Common Diseases of the Nose
Anosmia--
Loss of smell
Deviated Nasal Septum--
The nasal septum is the part of the nose that separates the two airways and the nostrils. A deviated septum is when there is a shift from the midline or center position. The septal deviation may be severe enough to obstruct the passage of air through the nostrils. This obstruction may predispose the patient to sinusitis, infection and epistaxis (nose bleeds).
Epistaxis (nosebleeds)--
The cause may be a trauma to the nose, but many times the nose bleeds because of nasal congestion due to a nasal allergy,sinus infection, or a cold that irritates and weakens the delicate nasal lining.
Nasal Airway Obstruction--
Blockage/obstruction of the flow of air through the nasal passages most commonly caused by nasal fracture, allergies, deviated nasal septum, nasal deformity and enlarged adenoid tissue.
Nasal Polyps--
A protruding growth from the mucous membrane most commonly caused by chronic infection and allergies.
Rhinitis--
An inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose. Commonly caused by
allergies
. Symptoms may include sudden attacks of sneezing, swelling of the nasal mucosa, watery discharge from the nose, itching, watering of the eyes.
Sinusitis--
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses near the nose. These infections usually occur after a cold or after an allergic inflammation. There are other possible conditions that can lead to sinusitis. These may include:
- abnormalities in the structure of the nose
- enlarged adenoids
- infections from a tooth
- trauma to the nose
foreign objects that are stuck in the nose
Symptoms may include:
- runny nose or cold symptoms that last longer than seven to 10 days
- complaints of drip in the throat from the nose
- headaches
- facial discomfort
- bad breath
- cough
- fever
Sinusitis may sometimes be diagnosed by sinus x-rays, however, a
CT scan
will give a more accurate diagnosis.
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