Nasal and Sinus Disorders

Nasal & Sinus Disorders: I cannot breathe well through my nose

      The nose’s role in the respiratory tract is to warm, filter, and humidify the air. These processes all slow down the speed of air passage through the nose. Most people should be able to breathe normally with their mouth closed. During exercise we usually have to breathe through our mouth due to increased oxygen demands. The main structures in the nose that interfere with normal air flow are as follows: the nasal septum, which is the structure that separates the right nostril from the left nostril in the midline; the turbinates, which are lumps of tissue on the side walls of the nose; and the external bony and cartilage nose which may be deformed and interfere with normal air flow.

      Most often, nasal obstruction will be bothersome when a person is lying in bed trying to sleep. If it only occurs during certain months of the year, then it may be the result of allergies. Nasal obstruction that bothers only one nostril is usually related either to a deformity of the external structure of the nose or to a nasal septal deformity, and these are only correctable with surgery. At times, sinusitis and snoring can both be directly affected by a nasal septal deviation. If you are interested in correcting this problem, please call our office for evaluation by one of our specialists.

Nasal & Sinus Disorders: I think I have sinusitis

      Sinusitis is the seventh most common chronic disease afflicting Americans. You may have symptoms such as facial pain or pressure, nasal obstruction, discolored nasal discharge, loss of sense of smell, headache, fatigue, pain in the upper teeth, or aggravation of asthma. At times, recurring sinus infections will develop after one very bad viral upper respiratory tract infection or acute sinus infection. The initial treatment for sinusitis consists of antibiotics, possibly decongestants, and treatment of associated allergies, as well as steam inhalation or nasal saline spray to allow the mucus to drain properly. Some patients will have repeated infections one winter only to become healthy once the summer arrives.

      Patients with chronic infections in their sinuses or a repeated pattern should consider evaluation and treatment. Full evaluation requires examination in our office by one of our physicians and possibly allergy testing, a CAT scan of the sinuses, or nasal endoscopy to better visualize the nasal cavity and the sinus ducts. Newer techniques at sinus surgery are highly effective in restoring function and eliminating infections. Some patients who had surgery prior to 1985 using the older surgical techniques can now be further helped by the newer approach to managing sinus disease.

Nasal & Sinus Disorders: I cannot smell well

      The tissue lining the upper one-third of the nose contains sensory cells for our sense of smell.

      Much of the sense of taste is comprised of our sense of smell. A simple indicator can be determined by asking yourself how your cup of coffee tastes, as most of what we call the taste of coffee is actually the aroma of coffee. The loss of sense of smell can be the result of a viral URI, nasal allergies, sinusitis, or nasal obstruction from a nasal septal deviation or polyps. Eliminating the sinusitis, septal deviation, or polyps, or controlling the allergies may restore the sense of smell. Smell is one sense that deteriorates as we age, a reduced sense of smell highly prevalent in the elderly, and is often untreatable in that situation.

Nasal & Sinus Disorders: I have nosebleeds

       Recurrent nosebleeds can be very bothersome but are often completely treatable. One common cause can be excessive dryness in the nose during winter. Home treatment includes improving the humidity in your environment, inhaling some steam through a face cloth, or using a nasal spray of a salt water solution. A persistent nosebleed, particularly if it involves only one nostril, should be assessed and treated. Treatment may simply involve a cauterization procedure in the office.  Nosebleeds can also be a sign of nasal septal deviation, sinusitis, and even cancer.

Nasal & Sinus Disorders: My nose is crooked

       A deformity of the nose is the result of either an injury in adulthood or in childhood. Some individuals might not even recall the injury, suggesting that such an injury occurred when the individual was a toddler and had an injury to the nose when it was soft and delicate. Not only does a twisted nose not function properly, giving obstruction of breathing at night, but also its appearance can be unsatisfactory. This problem can be corrected with surgery performed on an out-patient basis.