[The nose in internal medicine].

Compared with the lower respiratory tract, the nose reacts with greater physiological sensitivity to environmental stimuli by means of secretion, obstruction and sneezing. When a certain level of nasal reaction is exceeded, we have what is called vasomotoric rhinopathy. Systemic illnesses can also be reflected in the nose. Timely recognition can prevent life-threatening situations such as arise in Wegener's granulomatosis or rhinoliquorrhoea. In rhinitic complaints thought should also be given to the possible side effects of medication. Antihypertensive products and hormonal contraceptives are those most frequently responsible. The suffering experienced by a patient with chronically blocked nasal breathing is often underestimated. A variety of possible causes are reviewed.