Nose or Nasal Conditions
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis or hay fever is the immune system’s allergic response to specific allergens that causes sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes. Common causes of allergic reaction are pollens, dust, skin flakes or hair of certain animals, and moulds. Severe conditions may be eased by taking antihistamines and use of nasal sprays. Other longer-term solution may be immuno-therapy. While symptoms may not be serious, chronic rhinitis can lead to complications like sinusitis and ear infections, among others.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation or infection of the nasal passages or the air filled spaces in the face usually due to the build up of fluid. Common symptoms are blocked or congested nose, runny nose, headache, facial pain and swelling particularly around the eyes. Depending on the underlying cause and severity, treatment may include warm compress, nasal irrigation and decongestants, drinking plenty of water as well as doctor prescribed antibiotics for bacterial infections.
Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Snoring is the noisy breathing coming from nose and/or mouth due to some obstruction while sleeping. While the immediate impact is on the sleeping partner and other household members, snoring can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a chronic pause in breathing while sleeping that can cause heart problems. Further evaluation and testing such as sleep study may be required to diagnose this. The usual treament for sleep apnea is the use of a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine.
Other common nose problems
Nasal polyps, post nasal drip, epistaxis (nose bleeding), nasal obstruction, nasal beathing difficulties.