Nose and sinus disorders affect thousands of people every year and cause pain, breathing difficulties, fatigue, headache, and loss of smell, among other symptoms. Being one of the most common nose disorders in the world, sinusitis alone strikes about 37 million people.
There are multiple disorders related to the nose and sinus; some are treatable, some are not. However, you do not have to live with the discomfort as some treatments can ease these disorders. ENT specialists have their expertise in this area, and their skills help them to understand the problems well in order to diagnose and treat it.
Following are some of the most common nose and sinuses disorders:
- Cerebral spinal fluid leaks.
- Chronic sinusitis with polyps
- Chronic sinusitis without polyps.
- Deviated septums.
- Allergic rhinitis.
The explanation of the common disorders is:
1- Sinusitis
Sinusitis is one of the most common chronic nose conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. Its symptoms are long-term that include nasal obstruction, which is the difficulty of breathing through the nose, decreased sense of smell, nasal drainage, frequent sinus infections, and facial pressure. Moreover, respiratory problems and allergies, such as asthma, can also be linked with chronic sinusitis.
Due to similar symptoms, it is sometimes difficult for patients to explain what they are suffering from. They often confuse allergies with upper respiratory tract infection or a chronic sinus condition.
Only a trained ENT specialist can tell that symptoms and signs for each disease differ, and each diagnosis needs a unique treatment for it.
Treatments for such a nose disorder include decongestants, oral inflammatory inhibitors, anti-inflammatory nasal sprays, and systemic steroid medications. Medications can be required on a long-term basis, depending on the severity of the condition.
In severe cases, the doctor may have to perform a minor procedure through an endoscope placed through the nostril. This procedure is known as Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. It is minimally invasive and can be performed without any external cuts.
2- Nasal & Sinus Polyps
Nasal polyps are linked with sinusitis and transpire when the lining of the sinuses swell. Polyps are known to block the nasal airway, which can create difficulty in breathing. They can also block the natural drainage of the sinus cavities leading to infections. Usually, polyps occur due to an ongoing inflammatory process within the nose and sinuses.
Doctors need to diagnose it before recommending any treatment procedures. The most common treatment for this problem is first-line therapy. However, combinations of treatment can also be made to fit the needs of an individual, as not every treatment is best for everyone. There are also cases in which this condition may not get controlled by medications alone, and surgery may have to be performed. Nose disorder surgeries are accomplished through the procedure of endoscopy in a minimally invasive fashion.
After undergoing such surgeries, it is crucial that you maintain a medical treatment that can assure you never experience nose disorder symptoms again. Likewise, the nose and sinus cavities must be observed to prevent the return of the polyps. However, in some cases, polyps can return for various reasons. Therefore, complete care is needed to ensure this does not happen.
3- Smell and Taste Disorders
Disorders of smell and taste can have a significant impact on quality of life. About 2 million adults worldwide are assessed for smell and taste disorders every year, but it is believed many more cases go unregistered. 80% of the taste comes from olfactory or smell input. Therefore, loss of smell is commonly known as loss of taste too. Chronic rhinosinusitis, polyps, allergic rhinitis, neurological disorders, upper respiratory infection, trauma, and tumors can also cause smell and taste disorders. Doctors require a thorough history and physical exam with an endoscope to evaluate the cause of this disorder. Likewise, its treatment is also dependable on the nature of the issue and its severity.
4- Common Allergies
Common allergies can also trigger many nose disorders, particularly in the pollen season. People with such conditions may develop temporary flu that can last from a couple of hours to some days. However, these allergies do not create severe impacts, and some lifestyle and dietary changes can help control them.
If you want to know more information or get professional help, you can book an appointment with the best ENT specialists in Karachi through Marham.
