Nasal Problems
Dealing With Nasal Problems
Nasal problems are somewhat in a class by themselves when it comes to the different kinds of disorders we may suffer. There's something about nasal problems that leads us to essentially ignore them unless or until they become severe. Most nasal problems are fairly easily treatable, and they must be treated, as they seldom go away on their own.
In all likelihood the biggest issue with nasal problems lies in the diagnosis. Making the right diagnosis isn't always easy to do, especially if you're trying to treat the symptoms yourself. It's tempting to say "Oh, it's just sinusitis", or "Oh, it's only an allergy" and let it go at that, figuring that at the end of the day, there's not too much you can or need to do about it.
While nasal problems seldom are life threatening, they can cause increasing discomfort as time goes by if left untreated, and the doorway is always open to an onset of infection. It's all right to try to treat nasal problems on your own, but if you continue to try without getting results, it's really best to see a doctor. The cure may be long and costly or inexpensive and nearly immediate. You won't know unless you ask.
Post-Nasal Drip - While there is a wide variety of different nasal problems one might encounter, most if not all of them have a common beginning, and it's called post-nasal drip. Post nasal drip is due to a buildup of mucous in the back of the throat. It's not a dangerous condition, although if left untreated it can sometimes turn out to be. The problem is, if left untreated, post-nasal drip can lead to a number of other disorders, some of which can be difficult to treat or cure.
An Escalating Problem - One of the first problems one will encounter if post-nasal drip is not treated is congestion. Congestion usually begins in the throat, but moves into the nasal passages and soon makes breathing difficult. If the accumulating mucous is left to stagnate it can set the stage for bacterial growth, nasal infection, sinus pressure, and all that brings with it. If the congestion continues to spread, the next stage of the growing nasal problem is likely to be an onset of sinus headaches. Sinus congestion, once considered a nuisance, is now no fun at all, and if you've started having sinus headaches it's not too late to go for treatment, and is certainly a good idea to do so. One of the worse things someone can do is start using nasal sprays to relieve the congestion and restore normal breathing. Nasal sprays, unless prescribed by a doctor or ear, nose, and throat specialist, will give immediate relief at first, but the problem will soon return, often with a vengeance.
Sinusitis - Post-nasal drip, if left untreated, can eventually result in sinusitis, an infection in the nasal passages. Sinusitis may not necessarily become severe, although it can also be caused by a virus, in which case it may become quite severe and in some instances require nasal surgery. It can be helpful in remembering that connections exist between the ear, nose, and throat. These connections take the form of passageways thorough which congestion and infection can spread. This is all the more reason to tackle nasal problems when first encountered.
Polyps - Sometimes seemingly innocuous nasal problems can lead to the formation of nasal polyps. These are small growths in the nasal cavities that restrict breathing by making the passages narrower, while at the same time making it difficult for mucous to drain, causing it to accumulate. These polyps can not only make breathing more difficult but can also affect the sense of smell, sometimes blocking off the olfactory sensory neurons, the sensory cells which enable us to detect odors. Polyps often need to be dealt with surgically. Many believe this particular nasal problem is allergy related, but others believe nasal polyps like so many other nasal problems, are traceable back to post-nasal drip.