Nose Disorders
Nasal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis)
Nasal allergies are usually due to environmental factors as well as exposure. Symptoms include runny nose, itching in the nose, as well as nasal stuffiness. After examination of the nasal anatomy, allergy testing can further help diagnose the sources of irritation. Treatment usually includes nasal sprays, antihistamines, or allergy shots.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis usually refers to infection of the sinuses. The typical symptoms include headaches, fever, and drainage of pus from the nasal passages, as well as postnasal dripping and difficulty with breathing. Treatment of the acute symptoms includes antibiotics, and nasal irrigation, as well as decongestants. For patients with chronic symptoms, endoscopic sinus surgery may play a role in reducing the predisposition for future infections. Dr. Namdar is also trained in balloon sinuplasty, which is a new minimally invasive technique for opening of the sinus passages.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are thought to be due to ongoing irritation and inflammation of the nasal passages. They may fluctuate in size and further contribute to nasal obstruction. Nasal decongestants and nasal steroids are the usual first line treatment for this problem. In the long-term, some patients may benefit from removal of the polyps to further open the nasal passages.
Nose Bleed (Epistaxis)
Nosebleeds refer to any type of bleeding from the nasal passages. More people are prone to this problem during the winter months where the temperatures are down and the humidity is low. Preventive measures include having a humidifier in the bedroom for the duration of the night, as well as application of nasal lubricants. Patients with active nosebleed are encouraged to contact the office immediately for an evaluation and control of the bleeding.
Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is the vertical structure that is supposed to separate the left and right sides of our nose. It is supposed to provide a conduit for the air to flow all the way through the nose to the throat and into the lungs. Ideally, it should be thin and straight, so not to provide any obstruction. However, many patients suffer from a deviated septum. Basically, the bony and cartilaginous parts of the septum might curve, blocking one or both sides of the nose. While medical therapy might be successful in alleviating obstruction from the membranes, a deviated septum will not respond to any medicines and only way to fix the problem, if indicted, is to have it surgically realigned. For more on the role of the septum read our blog.
