Common Nose Conditions

Common nose conditions

As with any other organ of the body, the nose is also very important for your health. Your nose filters the air you breathe by removing irritants, microbes, pollutants, and dust. The nose also helps in keeping the air warm and moist to help prevent the lungs and tubes from drying out. Any disease or condition, as simple as a cold that disturbs your nose can also make your whole body suffer. You may feel the effect ranging from loss of sense of smell, breathing difficulty, and disturbed sleep to feeling uncomfortable. The following is a list of common conditions that affect your nose.

Common Cold

It is an upper respiratory tract infection mostly caused by different types of viruses. The symptoms of common cold manifest after 48 hours may include runny nose, watery eyes, sore throat, stuffy nose, nasal congestion, sneezing and coughing, and sometimes, low-grade fever. The symptoms may last for 3 to 4 days.

Nasal Mass & Nasal Polyps

A Nasal Mass is an abnormal growth in one side or both sides of the nose. The growth can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant), which may be present at birth or develop later in life. Any abnormal growth found in the lining of the nose, which is grape-like is known as Nasal polyps. This could be the reason for recurrent nose infections and sinusitis in some people.

Rhinitis

The inner mucosal membrane of the nose is inflamed and swollen due to infection by either bacteria or viruses or due to allergies. Sneezing, nasal irritation, and runny nose are the common symptoms. Rhinitis can be due to allergy or non-allergic causes. Mostly viral infection or irritants can cause it. Chronic rhinitis and sinusitis can also occur together. Short-lived acute rhinitis can result from viral infections or due to other causes.

Sinusitis

This is often the most common reason for recurrent cold infections. Sinusitis is associated with inflamed and swollen sinuses due to fluid buildup in the nasal spaces. Blocked sinuses provide a lucrative and flourishing environment for microbes to grow and flourish. When microbes grow, they cause infection and disturbance in the flow of air inside the sinuses. If nasal congestion and purulent nasal discharge continue for up to three to four weeks with facial pain, pressure, nasal obstruction, and breathing difficulty, sinusitis is diagnosed.

 Allergies

Inflammation of the nose which is caused by allergens such as dust, pollen, and molds are known as an allergy. Allergens also cause the same symptoms as those caused by sinusitis. Blocked sinuses fail to drain mucus into the nasal passages as usual due to inflammation and fluid buildup – owing to allergy. Swollen and inflamed sinuses cause the typical symptoms associated with allergy – runny nose, watery eyes, inflammation, and swelling.

Deviated septum

The nose has a nasal septum – a bone and cartilage that separate the nasal cavity. When this nasal septum becomes off Centre, then the condition is known as a deviated septum. Deviated septum may cause nasal congestion – which in the long run may lead to some very serious health issues – such as breathing difficulties, sleep disturbances, and sleep apnea.

Adenoiditis Facts

Adenoids are mass of tissue located beside the nose and behind the roof of the mouth (higher up in the mouth). Adenoids trap harmful germs that move through the nose or mouth. They also produce antibodies and impart immunity to fight infections.

Adenoiditis

In addition to tonsils, these glands also filter out germs but are vulnerable to infection and inflammation –adenoiditis. Inflamed and enlarged adenoid can lead to recurrent respiratory tract infections and breathing difficulties. Adenoiditis is common in children – and also affects adults sometimes.

Bottom line

Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections, sneezing, cough, and sinusitis can be due to several causes and reasons – therefore, make an appointment with an ENT specialist to rule out any serious ENT issue.