In June, 2006, a 32 year-old woman, working as an architect at the archaeological site of Pompeii, noticed that her nose was blocked, especially the right nostril. When she blew her nose, the mucus was black. A few days later, she developed a dry cough, and intermittent fever. Her general practitioner referred her to an otolaryngologist. Nasal examination showed no abnormality, other than mild septal deviation. Skin-prick tests for allergy gave negative results, as did nasal smears for bacteria and fungi; CT of the sinuses showed nothing of note. Nonetheless, the patient’s nasal blockage and rhinorrhoea worsened; she had occasional fever spikes, and was referred to an infectious-diseases specialist.
Blowing a nose black and blue
FIORELLA, Maria Luisa;TARASCO, Eustachio;PORCELLI, Francesco
2009-01-01
Abstract
In June, 2006, a 32 year-old woman, working as an architect at the archaeological site of Pompeii, noticed that her nose was blocked, especially the right nostril. When she blew her nose, the mucus was black. A few days later, she developed a dry cough, and intermittent fever. Her general practitioner referred her to an otolaryngologist. Nasal examination showed no abnormality, other than mild septal deviation. Skin-prick tests for allergy gave negative results, as did nasal smears for bacteria and fungi; CT of the sinuses showed nothing of note. Nonetheless, the patient’s nasal blockage and rhinorrhoea worsened; she had occasional fever spikes, and was referred to an infectious-diseases specialist.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
