The nose and nasal sinuses (see SINUS) produce up to a litre of MUCUS in 24 hours, most of which enters the stomach via the NASOPHARYNX. Changes in the nasal lining mucosa occur in response to changes in humidity and atmospheric temperature; these may cause severe congestion, as might an allergic reaction or nasal polyp.
Treatment Topical nasal decongestants include sodium chloride drops and corticosteroid nasal drops (for polyps). For commoncold-induced congestion, vapour inhalants, decongestant sprays and nasal drops, including EPHEDRINE drops, are helpful. Overuse of decongestants, however, can produce a rebound congestion, requiring more treatment and further congestion, a tiresome vicious circle. Allergic RHINITIS (in?ammation of the nasal mucosa) usually responds to ipratropium bromide spray.
Systemic nasal decongestants given by mouth are not always as e?ective as topical administrations but they do not cause rebound congestion. Pseudoephedrine hydrochoride is available over the counter, and most common-cold medicines contain anticongestant substances.... nasal congestion
Drugs which relieve nasal congestion and stu?ness. They may be given orally or by nasal spray, and most are SYMPATHOMIMETIC DRUGS which cause vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa. Too frequent use reduces their e?ectiveness, and there is a danger of ‘rebound’ worsening if they are used for more than 10–14 days. A safer option for babies is simple sodium chloride drops. Warm moist air is also a traditional e?ective decongestant.... decongestants
Drugs that are used to relieve nasal congestion commonly in people with upper respiratory tract infections.
They work by narrowing blood vessels in the membranes lining the nose.
This action reduces swelling, inflammation, and the amount of mucus produced by the lining.
Common drugs include ephedrine, oxymetazoline, and phenylephrine.
Small amounts of these drugs are present in many over-thecounter cold remedies.
Taken by mouth, decongestant drugs may cause tremor and palpitations.
Adverse effects are unlikely with nose drops, but if taken for several days they become ineffective and symptoms may then recur or worsen despite continued treatment.... decongestant drugs
The emission of fluid from the nose. Nasal discharge is commonly caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose and is often accompanied by nasal congestion. A discharge of mucus may indicate allergic rhinitis, a cold, or an infection that has spread from the sinuses (see sinusitis). A persistent runny discharge may be an early indication of a tumour (see nasopharynx, cancer of).
Bleeding from the nose (see nosebleed) is usually caused by injury or a foreign body in the nose.
A discharge of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose may follow a fracture at the base of the skull.... nasal discharge
Blockage of the nasal passage on 1 or both sides of the nose.
The most common cause of nasal obstruction is inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the passage (see nasal congestion).
Other causes include deviation of the nasal septum, nasal polyps, a haematoma (a collection of clotted blood) usually caused by injury, and, rarely, a cancerous tumour.
In children, enlargement of the adenoids is the most common cause of nasal obstruction.... nasal obstruction
The dividing partition inside the nose. The nasal septum consists of cartilage at the front and bone at the rear, both of which are covered by mucous membrane.
Disorders include a deviated septum (twisting of the septum to one side), which may be present from birth or caused by injury. Surgery may be needed if breathing is obstructed.
Injury may also cause a haematoma (a collection of clotted blood) to form between the cartilage of the septum and the wall of one nasal cavity. A haematoma may obstruct breathing and may become infected, causing an abscess that could require surgical drainage.
Rarely, a hole may be eroded in the nasal septum by tuberculosis, syphilis, Wegener’s granulomatosis, or as a result of sniffing cocaine.... nasal septum
a fixation device to prevent patients pulling out *nasogastric (NG) tubes. Two tiny catheter-mounted magnets are inserted either side of the nasal septum to meet in the nasopharyngeal space. This leaves tapes exiting from each nostril. A clip then secures the tapes and NG tube together.... nasal bridle
the space inside the nose that lies between the floor of the cranium and the roof of the mouth. It is divided into two halves by a septum: each half communicates with the outside via the nostrils and with the nasopharynx through the posterior nares.... nasal cavity
(turbinate bone) any of three thin scroll-like bones that form the sides of the *nasal cavity. The superior and middle nasal conchae are part of the *ethmoid bone; the inferior nasal conchae are a separate pair of bones of the face. See skull.... nasal concha
(in Britain), a vaccine currently offered to all 2- and 3-year-olds in the form of a spray into each nostril. It contains live forms of the influenza virus that have been attenuated (weakened). The vaccine stimulates the immune system but does not cause disease in healthy people.... nasal flu vaccine
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