In the United States, more than 20 million people visit hospitals each year due to nose and sinus problems. Many of these visits are for treating nasal congestion and various sinus issues, which encompass infections, inflammations, pain, and pressure. Additionally, allergic rhinitis, nasal sores, and nosebleeds are also common conditions.
Healthcare providers can assist in treating numerous nose and sinus problems. However, the specific treatment plan depends on the underlying cause and its severity. Some cases require specialized care from otolaryngology (ENT) specialists (ear, nose, and throat doctors), allergists, or pulmonologists. Let's delve deeper into different types of nose and sinus problems, their symptoms, treatment methods, and more.
There is a wide variety of nose and sinus problems. We can classify these diseases based on the affected structures or symptoms. For example, sinusitis is a very common problem, referring to the inflammation of the cavities (sinuses) between the cheeks, forehead, and nose. Additionally, nose and sinus problems can be described according to their duration. Some problems are short - term (acute), such as sinusitis that occurs after a cold, while others are long - term (chronic).
People with allergic rhinitis may experience coughing, tearing, and sneezing when they inhale allergens. Common allergens include animal dander, dust, and pollen. If pollen is the cause of allergic rhinitis, it is sometimes also called hay fever or seasonal allergy. Other symptoms include:
Ear symptoms: A feeling of ear fullness.
Eye symptoms: Dark circles and puffiness under the eyes.
General symptoms: Fatigue, headache, and irritability.
Itching in other areas: Itching in the eyes, nose, mouth, skin, and throat.
Nasal symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose.
Throat symptoms: Sore throat.
Olfactory problems: Problems with the sense of smell.
Normally, the two nasal cavities are approximately equal in size. However, if the nasal septum (the bone and cartilage structure that separates each nasal cavity) deviates from the center, a deviated septum occurs. A deviated septum can cause various symptoms, such as:
Infection symptoms: Frequent sinus infections.
Abnormal breathing: Noisy breathing (especially in infants and young children).
Bleeding symptoms: Nosebleeds.
Change in breathing pattern: Mouth - breathing habit.
Difficulty in ventilation: Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils.
These are non - cancerous (benign) soft - tissue growths in the nasal cavity or sinuses. Generally, if the growths are not large enough to block the nasal cavity, they may not cause obvious symptoms. But patients may often suffer from sinusitis or feel like they have a cold. The possible symptoms of nasal polyps are as follows:
Sense of blockage: A feeling of a blockage in the nose.
Head symptoms: Headache.
Sensory abnormalities: Loss of smell or taste.
Pain symptoms: Pain.
Nasal symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose.
Other symptoms: Sneezing, snoring.
The medical term for nosebleeds is epistaxis. Anterior epistaxis is the most common type, and the only symptom is usually bleeding from one nostril. Nosebleeds can be caused by health conditions, medication use, nasal trauma, or they may occur spontaneously. Anterior epistaxis is generally not serious and is more common in children and the elderly. Posterior epistaxis, on the other hand, refers to bleeding in the back of the nose and throat. This type of bleeding starts from large blood vessels in the back of the nose near the throat. If the bleeding does not stop, posterior epistaxis can be severe and requires immediate medical attention.
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses. Acute sinusitis is usually caused by a cold and typically lasts four weeks or less. If the symptoms persist for three months or more, it may be chronic sinusitis. Sub - acute sinusitis has symptoms lasting from one to three months. The possible symptoms of sinusitis include:
Bad breath: Halitosis.
Cough symptoms: Worsening of cough at night.
Post - nasal drip: A feeling of fluid flowing down the back of the throat.
General discomfort: Fatigue or a general feeling of malaise.
Fever symptoms: Fever.
Olfactory problems: Loss of smell.
Facial symptoms: Pain, tenderness, and swelling behind the cheeks, eyes, forehead, and nose.
Nasal symptoms: Runny or stuffy nose.
Throat symptoms: Sore throat.
Tooth symptoms: Toothache.
The nose and sinuses generally protect the body from bacteria and other irritants. The sinuses are cavities within the face and skull that produce mucus. This mucus keeps the nose moist and traps bacteria and other small particles before they enter the lungs. The nose has two passages separated by the nasal septum, a band of bone and cartilage. The nasal cavity is a cavity behind the nose through which air flows. The inner wall of the nasal cavity has a membrane that secretes mucus, which humidifies and warms the air we breathe. There are various causes of nose or sinus problems, and the causes and risk factors usually depend on the specific underlying problem.
Pollen is one of the most common causes of allergic rhinitis. Pollen can come from flowers, grasses, ragweed, and trees. Some people may only develop allergic rhinitis symptoms to certain plants. Weather conditions usually affect the pollen count in the air. Hot, dry, and windy environments have more pollen in the air than cool, humid, and rainy places. Other allergens include animal dander, food, dust, and mold. When the body comes into contact with allergens, it reacts by releasing chemicals (histamines). The increase in these chemicals triggers the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Moreover, allergies are often hereditary. For example, if someone in your family is allergic to pollen, you are more likely to be allergic to pollen as well.
Some people are born with a deviated septum, while others develop it over time, sometimes as a result of nasal trauma or injury.
The exact cause of nasal polyps is still unknown. However, any factor that irritates or inflames the nasal cavity, such as allergies, asthma, or infections, may lead to these painless growths. Other risk factors for nasal polyps include allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, cystic fibrosis (which causes thick mucus to accumulate in body parts such as the intestines and lungs), and sensitivity to aspirin.
Some health problems, such as bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, or tumors, may cause frequent nosebleeds. If you often have nosebleeds, blood thinners may also be the culprit. In addition, the risk of nosebleeds increases if you: are exposed to extremely cold or dry air, blow your nose too hard, are irritated due to allergic rhinitis, colds, sneezing, or other sinus problems, have nasal trauma, have abnormal nasal structures (such as a deviated septum and nasal polyps), ingest chemical irritants or medications, pick your nose, need nasal intubation (to deliver oxygen through the nose), or use decongestant nasal sprays too frequently.
Viruses are the most common cause of sinus inflammation. For example, you may develop sinusitis after a cold has cleared up. Bacteria and fungi can also sometimes cause the sinuses to swell. Other risk factors include a weak immune system, allergic rhinitis, altitude changes (such as during flying or diving), cystic fibrosis, having young children who attend daycare, having health conditions that affect the cilia (hair - like structures that remove bacteria and debris from the respiratory tract), having large adenoids (tissue located between the back of the nose and the throat), smoking or being exposed to second - hand smoke, and having abnormal nasal structures (such as a deviated septum and nasal polyps).
Healthcare providers diagnose nose or sinus problems based on the patient's symptoms. They may use physical examinations, imaging, and other diagnostic tests to rule out other health conditions. The specific diagnostic process varies depending on the patient's symptoms and their severity. Some of the diagnostic tests that healthcare providers may use are as follows:
Allergy testing: Healthcare providers usually use skin tests to determine which allergens cause the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.
Ciliary function test: Checks the ability of cilia to clear bacteria and debris from the respiratory tract.
Complete blood count (CBC): This blood test can be used to diagnose allergic rhinitis or find the cause of nosebleeds.
CT scan: This imaging test can examine the structure of the nose and sinuses. Healthcare providers may also use a CT scan to check for nasal polyps in the sinuses.
IgE RAST test: This is a blood test to check the antibodies released by the body in response to allergens.
MRI: This imaging test can be used to check for fungal infections or tumors in the sinuses.
Nasal endoscopy: Healthcare providers insert a flexible tube (endoscope) with a camera at the end to examine the inside of the nasal cavity. They may take a small piece of tissue for analysis.
Partial thromboplastin time (PTT): Measures the time it takes for the blood to clot.
Prothrombin time (PT): Refers to the time it takes for plasma to clot.
Toxicology screening: Checks for the use of substances that may cause nosebleeds.
There is no single universal solution for nose and sinus problems. The treatment plan usually depends on the diagnosis and the severity of the symptoms. Some diseases only require self - care, while others may need medication or surgery.
Normally, allergic rhinitis can be treated by reducing exposure to allergens. Healthcare providers may also recommend over - the - counter (OTC) or prescription medications to relieve symptoms. Commonly used medications generally include anti - histamines, decongestants, and steroids, which are available in liquid, nasal spray, or pill forms. Other treatment methods include:
Allergy shots or sublingual tablets: Help the body build resistance to pollen.
Cromolyn sodium (nasal spray): Can prevent allergic reactions.
Eye drops: Relieve itchy and watery eyes.
Leukotriene inhibitors: Block leukotrienes, the chemicals produced by the body in response to allergens.
If you experience difficulty breathing, repeated infections, or other related symptoms, healthcare providers may prescribe anti - histamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays. These medications help open the nasal passages. If these medications do not relieve the symptoms, you may need surgery (septoplasty).
Treatment usually starts with non - invasive measures, such as using steroid liquids, pills, or sprays to shrink nasal polyps. Allergy medications may prevent the development of nasal polyps, and antibiotics help treat sinusitis caused by bacterial infections. If these methods do not work, healthcare providers may recommend surgical removal of the polyps.
Most nosebleeds are not serious. Usually, pressing the nostrils for at least 10 minutes can stop the bleeding. Make sure to lean forward to avoid swallowing blood. Gently pressing a cold compress on the bridge of the nose may also help. However, if nosebleeds occur: frequently without an obvious cause, last for more than 20 minutes, occur while taking blood thinners, or are the result of a broken nose or head injury, you should seek medical attention. When treating severe nosebleeds, healthcare providers may insert gauze or an inflatable balloon into the nostril. These devices apply pressure to the bleeding blood vessels. They may also need to perform a procedure to seal the blood vessels.
Normally, antibiotics are not necessary for treating acute sinusitis because viruses are the most common cause, and antibiotics can only treat bacterial infections. Instead, some medications that can help treat sinusitis include:
Anti - histamines: If allergic rhinitis is the cause of the infection, healthcare providers may prescribe anti - histamines.
Decongestants: These medications help reduce congestion, but they should be used with caution. Taking decongestants for more than a few days may cause "rebound congestion," which worsens the symptoms.
Pain relievers: Over - the - counter pain relievers such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be taken to relieve pain and tenderness.
The treatment of chronic sinusitis depends on various factors, such as symptoms and underlying causes, but it usually mainly involves medication. For example, steroid injections, nasal sprays, and pills can help relieve swelling. If medications do not relieve the symptoms, sinus surgery may be required.
Although it is not always possible to prevent nose and sinus problems, some measures can be taken to reduce the risk. Here are some ways to prevent common nose and sinus problems:
Get a flu vaccine once a year.
Rinse the nasal cavity with saline or use a nasal spray.
Actively manage underlying health conditions (such as allergic rhinitis and asthma).
Pay attention to stress reduction.
Keep the body well - hydrated.
Stop smoking, and if you haven't started, don't.
Use a humidifier to keep the indoor air moist.
Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Nose and sinus problems can generally be improved through home treatment, and complications usually do not occur. However, although rare, some complications may include:
Abscess: Accumulation of pus, leading to inflammation and swelling.
Meningitis: An infection of the membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord.
Nosebleeds: A deviated septum and nasal polyps can cause nosebleeds.
Orbital cellulitis: A skin infection near the eyes that may occur along with sinusitis.
Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that may be caused by sinusitis.
Sleep disorders: When a deviated septum causes mouth - breathing, it may exacerbate sleep disorders.
Nose and sinus problems are very common, and common types include allergic rhinitis, deviated septum, nosebleeds, etc. These problems may occur when allergens, bacteria, or irritants cause inflammation in the nasal cavity or sinuses. In addition, some people may develop nose and sinus problems due to structural issues. If the nasal and sinus symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider. They can assess the symptoms and use diagnostic tests to rule out other health conditions. Treatment methods usually include the use of medications such as anti - histamines, decongestants, and steroids. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
