Your nose is one of the primary parts of your respiratory system and plays a role in filtering, warming, and moistening the air you breathe. It’s also the passage to many important structures, such as the sinuses, septum, and turbinates. Problems with your nose can affect multiple aspects of your health and well-being. Here are some of the most common nasal health conditions and how they can be treated:
1. Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is an allergic reaction to substances in the air. These substances may include pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust mites. This nasal health condition often leads to a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and a reduced sense of smell. A healthcare professional can help you identify your allergy triggers and advise on how to avoid them. You may also be prescribed medications to treat symptoms, such as nasal steroid sprays, oral antihistamines, or nasal antihistamine sprays.
2. Deviated Septum
The septum is a structure inside your nose that is made up of cartilage and bone. The septum typically runs along the middle of your nose, separating your left and right nostrils. A septum can be off-center or crooked from birth or after an injury. This is called a deviated septum, and it is a common nasal health condition. Deviated septums can cause breathing problems and nasal congestion. The most effective treatments for this condition are surgical procedures, such as a septoplasty or rhinoplasty, to improve breathing through the nose.
3. Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are small, soft, non-cancerous growths that can form in the nose and sinuses. They can block the sinuses and cause symptoms similar to sinus infections, such as congestion, sinus pressure and pain, decreased smell, and postnasal drip. Nasal polyps are often associated with chronic sinusitis but can also be associated with other inflammatory diseases such as allergies and asthma. Rarely, nasal polyps can be a sign of an autoimmune or genetic disorder, such as cystic fibrosis. If polyps are severe, surgery may be necessary to remove them.
4. Sinusitis
Another one of the most common nasal health conditions is sinusitis, or sinus infection. Acute sinusitis is most often caused by viral infections, but it can also be bacterial or fungal. This type of sinusitis lasts less than 4 weeks. Symptoms may include congestion, discolored nasal drainage, fatigue, sinus pressure and facial discomfort, decreased sense of smell, and fever. Viral acute sinusitis will run its course with over-the-counter or prescription treatments to ease symptoms. For bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics may be prescribed, but it will often resolve itself without treatment. Fungal sinusitis often requires antifungals. Chronic sinusitis is a type of sinusitis with symptoms that last 12 or more weeks and can have the same symptoms as acute sinusitis.
5. Loss of Smell
Special cells high in the roof of your nose receive smells and send a signal to your brain through the olfactory nerve. If you have issues with your sense of smell, you likely also have impaired taste. Loss of smell is a common nasal health condition and can have a number of causes, including physical obstructions such as inflammation, deviated septum, or growths. Neurodegenerative diseases can also cause loss of smell. The way to treat loss of smell depends on its cause. You should seek medical attention to receive a diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
6. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds, or epistaxis, are caused by a blood vessel in the nose breaking. Most nosebleeds are not severe and often stop on their own. This common nasal health condition can have many causes, such as trauma, medications, surgery, tumors, and environmental factors like dry air. To treat a nosebleed, it’s often recommended to apply direct pressure with your head tilted forward for about 10 minutes until the bleeding stops. Other treatment options may include nasal sprays or in-office procedures such as packing and cautery. In severe cases, embolization or surgery may be necessary.
Prescription Nasal Rinses from Midtown Express Pharmacy
Here at Midtown Express Pharmacy, we understand how your nasal health can impact your overall health and well-being. That’s why we offer prescription nasal rinses to help relieve your symptoms and treat your conditions. Types of nasal rinses we can provide include steroids, antibiotics, and antifungals. Reach out to us today to learn more about these and other options to treat your nasal health conditions.
