NASAL OBSTRUCTION |
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General Information
DEFINITION--Nasal passageways that are blocked by an anatomic abnormality or disease. Nasal obstruction can force mouth-breathing and decrease athletic endurance and performance.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Obstruction of air through the nose.
Crooked nose (with deviated septum, sometimes).
Impaired sense of smell.
Nasal discharge.
Facial pain (sometimes).
Headaches (sometimes).
Frequent sneezing.
Wheezing (sometimes) with allergic rhinitis.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Deviated nasal septum.
Previous nose injury.
Nasal polyps.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis), especially during spring and fall when the pollen count is highest.
Nasal infections (common cold and other infections).
Sinusitis or chronic nasal infection.
Smoking.
HOW TO PREVENTMost forms of obstruction cannot be prevented. To minimize obstruction caused by allergic reactions:
Obtain medical treatment for underlying allergies with desensitization procedures.
Install an air-purification unit in your home's heating and air-conditioning system.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
X-rays of the face.
Allergy skin tests.
SURGERYOften necessary to correct a deviated nasal septum or to remove nasal polyps.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESS
Nasal polyps and deviated septum are usually curable with surgery.
Other causes of obstruction usually can be controlled with treatment.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Hampered athletic performance.
Recurrent nosebleeds.
Sleeping difficulty and chronic fatigue.
Sinus infections.
Middle-ear infections.
Repeated nasal infections.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENT
Doctor's care for desensitization procedures for allergic disorders.
Surgery for deviated septum and polyps.
HOME TREATMENTFor allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps, eliminate as many allergens in your environment as possible. Prepare your bedroom as follows:
Empty the room of furniture, rugs or carpet, and drapes or curtains.
Clean the walls, woodwork and floors with a damp mop. Wax the floor.
Take the mattress and box springs outside and vacuum or clean them. Cover the box springs, mattress and pillows with plastic covers.
Use only rugs that can be washed weekly.
Use bedclothes that can be washed often, such as cotton sheets, washable mattress pads and synthetic fiber blankets. Don't use chenille bedspreads, quilts or comforters.
Use wood or plastic chairs--not stuffed chairs. Use plastic curtains, if possible. Dust them daily.
Keep windows and doors closed.
Don't handle objects that are very dusty, such as books, stored clothing or stuffed toys.
Remove all pets (except fish) from the house.
MEDICATION
To reduce the body's allergic response, your doctor may prescribe: antihistamines; decongestants; corticosteroid eye drops or nasal spray; corticosteroid tablets (severe cases only); or cromolyn nasal spray. These medications relieve symptoms, but they don't cure hay fever.
Densensitization injections may be helpful for known allergens.
If surgery is necessary, your doctor may prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to prevent or treat post-surgical infection.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions except those imposed by the obstruction.
DIETNo special diet.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have severe symptoms of nasal obstruction that are interfering with your normal activities, including sports performance.
You have allergies and develop signs of infection, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, or thick, discolored nasal discharge.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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