined the anterior of the nose in candlelight until 16th century?

In 1744, Boerhaave introduced a ground-breaking idea: nasal polyps are elongated sinus membranes.

In 1933, Shenck and Kern suggested that nasal polyps were related to allergy. The polyps were commonly found in the ethmoid air cell system.

In 1940s, advancements in immuno-biology and immuno-histochemistry techniques enabled description of lymphocyte and eosinophil present in the polyps.

In 1959, Lurie discovered relationship between the polyps and cystic fibrosis for the first time.

In 1969, Beer and Samter threw light on the triad of asthma, nasal polyps and aspirin sensitivity.

In the end of the twentieth century, the first rigid and flexible fiber-optic endoscope was discovered. The invention changed the way upper aero-digestive tract was examined.

Since Hippocrates influence was strong during golden age of the Greek civilization, he is remembered as the father of medicine and rhinology. However, Susruta used highly advanced surgical techniques to treat nasal disorders. Hippocrates recorded disorders related to nasal polyps and fractures. He named the nasal growth as polypus, as it resembled to the polyps found in the sea. He defined polyps as “the sacs of phlegm that cause nasal obstruction and derange the sense of smell.”

The world-famous physicians like Fabricius Hildanus, Paulus Aegineta and Claudius Galen also treated the polyps dexterously.

Egyptian physicians believed that a bad smelling nose confirmed presence of polyps.

Celsus said, “Large polyps dangled into the pharynx and on cold and damp days strangulate a man.”

A crude nasal speculum was used by Hippocrates, Haly Abbas- an eminent Islamic medicine expert, and the Indian Ayurvedic physicians in bygone eras. In fact, these speculums were an improvisation of the instruments employed for rectal and gynecological examinations.

Fabricius Hildanus invented an aural speculum, which resembles the modern speculum.

Alfred Kirstein pioneered use of artificial light for nasal examination. He invented first headlight that inspired the modern headlights.

In Greece, tampons and nasal packs soaked in copper salts and honey were used to prevent reoccurrence of polyps.

The Roman physicians used turpentine and other irritating substances, calf tallow, goose fat and oily products to treat the polyps.