Nose & Sinus

Sinusitis, also known as a sinus infection, occurs when the tissue lining the sinuses becomes inflamed or swollen, often due to a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. Sinusitis can be classified as acute, lasting up to four weeks, or chronic, persisting for 12 weeks or more. Symptoms typically include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, thick nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, and sometimes fever. Chronic sinusitis may also lead to fatigue and recurring sinus infections. Treatment for sinusitis varies based on the cause and severity and can include decongestants, nasal corticosteroids, saline nasal irrigation, and antibiotics. In some cases, especially for chronic sinusitis, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve sinus drainage. Consulting with an ENT specialist can help determine the most effective treatment plan and provide relief from symptoms, enhancing overall quality of life.

Nasal airway obstruction occurs when the nasal passages are blocked, leading to difficulty breathing through the nose. This condition can result from various causes, including structural abnormalities like a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps, as well as chronic inflammation due to allergies or infections. Symptoms often include nasal congestion, mouth breathing, snoring, and a reduced sense of smell. Nasal airway obstruction can significantly impact quality of life, causing sleep disturbances and affecting daily activities. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications such as nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and improve airflow. In cases where structural issues are responsible, surgical intervention like septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or polypectomy may be necessary. If you experience persistent nasal congestion or difficulty breathing through your nose, seeking professional evaluation is essential for effective relief.

Nasal polyps are non-cancerous, painless growths that develop on the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation, often linked to conditions such as asthma, allergies, or recurrent infections.. These soft, teardrop-shaped growths can vary in size and may grow alone or in clusters, potentially causing symptoms like nasal congestion, a reduced sense of smell or taste, postnasal drip, facial pain or pressure, and snoring. Large or multiple polyps can block normal airflow and drainage, leading to frequent sinus infections. Treatment typically starts with medications such as nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and shrink the polyps. If medication is ineffective, surgical removal might be necessary. Regular follow-up with an ENT specialist is essential to manage the condition and prevent recurrence.

Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are a common condition where blood flows from the nostrils due to the rupture of blood vessels in the nasal lining. They can be caused by various factors, including dry air, allergies, deviated nasal septum, frequent nose blowing, trauma, or underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or blood clotting disorders. While most nosebleeds can be managed at home by pinching the nostrils and leaning forward, recurrent or severe nosebleeds may indicate a more serious issue requiring medical attention. An ENT specialist can assess the underlying cause of frequent nosebleeds and provide appropriate treatment, such as cauterization of the blood vessels, nasal packing, or addressing any contributing health conditions. Preventive measures, including using saline nasal spray, using a humidifier, managing allergies or even correcting a deviated nasal septum, can help reduce the frequency of nosebleeds and ensure better nasal health.

A deviated nasal septum occurs when the thin wall (septum) that separates the two nostrils is displaced to one side, making one nasal passage smaller than the other. This condition can result from congenital factors or be caused by injury to the nose. Many people have some degree of septal deviation without experiencing symptoms, but in more severe cases, it can lead to breathing difficulties, chronic nasal congestion, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, and snoring. Treatment for a deviated septum may involve medication to manage symptoms, but surgical intervention, known as septoplasty, is often necessary to correct the deviation and improve airflow. An ENT specialist can evaluate the extent of the deviation and recommend the most appropriate course of action to alleviate symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

Allergies, asthma, and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) are interrelated conditions that often coexist and influence each other, particularly within the respiratory system. Allergies, such as those to pollen, dust mites, or mold, can trigger inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to symptoms like congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. This allergic inflammation can extend to the sinuses, contributing to the development or exacerbation of chronic rhinosinusitis, which is characterized by persistent sinus inflammation. Chronic rhinosinusitis often presents with symptoms such as facial pain, pressure, nasal obstruction, postnasal drainage, and reduced sense of smell. Asthma, a chronic inflammatory condition of the airways, is closely linked to both allergies and CRS. The inflammation caused by allergies and CRS can extend to the lower airways and can contribute to the development or worsening of asthma. The connection between chronic rhinosinusitis and asthma is often referred to as the "unified airway" concept, which suggests that the entire respiratory tract—from the nose and sinuses to the lungs—functions as a single unit. Inflammation or infection in the upper airway (sinuses) can influence the lower airway (bronchi and lungs), making asthma more difficult to control or even contributing to its onset. Additionally, poorly controlled asthma can further aggravate CRS by promoting inflammation throughout the respiratory tract. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to treatment, addressing all three conditions to improve overall respiratory health and reduce the impact on a patient’s quality of life.