Nose

Nose

Nasal Blockage/Sinus

Nasal blockage has many causes which include viral infections such as the common cold, bacterial sinusitis, allergies and sensitivity to irritants such as smoke and dust. These conditions may be treated with nasal sprays or medication. Anatomical abnormalities either genetic or caused by trauma to the nose can also lead to nasal blockage. Dr Shahidi will diagnose nasal conditions by examining the nose and will determine the appropriate treatment. A nasal endoscopy may be required where a special tube-like instrument equipped with lights and cameras is inserted into the nasal cavity. This will allow Dr Shahidi to look for any structural abnormalities which may be the cause of the nasal blockage or recurrent sinusitis.

Nasal Fracture

A broken nose or nasal fracture is a crack or break in a bone in the nose. This may be caused by a fall, motor vehicle accident, contact sport or fight. The symptoms of a nasal fracture include swelling and bruising around the nose and under the eyes, the nose may be crooked and there may be difficulty in breathing. Dr Shahidi will examine the nose to determine the appropriate treatment and this may include surgery to realign the broken bones.

Epistaxis or bleeding nose

There are two types of nose bleeds or epistaxis, from the front portion of nasal cavity (anterior) or the back portion of the nose (posterior). Most nose bleeds are anterior where tiny blood vessels in the nose break and bleeding occurs. The most common cause of nose bleeds is trauma such as picking the nose. Other causes include foreign bodies, blood thinning medicines, forceful nose blowing and very rarely a nasal tumour. Posterior nose bleeds are more serious as they are from an artery in the back of the nose and can cause blood to flow into the throat and into the stomach. This can cause choking and vomiting and is more common in the elderly. Excessive blood loss can be dangerous.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal Polyps are fleshy growths that line the nose or sinuses. Commonly they start to grow in both nostrils near the ethmoid sinuses that are located at the top of the inside of the nose, and then they progress into the nasal cavity. The symptoms of nasal polyps include a runny nose, a post-nasal drip, reduced or complete loss of the sense of smell, a feeling that the nose is permanently blocked and breathing through the mouth. Medications can help to relieve the symptoms of nasal polyps but can rarely eliminate them. Nasal steroid sprays may assist the nasal blockage or runny nose but once the treatment ceases those symptoms will return. Many patients will require surgery such as functional endoscopic sinus surgery to remove the polyps. Unfortunately the polyps will eventually re-grow in many of the patients. Dr Shahidi will examine the nose to determine the appropriate treatment and this may include surgery to remove the polyps.

Septal surgery (Septoplasty)

Dr Shahidi will examine the nose and if the consultation reveals nasal blockage, breathing concerns or sinus problems that are attributed to septal deviation he may suggest that a procedure called Septoplasty or septal reconstruction is performed in conjunction with other nasal surgeries. In Septoplasty the partition between the left side of the nose and the right side called the ‘septum’ is reconstructed. This procedure can be combined with Rhinoplasty to improve the shape, appearance and function of the nose.