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Nasal Conditions

Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
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If you have pain, congestion, or discomfort in your nose or sinuses, unexplained headaches, or trouble breathing, you may have a nasal condition requiring a doctor’s attention. If your condition is persistent or severe, it could be time for an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. The otolaryngologists and otorhinolaryngologists at WMCHealth’s Advanced ENT Services expertly treat nasal conditions such as sinusitis, chronic nosebleeds, snoring, nasal polyps and more.  

Symptoms of Nasal Conditions

It’s normal to have the occasional runny or stuffy nose, but frequent symptoms and problems in the nasal passageway may indicate an underlying condition. While they vary depending on the type of disorder, symptoms of common nasal conditions include:

  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Sneezing
  • Loss of smell
  • Post-nasal drip
  • Persistent runny or stuffy nose
  • Trouble breathing through your nose
  • Inflammation of the forehead and under the eyes

Types of Nasal Conditions

While not all nasal conditions are serious, some, like snoring, can be harmful to your health over time, so it’s important to see a doctor if you experience concerning symptoms. Common nasal conditions include: 

  • Snoring
  • Sinusitis
  • Nosebleeds
  • Nasal polyps
  • Nasal tumors
  • Nasal stenosis
  • Deviated septum
  • Hypernasal speech
  • Facial or nasal trauma/fracture
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For an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will likely begin with a medical history and an evaluation of your current symptoms. If your issue is chronic or your doctor suspects you have a nasal disorder you may be referred to an ENT.

The ENT will likely perform a head and neck exam using a nasal endoscope to view and evaluate the nasal cavity. If they find a polyp or mass, they may use the endoscope to take a sample for a biopsy. You may also have a CT scan to evaluate the structure and function of your sinuses.

Causes of Nasal Conditions

Nasal conditions can be caused by a variety of factors such as:

  • Bacteria or viruses
  • Structural deformity 
  • Long-term inflammation
  • Other underlying medical conditions
  • Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, or perfume