What is a nose bleed?
Nose bleeds or epistaxis is common occurrence in children and the elderly but can happen at any age. The bleeding originates from the tissue lining the inside of the nose, which contains very thin blood vessels that are prone to bleeding, especially when exposed to trauma or dry weather conditions.

In children, the most common cause is ‘nose picking’, while in adults, dryness and crustations which are aggravated by hot, dry weather are the leading factors. Other potential causes encompass nose and face injuries ,nasal or sinus infections, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, liver issues ,blood thinning medications, nasal cancers. Other causes include injury to nose or face, nasal or sinus infections, high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, liver disorders, blood thinners, nasal cancers and rarely blood related cancers also manifest as nose bleeds.

Dr ENT Recommends following during a nose bleed
? Pinch the nose with your thumb and index finger for about 3 -5 minutes while breathing from mouth.
? Sit the patient leaning forward over basin to spit out any blood while breathing quietly through the mouth
? Apply ice compresses to the nose and forehead to help stop bleeding
If bleeding persists it is crucial to seek immediate medical help from ENT Specialist or an urgent care facility.

Sinuses are empty spaces in the head located around the nose and forehead. They play an important role in moistening inhaled air, reducing head weight, and enhancing speech resonance. Sinuses can become infected, usually following a common cold or FLU, which can block and cause inflammation of their inner lining, known as sinusitis. Other causes of sinusitis include allergies, dental infections, and autoimmune diseases.

Sinusitis typically causes symptoms like a blocked or stuffy nose, sinus headaches, pain around the nose, eyes, and forehead, swelling of the face and cheeks, and thick nasal discharge, sputum in back of throat with a chronic cough. Diagnosis involves using an endoscope (a small, lighted instrument) to examine the nose, and imaging may be necessary.

Dr ENT Recommends urgent evaluation of sinuses by an ENT specialist. Without proper investigation and treatment, the infection can spread to the eyes or brain or lead to chronic sinusitis, which may require surgery if left untreated.

Nasal blockage is a very common complaint in patients seen by ENT doctors worldwide.
Our nasal cavity is divided into two equal air passages by the nasal septum. Any deviation in the septum, whether by birth or due to a nasal injury, can result in a bent septum, leading to partial or complete nasal blockage. Other causes of nasal blockage include nasal allergies, nasal polyps, sinus infections, inflammation or enlargement of the turbinates, adenoid enlargement, and nasal tumours.

It affects the quality of life and may lead to sleep disordered breathing and rarely sleep apnoea. Moreover lack of sleep overall disturbes quality of life.

Dr ENT Recommends a proper evaluation by an ENT specialist, which may include diagnosis using an endoscope (camera) or imaging (X-ray/Scan).

Nasal allergy, also known as allergic rhinitis, is the inflammation of the inner lining of the nose caused by allergens such as pollen, dust, mould, perfumes, cold air, smoke, or skin flakes /dander from certain animals.

Nasal allergies occur when the immune system reacts to these external allergens(pollen, dust, mould, perfumes, cold air, smoke, or skin flakes /dander), releasing various chemicals which cause swelling of the inner nose lining (the mucous membranes), sneezing, and excessive mucus production.

There are two types of nasal allergies: Seasonal, which appears during specific seasons like spring and autumn, and Perennial, where in symptoms persist throughout the year.

Nasal allergies commonly present with symptoms like frequent sneezing (10-20 sneezes at a time) usually early mornings, nasal congestion, watery nasal discharge, itching in the eyes, nose, and the back of the throat. It may also be accompanied by cough, as many patients with nasal allergies also have asthma.

Dr ENT Recommends a proper assessment & evaluation by an ENT Specialist, along with blood tests and allergy testing to identify the specific allergen. Treatment options, including Intranasal Sprays, antihistamines and immunotherapy which can significantly improve your quality of life.

Nasal polyps are soft, painless protusions or growths that are found in the nose and sinuses. They are non-cancerous ,grape like, soft but firm and originate from the inner lining of the nose and sinuses, often fill the nasal passages. Nasal polyps are found in patients who experience severe and prolonged nasal allergies.

Symptoms of nasal polyps include complete nasal blockage, nasal discharge, headaches, loss of smell or taste, a stuffy or runny nose, nasal bleeds, post-nasal drip, a constant urge to clear the throat, and pressure or pain in the nose, face, or upper teeth.

Dr ENT Recommends urgent diagnosis of polyps because if left untreated, these polyps can reach deeper into sinuses and completely block them, causing sinusitis like picture, heaviness in head, sleep disturbances and loss of smell and taste. Diagnosis involves using an endoscope (a small, lighted instrument) to examine the nose and, if necessary, imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans.

Headaches often serve as the initial symptom in various Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) disorders. This occurrence stems from the fact that the nerves responsible for ear, nose, and throat sensations also extend deeper into the face and head. The most frequent reason behind these headaches is sinusitis, commonly referred to as a “sinus headache”. Following closely is "migraneous vertigo" or vestibular migraine, which not only brings a headache but also dizziness, balance issues, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. Additionally, ear infections, mastoid infections, and tonsil infections can trigger headaches.

Conditions like nasal polyps, nasal tumours, and ear tumours are known headache inducers. Headaches of ENT origin typically manifest as pain and pressure around the eyes, across the cheeks, forehead, along with symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, dizziness, and nasal blockage.

The other medical causes of headache include high blood pressure, Tension Headache, Cluster Headache, Migraine, Hormonal Headache and Eye related issues

Dr ENT emphasizes the importance of recognizing chronic headaches unresponsive to over the counter medications, as they may serve as early warning sign of underlying serious conditions like nasopharyngeal, nasal , ear or brain tumours, as these conditions can potentially worsen over time Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are strongly recommended in such situations.

Snoring is the result of the air flowing through blocked or over-relaxed nose and throat tissues, creating a hoarse or harsh sound as we breathe. Furthermore, snoring can be a disruptive issue not only for the individual but also for their partner and the entire family.

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a condition characterized by upper airway dysfunction during sleep. This condition involves mouth breathing and snoring, increased respiratory effort, and frequent awakenings, all of these can significantly impact the quality of sleep. At the severe end of the spectrum is 'obstructive sleep apnoea' (OSA), a condition that demands attention due to its serious health implications.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is defined by pauses in breathing during sleep, often accompanied by snoring, mouth breathing, and occasional gasping. These interruptions can lead to a decrease in blood oxygen levels, posing significant health risks. In adults, obesity is the leading cause (accounting for 58%) of sleep apnoea, while in children, the most common cause is enlarged tonsils and adenoids.

Dr ENT Recommends a comprehensive evaluation, which includes an ENT examination, camera tests, and a sleep study. The results of these assessments will determine whether medical or surgical interventions are necessary.

Nasal fractures, commonly referred to as a broken nose, can result from direct or indirect forces applied to the nasal bone or cartilage. Such incidents often occur during falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or assaults. Beyond the immediate pain and discomfort, these fractures can alter one's facial appearance and lead to breathing difficulties. In some cases, there may even be an underlying head injury, making prompt medical attention crucial.

Dr ENT strongly Recommends treating a nasal fracture as an ENT emergency, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Immediate action is to seek medical assistance by rushing to Urgent Care or the nearest Emergency Room, or simply call for Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Your swift response could make all the difference in your recovery.

Loss of smell, medically termed anosmia, or the intriguing phenomenon known as smell blindness, manifests as the inability to perceive odors. This condition can manifest in varying degrees, from partial to complete, and may be either temporary or permanent.

It arises from a diverse array of causes, such as nasal polyps, nasal allergies, common colds, influenza, injuries to the olfactory nerves responsible for our sense of smell, brain trauma, nasal tumors and, most notably, as has been observed recently, in COVID-19 infections. The persistence of post-COVID anosmia remains a subject of ongoing concern, affecting numerous individuals within our communities.
It's important to note that there are also central or brain-related factors contributing to the loss of smell.

Dr ENT, a trusted authority in the field, underscores the necessity of a thorough ENT evaluation for diagnosis. This evaluation typically involves the use of an endoscope, a small and illuminated instrument equipped with a camera to inspect the nasal passages. Further smell test (UPSIT), imaging studies may be recommended when deemed necessary.

Nasal and sinus tumours or Sino-nasal tumors are enigmatic growths that manifest within and around the nasal cavity or within the sinuses and can present a complex medical challenge. These tumors may fall into two categories: benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Commonly, they find their roots in individuals who smoke, those exposed to workplace hazards such as wood dust, adhesives and paints industry, or those working with chromium or nickel. Other risk factors include alcohol consumption and exposure to sexually transmitted diseases, particularly the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Crucially, it's essential to recognize certain telltale symptoms, often referred to as 'red flags,' which warrant immediate attention. These symptoms encompass difficulty breathing through the nose, nosebleeds that persist for more than two weeks, facial swelling, especially in the cheeks and around the eyes, alterations in vision, the emergence of sores or lesions in the roof of the mouth, the presence of a neck lump, challenges in opening the mouth, shifts in voice quality, and unexplained weight loss.

Dr ENT Recommends urgent ENT consultation which can make a profound difference in the diagnosis and treatment of nasal and sinus tumors.