Classification

Histopathological types

Type I, Characterized by endarteritis(inflammation of inner wall of an artery) and periarteritis(Inflammation of external wall of an artery), which may be  a result of chronic infection. These patients may benefit by vasodilator effect of oestrogen therapy.

Type II,Characterized by vasodilation of capillaries which may become worse by oestrogen therapy.

Clinical types

Primary atrophic rhinitis,it has unknown cause and it is a diagnosis of exclusion.  Klebsiella ozenae is commonly isolated in such cases.

Secondary atrophic rhinitis, it is acquired during lifetime of the patient. It can be secondary to a nasal surgery, Infection and dietary deficiency. It is the most common type.