Nose Problems

Top Five Nose Problems

Since the human’s sense of taste is greatly affected by our sense of smell, when nose problems exist we are likely to not eat the foods that we should. While it may seem odd to associate eating with smelling, it does make “sense” that the “scents” we encounter can help us eat healthier by fixing problems we may have with our noses.

The respiratory system begins, in part, with the nose. Air can be breathed in or out of this passageway from the outside world to the inner workings of the human body through what is called an airway. The nose also provides a protective barrier from outside airborne influences that could harm us, using a few different clever “barricades”. The first of these are the hairs within the nose; small yet plentiful, these hairs serve to trap larger particles that are present in the air that we breathe. Next, mucus is produced by the system to trap other particles that are too small to be ensnared in the nose hairs. Finally, the body’s response to rid the body of these elements that have managed to get into the nose is to sneeze; an explosive exhalation of air through the nose designed to catapult these irritants out before they make their way further into the body.

The nose provides the perfect accompaniment to the respiratory system; a secondary airway as well as a means to block and eliminate irritating substances from invading the body. Perfect, that is, unless some type of nose problem interrupts this natural synergy; causing any number of issues. There are certain problems that are more commonly seen with the nose; sinus, allergies, nosebleeds, breathing difficulties and deviated septum.

Sinuses. Called “paranasal” sinuses due to their proximity to the nasal cavities, these are sacs behind and within the facial bones that are normally filled with air. Tiny tunnel like orifices connect the sinuses to the nasal cavity. These tunnels can become blocked rather easily when the individual suffers from a cold or from an allergy attack. Blockages can develop into sinusitis, an inflammation of the paranasal sinus passages when mucus is unable to drain in the normal manner. Symptoms can include headache and a thick, greenish discharge from the nose.

Allergies. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly identifies a substance in the environment as being a threat to the body. With the allergic reaction comes a variety of symptoms, most of which affect the nose. Problems such as sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes and sinus infections are typically experienced.

Nosebleeds. Lining the interior of the nose are tiny blood vessels that provide blood to the nasal cavities. These blood vessels are just under a thin layer of skin and are easily ruptured. There are many causes for these ruptures that result in a nosebleed; dry air, sinusitis, allergies, colds, foreign objects in the nose, picking the nose, and irritants among others. Most nosebleeds stop on their own, but when a copious amount of blood is lost or if it is difficult to breathe, a doctor should be consulted.
Difficulty breathing. Most cases that involve breathing problems through the nose are associated with allergies, sinus or the deviated septum. Recurrent episodes of breathing issues should be more closely examined by a doctor.
Deviated septum. A thin wall called the septum separates the two nasal cavities. In about 80% of people, one side is smaller than the other, which is a deviation. When severely deviated, problems of nosebleeds, frequent sinus infections and breathing difficulty can be experienced. Surgery will be required to repair this problem.

The major issue with any of these nose problems is the symptoms they produce. Additionally, they affect our sense of taste, which can cause us to eat badly. Fixing the problems will help people to not only feel better, but eat better as well.