Otolaryngologists are specialists in head and neck regions. They diagnose and treat conditions affecting the areas following surgical and non-surgical measures. Primary care doctors may recommend Otolaryngology Newport Beach, CA service in certain situations affecting your nose, ear, throat, or struggling with sleep disorders. Even without a referral, you can see an otolaryngologist if you have recurring issues affecting your nose. Among the nose conditions that should prompt you to seek an otolaryngologist’s services include:
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an inflammation or infection of the air passages around your nose and forehead. The cavities help drain mucus, humidify and heat inhaled air, lighten the head’s weight, increase speech resonance, and cushion vital structures in case of facial trauma. When infected or inflamed, you experience symptoms like facial pain, headaches, nasal congestion, and runny nose. Acute sinusitis tends to resolve on its own and is often trigged by allergic attacks or colds. In chronic cases, it lasts longer and may only improve with treatments like balloon sinuplasty.
Deviated septum
The nasal septum (bone and cartilage) divides your nose in half. You could be born with a crooked nasal septum. Deviated septum could also result from an injury. When off-center, one nasal passage becomes smaller. This can be severe to the extent that breathing through the nose becomes difficult. You could also experience concerns like uncontrollable nosebleeds, chronic sinusitis, nasal congestion, snoring, and sleep apnea. In such instances, you need treatment like septoplasty, a corrective surgical procedure that offers long-term relief.
Nasal and paranasal tumors
Noncancerous (benign) or malignant (cancerous) nasal and paranasal growths cause many problems beyond their scary nature. They can lead to facial pain and swelling, difficulty breathing through the nose, loss of sense of smell, watery eyes, vision problems, nosebleeds, and discharge from the nose. Malignant tumors often require surgery and radiation therapy. Noncancerous growths are prevalent in individuals with asthma, sinus infection, and chronic allergies. Symptoms from such tumors can improve with effective underlying issues treatment and management.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis results from swelling or irritation of the mucous membrane in the nose. It is characterized by an itchy, runny, or blocked nose, sneezing, cough, itchy mouth roof, and red, watery, and itchy eyes. Rhinitis’ most common cause is allergy (allergic rhinitis), but at times the trigger could be an infection or unclear. Treatment includes decongestants, antihistamines, and in some cases, surgery like endoscopic sinus surgery, cryosurgery, radical, submucous, and total inferior turbinectomy.
Postnasal drip
Postnasal drip often results from the common cold, allergies, or structural concerns like a deviated septum. It is characterized by secretion from the nose draining into the throat. This causes cough and congestion. The treatments include symptom management measures such as nasal irrigation and addressing the underlying cause, which may include corrective surgery.
Nose conditions can take a toll on your overall wellness. The pain, nose breathing difficulties, and other unpleasant concerns can affect how you manage your days, including sleeping. An otolaryngologist can effectively diagnose and treat nose conditions to improve the quality of your life. Visit Alexis Furze, MD, FACS today for more on nose conditions and their treatment options.
