Nose Conditions
Dr Pieter Naudé specialises in a variety of nose conditions, including sinus problems, allergies, nose bleeds, nasal polyps and snoring. There is a variety of nose conditions that patients may suffer from, and Dr Pieter Naudé works with patients young and old.
Sinus Problems
Your sinuses are cavities in the bones of your face surrounding your nose. These sinuses are lined with the same mucosa that lines the inside of your nose, and produces the same type of mucus as well. The mucus normally drains though small openings into your nose and is swallowed without us even knowing about it.
A cold or a flu can cause these openings to swell up and block. The mucus that is is then trapped in the sinuses can become infected as well and this will be called a sinus infection, or acute sinusitis. Treatment for this is not only based on antibiotics to treat the infection, but also on medicine and sinus rinses that can improve the drainage of the mucus and restore the sinus function back to normal again.
If you have a longstanding problem with your sinuses not draining properly it is called chronic sinusitis. Here complaints will be a constant blocked or runny nose, post-nasal drip, sinus headaches and reduced sense of smell. The reason for the reduced draining of your sinuses can be because of allergies, longstanding infections or if the anatomy of your nose makes it difficult for the sinuses to drain normally. Treatment is aimed at the underlying cause, whether with medicines and nose sprays or with a sinus operation.
Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds, also called epistaxis, can affect patients in all age groups, but are most commonly found among children and elderly individuals. This occurs when a fragile blood vessel in the nose gets damaged, either from an injury or infection. The most common cause for nosebleeds in children is nose picking. If you suffer from repeated nosebleeds, it may be a good idea to make an appointment with an ENT specialist to assess your specific issue.
If you have a nosebleed at home, sit down with your head tilted forward and pinch the bottom, soft part of your nose for a few minutes. Relax and breathe through your mouth, while spitting out any blood that runs into your mouth. Slowly release your pinch after a while. If the bleeding persists or starts again it is best to go to your nearest hospital or seek medical help.
There is a variety of treatment options available to treat nosebleeds and it will largely depend on the cause of your particular nosebleed. If you have a severe nosebleed it may be necessary to put a special ‘pack’ or plug in your nose to help stop the bleeding.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are small growths that can be found in the nose or sinuses. This is seen as the extreme form of chronic sinusitis. They are normally treated with medicines, but they usually block normal drainage from sinuses, leading to the sinuses becoming infected. In this case they need to be surgically removed with a sinus operation.
Some of the symptoms of chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps include:
- Facial pain
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Postnasal drip>
- oss of taste or smell
- Nasal congestion
Allergies
Allergic problems are common conditions that affect millions of people around the world. It is especially common in childhood and adolescence and can have a negative impact on the physical and social well-being of these individuals.
Allergies of the lung is called asthma, allergies of the skin is called eczema and allergies of the nose is called allergic rhinitis. Some people have all of these conditions and can have a poor quality of life if they are not treated to get the allergies under control.
Allergies of the nose (allergic rhinitis) are caused by things that can be inhaled. House dust mite, grass or tree pollen and cat hair are the main causes. The symptoms of allergic nose conditions are caused by the body’s reaction to these particles and inlcude:
- Sneezing
- Watery, runny nose
- Blocked nose
- Itchy eyes and nose
If you suffer from these symptoms, it is best to consult an ENT specialist like dr Pieter Naudé who will do a thorough examination and maybe some special tests to help diagnose your problem. Treatment is mostly medical, relying on topical steroid nose sprays and anti-histamines.
Snoring
It is estimated that almost half of all adults snore at least occasionally, with about 25 percent being regular snorers. Snoring may be severe enough to cause significant obstruction in breathing. This is called apnoea, and can have a negative impact on your work and quality of life. You will have symptoms like excessive sleepiness in the daytime, decreased enery levels, waking up tired and headches, especially in the morning. Snoring and apnoea are closely linked to your weight, and the first step to treating any snoring is to make sure you are not overweight.
The is no real instant cure for snoring, but it is important to visit an ENT specialist who can assess your situation and see if anything can be done to improve it.
Chronic snoring in children should also be seen by an ENT specialist as it may indicate enlarged tonsils and adenoids. This is the most common reason why children snore.
More information about Snoring in paediatric patients.
For more information about the various nose conditions, contact Dr Pieter Naudétoday for expert medical advice.