The spelling of "nasal calculus" can be a bit tricky to decipher. The word combines the Latin term "nasus" meaning "nose" and "calculus" meaning "stone" or "pebble." When pronounced, "nasal" is spelled /ˈneɪzəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription, while "calculus" is spelled /ˈkælkjələs/. Therefore, the correct pronunciation of "nasal calculus" is /ˈneɪzəl ˈkælkjələs/. This term is commonly used in medical contexts to refer to the formation of hard and calcified deposits within the nasal cavity.
Nasal calculus refers to the formation and accumulation of hard, crust-like deposits or calculi within the nasal cavity. These calculi primarily consist of a mixture of mineralized elements such as calcium, phosphates, and carbonates, as well as organic components like bacteria, mucus, and desquamated epithelial cells. Nasal calculi are also commonly known as "rhinoliths."
The development of nasal calculus is thought to occur due to the gradual accumulation and calcification of debris that becomes trapped within the nasal passages. This can be facilitated by factors such as chronic nasal congestion, foreign body presence, chronic infections, or inadequate nasal hygiene. As the calcification process continues, the accumulated debris hardens and forms a solid mass that adheres to the nasal mucosa.
Common symptoms associated with nasal calculus include nasal blockage, persistent unilateral nasal discharge, foul-smelling breath (halitosis), recurrent sinus infections, and occasional facial pain or pressure. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough examination of the nasal cavity using instruments such as a nasal endoscope or computed tomography (CT) scan.
The treatment for nasal calculus usually requires its complete removal via a surgical procedure known as endoscopic sinus surgery. This involves using specialized instruments to carefully dissect and extract the calculus, while preserving the surrounding healthy nasal tissue. Following removal, appropriate nasal hygiene measures and addressing any underlying conditions that contributed to the calculus formation are essential to prevent reoccurrence.
Rhinolith.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "nasal calculus" is derived from two components: "nasal" and "calculus".
- "Nasal" comes from the Latin word "nasus", which means "nose". It is related to the Old English word "næs", meaning "nose", and the Greek word "nasis".
- "Calculus" comes from the Latin word "calculus", which originally referred to a small stone or pebble used for counting or calculating. It eventually developed the meaning of a "hardened mass" or "hardened deposit". This meaning is still evident in words like "calculate" and "calculation".
In the context of "nasal calculus", the word "calculus" refers to a hard, stone-like substance that forms in the nose, commonly known as a nasal stone or nasal concretion.