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Common
Nose and Sinus Problems
What
causes a nosebleed?
The
nose can bleed for a variety of reasons:
- Allergies,
infections, or dryness can cause itching and lead
to picking of the nose.
- Vigorous
nose blowing can rupture superficial nasal blood vessels
in the elderly and the young.
- Clotting
disorders that run in families or are due to medications.
- Fractures
of the nose or the base of the skull can cause bleeding
and should be regarded seriously when the bleeding
follows a head injury.
- Although
rare, tumors (both malignant and nonmalignant) have
to be considered, particularly in the older patient
or in smokers.
What
can be done to stop a simple nosebleed?
First,
help the person stay calm, especially a young child.
A person who is agitated may bleed more than someone
who’s been reassured and supported. Then:
- Pinch
all the soft parts of the nose together between your
thumb and the side of your index finger or soak a
cotton ball with Afrin, Neo-Synephrine or Dura-Vent
spray and place this into the nostril.
- Press
firmly but gently with your thumb and the side of
your index finger toward the face, compressing the
pinched parts of the nose against the bones of the
face.
- Hold
that position for a full five minutes by the clock.
- Keep
the head higher than the level of the heart. Sit up
or lie back a little with the head elevated.
- Apply
ice – crushed in a plastic bag or washcloth –
to nose and cheeks.
Sinuses
What
are sinuses?
Sinuses
are openings in the bones around your nose. Four pairs
of sinuses are connected to the nose by small openings.
These sinuses are located behind the cheekbones, alongside
your nose, and above your eyebrows.
What
do the sinuses do?
Humans produce one liter of fluid per day that cleanse
the passageways and provide necessary moisture to the
lining of each sinus. Tiny little hairs, called cilia,
line the sinus membranes and flush the fluid through
in a constant carwash-like motion. Under normal conditions,
air passes in and out of the sinuses and mucous fluid
drains from the sinuses into the nose.
What
is sinusitis?
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinus cavities
located on either side of your nose, and between and
above your eyes. Inflammation occurs when there is an
undrained collection of pus or mucus in one or more
of the sinuses. Mucus production increases during inflammation
resulting in a drippy, runny nose. This drainage thickens
over time. If this mucus cannot drain out of the sinus
due to a blockage, bacteria will grow and an infection
occurs. This infected sinus is what produces the symptoms
of sinusitis.
What
does sinus surgery accomplish?
The surgery enlarges the natural opening to the sinuses.
Additionally, the procedure should leave as many cilia
(tiny little hairs in the sinus), in place as possible.
Endoscopic sinus surgery is particularly successful
in removing areas of obstruction and allowing the normal
flow of mucus.
Allergies
- See Allergy
and Allergies
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