The nose is one of the very vital parts of our respiratory system responsible for purifying, warming, and humidifying the air we breathe. Many of us experience a runny nose, congested, or even nasal bleeding at some point in our lives. These may be relatively minor complaints, and they can be quite serious health issues. At Novena ENT, we specialise in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of problems with the nose. Our team of experienced nose specialist is committed to providing personalised care for common and complex nasal conditions.
In this article, we will discuss one of the most common conditions affecting the nose presented and treated at Novena ENT, including their causes and symptoms as well as the treatment options available to you.
1. Sinusitis
Sinusitis, more commonly referred to as sinus infection, is the inflammation and swelling of the sinuses. It can be either acute or chronic. While the former lasts for less than four weeks, the latter lasts more than 12 weeks. Sinusitis dramatically alters a person’s quality of life. Its symptoms are uncomfortable in themselves but at times may cause interruptions to your activities.
Symptoms
- Nasal blockage
- Headaches and facial pain
- Nasal discharge is thick and coloured
- Headaches
- No sense of smell or taste
- Coughing, especially during the night
Causes: Often due to a viral infection, such as common cold, but bacterial infections, allergies, or nasal polyps can also be a cause. Deviated septum: Structural problems can also cause chronic sinus infections.
Treatment: Treatment for sinusitis varies with the severity and underlying reason. We treat sinusitis through the following:
- Medications: Nasal sprays, decongestants, or antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection.
It focuses on the management of allergic reactions through antihistamines or immunotherapy if allergies are a trigger. Endoscopic sinus surgery is done to open up the sinuses and improve drainage in case of chronic sinusitis or structural abnormalities.
2. Allergic Rhinitis
The common cold also has another name: hay fever, or allergic rhinitis. This is when your immune system overreacts to one of the following substances: dust mites, pollen, mould, or pet dander. It results in inflammation of the nasal passages and a set of allergic symptoms.
Symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Postnasal drip
- Fatigue
Causes: This condition is encouraged by allergens, which sensitise the body to histamines leading to an inflammation of the nasal passages. It can be seasonal in nature, with pollen often being the main culprit, while sometimes it is perennial in nature, meaning that it could be all year round because of indoor allergens such as dust.
Treatment: Allergic rhinitis can be well controlled with the help of the following methods:
- Antihistamines and decongestants: To relieve acute symptoms.
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays: Inflamed nasal passages can be avoided.
- Immunotherapy: In another name, allergy shots are the treatment where gradually building immunity to certain allergens is developed.
- Lifestyle Alterations: Which include avoiding allergens and using air purifiers or allergen-proof bedding.
3. Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths inside the thin lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. Although these are benign, nasal polyps can obscure the airways that cause difficulty in breathing and predispose to recurrent infections.
Symptoms:
- Chronic nasal congestion
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
- Postnasal drip
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Recurring sinus infection
Causes: Nasal polyps usually come with chronic inflammation in the nasal passages, primarily due to asthma, recurrent infections, allergy, or sensitivity to aspirin.
Treatment: At Novena ENT, we have several treatment options for nasal polyps:
- Medicines: Nasal corticosteroids may help decrease inflammation and cause the polyps to retract or shrink.
- Endoscopic surgery: If the polyps are huge or do not respond well to the medicines, surgical intervention may be necessary to have the growths removed and thereby allow easier passage of air.
4. Deviated Septum
Septum is the thin wall between the nasal passages. Displacement of the said thin wall to one side means that one side of the nasal passage will be smaller than the other. Thus, this condition can be a causation of breathing problems. Other complications may be brought about by it, such as nasal congestion and sinus infection.
Symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
- Recurring nasal congestion
- Frequent sinus infections
- Epistaxis (nosebleed)
- Snoring
Causes: A deviated septum can be congenital, i.e. at birth or due to an injury to the nose. It may be minimal but severe breathing difficulties can be initiated.
Treatment: We can actually correct deviated septums through surgery at Novena ENT by making the septum straighter, which helps to increase airflow, therefore less chance for sinus infections to happen.
5. Nosebleeds (Epistaxis)
Nosebleeds, also known medically as epistaxis, is one of the very common medical conditions in which the blood vessels inside the nose start breaking. Though usually harmless, frequent or severe nosebleeds can be a problem.
Symptoms:
- Bleeding coming from one or both nostrils
- Vomiting and dizziness (rarely)
- Failed bleeding cessation
Causes: There are several reasons that can cause nosebleeds, including:
- Dry air
- Blowing the nose recurrently
- Trauma to the nose
- Hypertension
- Some medications that thin the blood
Treatment: Nosebleeds are primarily treated by stopping the bleeding through relatively minor techniques, such as applying pressure. At Novena ENT, the nose specialist Singapore can suggest the following for recurrent nosebleeds:
Cauterization: This is a procedure in which the blood vessels are sealed so that there would not be anymore bleeding.
Nasal packing: Lacing gauze or special sponges into the nostrils to control oozing.
Medication management: Review of medications that have a tendency to cause recurrent nosebleeds.
6. Snoring and Sleep Apnea
Snoring may sound annoying, but it might also be the harbinger of a serious disorder known as OSA, which is the short form of obstructive sleep apnea. OSA refers to an illness whereby a person’s airway gets blocked at the time of sleep, resulting in breathing pauses periodically and poor quality sleep.
Symptoms:
- Loud snoring
- Gasping or choking during sleep
- Daytime sleepiness
- Morning headaches
- Inability to concentrate
Causes: Excess weight, nasal obstruction such as a deviated septum and large tonsils or adenoids.
Treatment: Novena ENT has a holistic treatment for snoring and sleep apnea including CPAP, a machine that constantly provides air pressure to ensure that the airways are open when you sleep and surgery such as nasal or palate surgery to eliminate obstructive factors.
Lifestyle modifications: Encourage weight loss and appropriate sleep hygiene habits
Conclusion
We understand at Novena ENT that sinus problems can greatly affect your health and wellbeing. You could be suffering from sinus infections, allergies, or other abnormalities including a deviated septum. Our specialists have a solution for you. With modern diagnostic technology and customised treatment plans, we endeavour to provide relief and boost your quality of life.
If you have any trouble concerning the nose, just feel free to reach us here at Novena ENT and consult with our professional nose specialist Singapore.
