Nostrils Health Dictionary

The coughing-up of blood from the lungs. The blood is usually bright red and frothy, thus distinguishing it from blood brought up from the stomach. It is a potentially serious sign of lung disease, although in elderly people haemoptysis may be due to a varicose condition of the small veins in the throat. In young people this condition is often due to bleeding from the nose, in which, owing to the position of the head, the blood happens to run backwards instead of forwards through the nostrils. (See also HAEMORRHAGE; TUBERCULOSIS.)... haemoptysis

An infectious skin disease caused usually by Staphylococcus aureus and less often by Streptococcus pyogenes. The itching rash is seen especially on the face but may spread widely. Vesicles and pustules erupt and dry to form yellow-brown scabs. Untreated, the condition may last for weeks. In very young infants, large blisters may form (bullous impetigo).

Treatment Crusts should be gently removed with SALINE. Mild cases respond to frequent application of mupiricin or NEOMYCIN/BACITRACIN ointment; more severe cases should be treated orally or, sometimes, intravenously with FLUCLOXACILLIN or one of the CEPHALOSPORINS. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, ERYTHROMYCIN can be used.

For severe, intractable cases, an oral retinoid drug called isotretinoin (commercially produced as Roaccutane®) can be used. It is given systemically but treatment must be supervised by a consultant dermatologist as serious side-effects, including possible psychiatric disturbance, can occur. The drug is also teratogenic (see TERATOGENESIS), so women who are, or who may become, pregnant must not take isotretinoin. It acts mainly by suppressing SEBUM production in the sebaceous glands and can be very e?ective. Recurrent bouts of impetigo should raise suspicion of underlying SCABIES or head lice. Bactericidal soaps and instilling an antibiotic into the nostrils may also help.... impetigo

Sea kraits (Genus Laticauda) are similar to, and can be regarded as sea snakes, although they are more heavily-built and their nostrils are not situated on the upper surface of the snout. Laticauda colubrina (the banded sea snake) and Laticauda laticaudata (the black-banded sea snake) are the most common in Australia.... kraits

A dividing wall within a structure in the body. Examples are the divisions between the chambers of the heart, and the layer of bone and cartilage that separates the two nostrils of the nose.... septum

Adderwort. Polygonum bistorta L. German: Matterkno?terich. French: Bistorte. Italian: Bistorta. Malayan: Se?ludang. Root and rhizome.

Action: powerful astringent, anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, anti-diarrhoeal, demulcent, anti- haemorrhagic.

Uses: Chiefly to arrest flow of internal bleeding. Haemorrhage from lungs, stomach or bowel. Irritable bowel, diverticulosis, incontinence of urine, uterine infection with discharge (vaginal douche), ulcerated mouth and spongy gums, nasal polypus (juice of fresh plant or decoction injected into nostrils), nosebleed (powder snuffed into nose), sore mouth (mouth wash).

Preparations: Thrice daily.

Decoction: (internal), 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup water gently simmered 20 minutes. Half cup. Decoction may also be used as a douche.

Liquid extract: 15-30 drops, in water.

Powder: half a teaspoon in water or honey.

Tincture BHP (1983) 1:5 in 25 per cent alcohol.

Dose, 1-3ml (15-45 drops) in water. Gargle. Mouthwash. Ointment. ... bistort

Severe throbbing pain inside the ear, usually due to pressure from a blocked Eustachian tube or a respiratory infection. The condition may be treated by herbal antibiotics, antihistamines or nasal decongestants. Simple earache may resolve itself without inflammation from the inside and pus formation. Where pai persists more than 24 hours a practitioner’s opinion should be sought.

Before the practitioner comes: instil into the ear: few drops Onion or Garlic juice, Houseleek, Aloe Vera or Plantain juice; oils of Mullein, St John’s Wort or Almond. Moistened Chamomile flower sachet; apply to ear to ease pain.

Feverfew. A traditional way to relieve was to hold the ear over hot steaming Feverfew tea.

Supportive: A number of strong yawns while pinching the nostrils and blowing the nose vigorously may free obstruction and normalise pressure on both sides of the drum. Hot foot baths divert blood from the head and reduce pain. ... earache

The process of supplying a person with oxygen-enriched air to relieve severe hypoxia (inadequate oxygen in body tissues). The oxygen is usually delivered through a face-mask or a nasal cannula (a length of narrow plastic tubing with two prongs that are inserted into the nostrils). Piped oxygen is used in hospitals; oxygen in cylinders can be used at home for acute attacks of hypoxia, such as those occurring in severe asthma. Long-term therapy for people with persistent hypoxia may involve the use of an oxygen concentrator.

(See also hyperbaric oxygen treatment.)... oxygen therapy

n. bleeding from the nose, which is a very common condition. Although there is usually no obvious underlying cause, epistaxis can be caused by low-grade bacterial infection of the front of the nose, hypertension, clotting disorders, or tumours of the nose or sinuses. Treatments include pinching the bottom part of the nostrils together, cauterizing the bleeding vessel, or packing the nose with preformed packs, antiseptic gauze, or specially designed inflatable balloons. Occasionally surgery is required to interrupt the flow of blood to the nose. See Little’s area; Kiesselbach’s plexus.... epistaxis

(anákhré) n. a condition following an infection with *yaws in which the nasal processes of the upper jaw bone thicken (see hyperostosis) to form two large bony swellings, about 7 cm in diameter, on either side of the nose. The swellings not only obstruct the nostrils but also interfere with the field of vision. Initial symptoms include persistent headache and a bloody purulent discharge from the nose. Early cases can be treated with injections of penicillin; otherwise surgical removal of the growths is necessary. Goundou occurs in central Africa and South America.... goundou

Haemorrhage. Bleeding from arteries is bright red, escaping in jerks; from the veins it is darker; steadier from the capillaries. There is an oozing of bright red blood from a cut. In an extravasation blood pours into lax tissues beneath the skin; the part becoming swollen with the appearance of a bruise.

To strengthen veins – Gentian. To enhance resistance – Echinacea. To counter failing strength – Ginseng. To promote granulation – Comfrey. To restore lacerated nerves – St John’s Wort. Nettles are a well-known traditional anti-haemorrhagic.

If bleeding is serious, control with firm finger pressure. Any one of the following may be used in the form of teas, tinctures, powders, etc.

Bowels. Ladies Mantle, Avens, Horsetail, Shepherd’s Purse, Tormentil, Raspberry leaves, Yarrow, Cranesbill, Bilberry.

Gums. Tea. Equal parts: Horsetail, St John’s Wort. (Maria Treben) Or:– Paint gums with Tincture Myrrh, Blood root, Goldenseal or Marigold.

Post-partum. (After child-birth) Goldenseal BHP (1983); Lady’s Mantle BHP (1983).

Lungs. Haemoptysis. Blood spitting. Blood root, Beth root, Lungwort, Mullein, Horsetail, St John’s Wort, Cranesbill. Bur-Marigold. Sage. Mouse Ear, Bugleweed. Nettle tea is a good stand-by.

Post-menopausal bleeding: Internal: Raspberry leaves, Ladies Mantle, Shepherd’s Purse. Plantain tea as an injection. Plugs of cotton wool saturated with Witch Hazel. To be investigated by a competent authority.

Mucous surfaces: tongue, mouth, throat, gullet. Marigold, Yarrow, Rue, Clematis erecta, Life root.

Blood root (tincture: 10-15 drops in water). Ice to suck.

Nose. Witch Hazel. Nettles. Vinegar water: to snuff into nostrils. Apply sponge soaked in cold water to back of the neck. Or: plug nose with Witch Hazel saturated cotton wool.

Hymen. See entry.

Skin. Superficial. Buckwheat, Marigold, Daisy, Tormentil, Witch Hazel, Blood root (tincture),.

Stomach. Haematemesis. The vomit of blood has the appearance of coffee grounds and is a symptom of gastric ulcer. Teas: Avens, Meadowsweet, Yarrow, Bur-Marigold, Cranesbill, Mullein.

Decoctions: Cranesbill root, Beth root, Oak bark.

After Surgery. After tissue excisions, blood clotting or wound-healing disorders for safe haemostasis: Beth root, Cranesbill root, Lady’s Mantle, St John’s Wort.

Blood in the urine. See: HAEMATURIA.

Bleeding of menses: See: MENSTRUATION.

IUD bleeding. Bleeding from intra-uterine devices: Injection: teas – Lady’s Mantle, Cranesbill, Tormentil, Marigold.

Vitamin E supplementation (International Journal of Fertility, Vol 28. 1983) Suggested dose: One 500iu capsule morning and evening.

Retinal haemorrhage. Buckwheat tea. Vitamin C: 1-3g daily. Evening Primrose oil.

Red cell stimulators: Yellow Dock root, Red Clover, Gentian.

White cell stimulators: Liquorice, Ginseng (Siberian) and Korean, Goldenseal, Echinacea.

Vitamins. C. D. K. P.

Minerals. Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Zinc.

Note: Any new episode of bleeding (rectal, gastric, etc) in those 45 and over should be investigated in hospital. Alteration of bowel habit, with bleeding, in young people should lead to referral to a doctor. ... bleeding

Ephedra sinica stapf., Ephedra equisentina Bunge and Ephedra gerardiana Wall (including Ephedra nebrodensis Tineo). Twigs. German: Meertra?ubchen. French: Ephe?dre. Italian: Uva di mare. Iranian: Huma. Japanese: Ma oh. Indian: Butshur. Chinese: Ma Huang.

Constituents: Alkaloids – ephedrine, pseudoephedrine.

Action: brain, heart and circulatory stimulant, antasthmatic, bronchodilator, anti-allergic, vasodilator, hypertensive, diaphoretic. Dilates vessels of the heart causing a rise in blood pressure. Cough sedative. Febrifuge, antispasmodic. The essential oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Uses: Practitioner’s first choice for asthma. Bronchitis, breathlessness, whooping cough. Used for such chest conditions for over a millennia in Chinese medicine.

Allergies: hay fever, irritative skin rashes. Low blood pressure. Hypothermia. Bed-wetting. Myasthenia gravis BHP (1983). Chinese Barefoot doctors inject the tea into nostrils for hay fever.

Usually given with expectorants: Liquorice, Lobelia, Senega, Sundew. “Combines well with Lobelia and Skunk Cabbage for bronchitis; and with Horsetail for frequency of urine.” (Fletcher Hyde) Contra-indications: hypertension, coronary thrombosis, thyrotoxicosis, glaucoma. Not given with anti- depressants (MAO inhibitors).

Preparations: Thrice daily. Average dose: 15-60mg.

Tea. Quarter to half a teaspoon herb to cup water simmered gently 5 minutes. Half a cup. Liquid extract. BHP (1983) 1:1 in 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 15-45 drops (1-3ml). Tincture BHP (1983) 1 part to 4 parts 45 per cent alcohol. Dose: 6-8ml.

Ephedrine. Maximum dose: 30mg. Maximum daily dose 60mg.

Store in airtight container out of the light. Pharmacy only medicine. Practitioners only. ... ephedra

a form of *artificial respiration (known informally as the ‘kiss of life’) performed on an individual who has stopped breathing. The nostrils are pinched shut, the head is placed in the *head-tilt, chin-lift position, a seal is formed between the mouths of the casualty and rescuer, and air is blown firmly and steadily into the lungs for intervals of around three seconds. The small but definite infection risk with this technique can be avoided by using a *pocket resuscitation mask. Mouth-to-nose resuscitation is a similar technique in which the breaths are delivered through the casualty’s nose.... mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

pl. n. (sing. naris) openings of the nose. The two external (or anterior) nares are the nostrils, leading from the nasal cavity to the outside. The two internal (or posterior) nares (choanae) are the openings leading from the nasal cavity into the pharynx.... nares

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

n. 1. partial obstruction of breathing in infants, caused by the common cold. 2. (formerly) discharge through the nostrils associated with necrosis of the nasal bones: seen in infants with congenital syphilis.... snuffles

An accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid between the membranes of the brain or when fluid collects in the ventricles resulting in brain damage. Head abnormally large.

Causes. Injury, tumour, blood clot, meningitis, or congenital malformation obstructing the aqueduct. Symptoms. Headache on the crown of the head, enlarged pupils, double vision, eyes squint and appear abnormally small, convulsions, slow onset of fever, high blood pressure, delirium, flushed cheeks, patient shuns the light.

Treatment. As a supportive aid to conventional treatment by hospital specialist or general medical practitioner.

Formula. Yarrow 2; Lily of the Valley 2; Ginkgo 1. Dose: Powders – 750mg (three 00 capsules or half a teaspoon). Liquid extracts – 1 teaspoon. Tinctures – 1-2 teaspoons every 2 hours for acute cases, otherwise thrice daily.

Ivy. Dr John Clarke, homoeopathic physician, reports the case of a colleague, Dr L. Cooper, who cured a case with one single dose of 1 drop mother-tincture of Ivy (Hedera helix). “Clear fluid (cerebrospinal rhinorrhoea) dripped from his nostrils for three weeks; 20-30 handkerchiefs being used a day.” Evidence of efficacy of the traditional reputation of 1-2 drops Ivy juice for the condition is lacking.

Diet. 3-5 day fast on fruit juice only. Yarrow tea. No solid food until fever abates; then Slippery Elm and Complan.

Note: Pregnant mothers are advised by the Medical Research Council to take folic acid – part of the Vitamin B-group – to help protect against neural tube defects; severe birth defects of spina bifida and hydrocephalus. See: FOLIC ACID. ... hydrocephalus

To have effect upon the nasal mucosa, drops for congestion of the upper respiratory tract should be correctly instilled otherwise they may arrive in the stomach. The patient should lie on his back with his head hanging over the edge of the bed. Drops, blood heat, should be instilled into the nostrils and the patient remain in the same position for two minutes. Drops should be used in this way for no more than three days. Ephedrine BPC, Garlic, Lobelia, Menthol, etc.

Effective oil: Tea Tree oil (1 part) to 20 parts Almond, Olive or Corn oil.

Alternative. Adopt Mecca position. Kneel down, place head on ground and tuck under. The spray will reach the maximum surface of action in the nasal cavity. ... nose drops drill

The uppermost part of the respiratory tract, and the organ of smell. The nose is an air passage connecting the nostrils at its front to the nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat) at its rear. The nasal septum, which is made of cartilage at the front and bone at the rear, divides the passage into 2 chambers. The bridge of the nose is formed from 2 small nasal bones and from cartilage. The roof of the nasal passage is formed by bones at the base of the skull; the walls by the maxilla (upper jaw); and the floor by the hard palate. Three conchae (thin, downward-curving plates of bone) covered with mucous membrane project from each wall.Air-filled, mucous membrane-lined cavities known as paranasal sinuses open into the nasal passage. There is an opening in each wall to the nasolacrimal duct, which drains away tears. Projecting into the roof of the nasal passage are the hair-like endings of the olfactory nerves, which are responsible for the sense of smell.

A main function of the nose is to filter, warm, and moisten inhaled air before it passes into the rest of the respiratory tract. Just inside the nostrils, small hairs trap large dust particles and foreign bodies. Smaller dust particles are filtered from the air by the microscopic hairs of the conchae. The mucus on the conchae flows inwards, carrying microorganisms and other foreign bodies back towards the nasopharynx to be swallowed and destroyed in the stomach.

The nose detects smells by means of the olfactory nerve endings, which, when stimulated by inhaled vapours, transmit this information to the olfactory bulb in the brain.

The nose is susceptible to a wide range of disorders. Allergies (see rhinitis, allergic), infections such as colds (see cold, common), and small boils are common. Backward spread of infection from the nose occasionally causes a serious condition called cavernous sinus thrombosis. The nose is also particularly prone to injury (see nosebleed; nose, broken). Obstruction of the nose may be caused by a nasal polyp (a projection of swollen mucous membrane).

Noncancerous tumours of blood vessels, known as haemangiomas, commonly affect the nasal cavity in babies. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma may occur around the nostril. The nose may also be invaded by cancers originating in the sinuses.... nose

n. (pl. vibrissae) a stiff coarse hair, especially one of the stiff hairs that lie just inside the nostrils.... vibrissa