Nose

When the bone and cartilage dividing your nasal cavity is off-center or crooked, the condition is referred to as a deviated septum. If the deviation is serious enough, it can cause breathing difficulties and chronic sinus conditions that require treatment. Causes Most often, a deviated septum is a condition that occurs during birth or fetal development. In other cases, trauma or injury to the nose causes the displacement. This is frequently the result of a

The nose contains three pairs of turbinates (inferior, middle, and superior), elongated structures that are responsible for humidifying the air that moves through your nose while filtering dust and dirt. The lowest pair, the inferior turbinate, can cause obstruction of air when swollen, leading to breathing difficulties. Some patients benefit from a surgical procedure to reduce the size of the inferior turbinate. Inferior Turbinate Problems The inferior turbinate frequently changes size, growing larger when a

Causes Commonly referred to as a broken nose, a nasal fracture is a break or crack in the bone in your nose. Contact with a fixed object, such as a door or wall can cause a break. Contact sports (like hockey and football) and motor vehicle accidents are common causes of a broken nose. Symptoms Pain when touched, swelling of the nose, and bleeding from the nose are common symptoms of a nasal fracture. If

Nasal polyps are benign growths that occur on the mucosal lining of the nasal passages. They are typically small and though noncancerous can still cause obstructions of the sinuses, leading to congestion, breathing problems and sinus infections. Signs & Symptoms of Nasal Polyps Some nasal polyps are tiny and cause few problems. Others produce symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, sneezing, loss of smell and taste, postnasal drip, headache, sinus pain, and pressure, and snoring.

The human body contains three pairs of turbinates – long, curled nasal bones that warm and humidify inhaled air and regulate breathing through the nasal passages. The turbinates are classified as inferior, middle, and superior and all are divided by the septum. When they become swollen and enlarged, they can interfere with breathing. Treating Swollen Turbinates The turbinates are crucial in allowing us to breathe properly. Allergies, viral infections, exposure to environmental irritants and a

Loss of smell, known medically as anosmia, is an inability to perceive odors. It can be partial or complete and, while rarely the symptom of a serious condition, can still cause misery for those suffering from its effects. It is usually temporary, the result of a cold or upper respiratory infection, but in some cases – especially those involving the elderly – the loss of smell may be permanent and a sign of a serious

Nasal obstructions are blockages of the nasal cavity that impede airflow in and out of the nose. Either one or both nostrils may be affected. Most nasal obstructions are temporary, caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, or medications, while others require medical intervention. Types of Nasal Obstruction There are several different types of nasal obstruction. These include: Deviated nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall-like structure that divides the left and right nostrils. A

Though common and sometimes frightening, nosebleeds are rarely anything more than a nuisance. They are usually the result of minor irritations in the nasal passages, and most common in children younger than 10, or adults older than 50. Causes When the membranes lining the inside of the nose dry out and become irritated, the blood vessels break, causing a nosebleed. These are more common in the winter months, when the air is cold and dry.