Pavel Dmitrievich Pryanikov, an otolaryngologist at Olympus Clinic, and Anastasia Nikolaevna Skuba, an otolaryngologist, told about the nose disease.
What's bothering you?
Let's figure out what are the diseases of the nose and the characteristic symptoms.
1. Rhinitis (runny nose)
Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity. There are several types:
Acute rhinitis is often caused by viral infections (for example, ARVI). Symptoms: nasal congestion, clear nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy nose, May occur in combination with headache and fever.
Allergic rhinitis is a reaction to allergens (pollen, dust, pet hair). The symptoms are similar to acute rhinitis, may be accompanied by itchy eyes and lacrimation.
Chronic rhinitis is a long—term inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It occurs due to irritating factors (smoke, chemicals) or anatomical features of nasal structures. Symptoms: constant nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge.
Drug—induced rhinitis is associated with prolonged use of vasoconstrictors on a regular basis. It is characterized by constant difficulty in nasal breathing, the need to use vasoconstrictors, and may be accompanied by transparent nasal discharge.
2. Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation of one or several paranasal sinuses at once.
Acute sinusitis — signs of the disease last up to four weeks. It often develops against the background of SARS. In acute sinusitis, the patient may complain of pain and pressure in the projection of the paranasal sinuses, nasal discharge, problems with nasal breathing, fever.
Chronic sinusitis — symptoms last for a long time. It can manifest itself as nasal congestion, headache, pressure in the projection of the paranasal sinuses, decreased sense of smell, discharge from the nasal cavity.
When you need to see a doctor: If you have facial pain, thick discharge, or an increase in body temperature, you need to see a doctor.
3. Polypous rhinosinusitis
Nasal cavity polyps are benign neoplasms.
Symptoms: difficulty in nasal breathing, decreased sense of smell or loss of it.
In case of polypous rhinosinusitis, you should consult an ENT doctor. The doctor will diagnose (CT scan, endoscopy of the nasal cavity), identify the cause of the disease, prescribe therapy or determine the need for surgery.
4. Nosebleeds
The causes of nosebleeds may be: dryness of the nasal cavity, vasodilation of the Kisselbach zone, mechanical injuries.
Bleeding mainly occurs from the Kisselbach plexus, a network of small blood vessels in the anterior part of the nasal septum. Such bleeding is stopped independently in two to three minutes.
Bleeding can usually be stopped on its own:
Sit up straight and tilt your head slightly forward to avoid blood flowing down your throat.
Press the nose wings tightly with your fingers for 10-15 minutes.
Apply cold to the bridge of the nose to constrict blood vessels.
When you need to see a doctor: If the bleeding does not stop or the blood flows down the back wall of the pharynx, you should go to a hospital.
What diseases can be cured at home?
Some nasal diseases can be treated at home, especially if they are at an early stage or occur in a mild form. If the duration of the disease is more than seven days, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
To alleviate the condition of diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses at home, you can use these methods:
Rinsing the nose with saline solutions (isotonic solution or sea water sprays)
Humidification of the indoor air
Plenty of warm drink and rest
Why do you need to be careful with nose drops?
With prolonged use of vasoconstrictors, addiction may develop and the opposite effect — drug-induced rhinitis. Vasoconstrictors constrict blood vessels, reducing swelling and congestion, but with their constant use, addiction occurs, there is a need for constant use of the drug. This can cause chronic swelling of the mucous membrane, which reduces the breathing space, which leads to difficulty breathing. In addition, drops can dry out the nasal mucosa, which increases the risk of bleeding.
Vasoconstrictors can be used for no more than 7 days.
If nasal congestion persists for a long time or is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult an otolaryngologist. Our specialists will conduct an examination and draw up a treatment plan that will eliminate not only the symptoms, but also the cause of the malaise.
In case of diseases of the ENT organs, the doctors of Olympus Clinics will diagnose, select conservative therapy, or determine the need and scope of surgical treatment.