Table of contents:
- Common nasal diseases and disorders
- 1. Nosebleeds
- 2. Smell disorders
- 3. Rhinitis
- 4. Colds
- 5. Flu (influenza)
- 6. Deviation of the septum
- 7. Nasal polyps
- 8. Sinusitis
- 9. Trauma to the nose
- 10. Septum hematoma
- 11. Upper respiratory tract infection (ARI)
- 12. Nasopharyngeal cancer
It is important to keep the nose healthy. Apart from channeling air in and out so you can breathe, the nose also plays many other important roles for health. For example, to filter foreign substances and smell the smell around. So when there is a problem with your nose, your whole body can be very irritated. What are the most common types of nasal diseases?
Common nasal diseases and disorders
The nose is one of the most important assets in the human body. His health must always be maintained so that he is not prone to adverse nasal problems.
Well, here is a list of the most common nasal diseases and disorders:
1. Nosebleeds
Nosebleeds are bleeding that occurs from within the walls of the nasal passages. This condition is very common. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an estimated 60% of people have had at least one nosebleed in their lifetime.
Bleeding from the nose occurs when the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the walls of the nasal passages are damaged. This damage is usually caused by dry air, nose picking, colds, and blowing your nose too hard.
2. Smell disorders
Other common diseases or disorders of the nose are loss of smell. This condition is usually divided into 2 types, namely hyposmia and anosmia.
Hyposmia is when your ability to smell decreases or decreases. You can't smell an object or objects as well as you normally do.
Unlike hyposmia, anosmia is a condition in which your sense of smell is completely lost. Your nose can't pick up any odors at all.
The condition of decreased sense of smell is usually caused by other disorders that also occur in the nose, such as nasal polyps, sinus infections, colds, or respiratory infections.
In addition, other health problems can also affect your sense of smell, ranging from hormonal imbalances, dental problems, exposure to certain chemicals, hypertension, and diabetes.
3. Rhinitis
Rhinitis is a disease of the nose characterized by a runny nose, sneezing, nasal congestion, and fatigue. This condition can be experienced by children and adults.
This condition is divided into 2 types, namely allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor). The triggers for allergic rhinitis can include allergens, such as animal dander and dust. Meanwhile, non-allergic rhinitis is usually caused by exposure to irritants and changes in weather, although until now the exact cause is not known.
4. Colds
The common cold is a nose disease that is common to all circles, regardless. Both men and women, young and old, almost all have experienced colds.
Colds are usually caused by rhinovirus infection. Cold symptoms usually appear 1-3 days after exposure to the virus. This virus can be spread through droplets of saliva that gush in the air when someone coughs, talks, or sneezes. Then, the rhinovirus enters the body of a healthy person through their mouth, eyes, or nose.
In addition to runny nose and congestion, cold symptoms can include sore throat, sneezing, low-grade fever, body aches, and headaches.
Colds are usually harmless, but sometimes they can also be a symptom of certain diseases.
5. Flu (influenza)
People often confuse the flu and the common cold. Both of these nasal diseases do cause similar symptoms, but they are both caused by different viruses.
Influenza or the common cold is caused by three types of flu viruses, namely influenza A, influenza B, and influenza C. If colds can occur at any time of the year, the spread of flu is usually more seasonal.
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly and can last for 7-10 days, but flu can be completely cured and not dangerous. However, some people who have low immune system may experience flu symptoms that are quite severe and may be life-threatening as a result of the complications.
Other types of flu are bird flu (H5N1, H7N9) and swine flu (H1N1).
6. Deviation of the septum
Septal deviation is a disorder in which the thin wall (septum) separating the left and right sides of the nose experiences structural abnormalities, such as being too bent. This condition can cause one of the nasal passages to become narrower, thus affecting the flow of air in and out.
As a result of the deviation of the septum, the nose is at risk for various disorders and diseases, ranging from obstruction (blockage), swelling, to difficulty breathing at night.
7. Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are tissue growths that occur on the walls of the nasal passages or sinuses. This tissue growth is sometimes harmless, but it is at risk of causing various diseases of the nose, such as recurrent infections, allergies, and even sinusitis.
The appearance of nasal polyps occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the nasal passages or sinuses. However, until now it is not certain what triggers the inflammation.
Some experts believe that the appearance of polyps may be related to the immune system in different people.
8. Sinusitis
Sinusistik is a nasal disease that occurs due to inflammation of the sinus cavities, which are the cavities around the nasal passages behind the facial bones which are filled with air.
Sinusitis symptoms can occur suddenly and last only a short time (usually 4 weeks). This sinusitis is usually called acute sinusitis. However, if the symptoms last a longer time, about 3 months and recur frequently, this is called chronic sinus.
Inflammation of the sinuses can be caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection. People with weakened immune systems, allergies, asthma, or structural blockages in the nose or sinuses are more likely to develop sinusitis.
If you have acute sinusitis, possible treatments include antibiotics, decongestants, steroid sprays, and anthistamines. However, if it does not work and sinus inflammation recurs even more frequently, the doctor may suggest sinusitis surgery.
9. Trauma to the nose
When you are hit or hit by the nose, you can experience trauma to the nose. This condition is not commonly associated with disease, but usually you will experience symptoms such as nosebleeds, bruises, and swelling of the nose.
Trauma to the nose usually causes changes in the shape of the nose, such as a broken septum or nasal bone. Damage to the nasal structure can be mild to severe.
10. Septum hematoma
Septum hematoma is a disorder in which there is a blood clot in the nasal septum. The clotted blood comes from the broken blood vessels, then builds up and gets stuck under the lining of the nasal wall.
This condition usually occurs after the nose has been traumatized, injured, or undergone a surgical procedure. Taking blood thinners also increases the risk of developing blood clots in the nasal septum.
Septal hematoma generally causes symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, fever, and pain in the nose.
11. Upper respiratory tract infection (ARI)
Upper respiratory tract infection (ARI) is an acute infection that attacks one component of the upper respiratory tract. Organs belonging to the upper respiratory system include the nose, sinuses, pharynx (throat), and larynx (voice box).
The cause of ARI is a virus or bacteria. The main viruses that cause ARI are rhinovirus and coronavirus.
Common symptoms of ARDs include a dry cough without phlegm, low-grade fever, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
12. Nasopharyngeal cancer
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a cancer that attacks the cavity at the back of the nose and behind the roof of the oral cavity, to the top of the pharynx (throat).
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common type of cancer in this area. SCC arises from the lining of the nasal tissue.
Recurrent nosebleeds are a common symptom of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This cancer can also cause the mucus that comes out always contains blood spots.
Treatment and treatment for a problematic nose will depend on what the main cause is. Usually, mild nasal disorders such as runny nose and nosebleeds can be treated on their own with home remedies.
However, if there are symptoms that interfere with daily activities, such as recurring nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, or unbearable pain, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Remember, when you begin to feel unnatural symptoms, no matter how light the condition, you should immediately visit a doctor to get proper treatment. It is also important to prevent disease by regularly treating the nose.