The discomfort and frustration of a blocked nose when you have a cold or your allergies are flaring up is all too familiar. There are many other types of nasal disorders that the expert doctors at Flagstaff Surgical Associates can help resolve, like a deviated septum and other forms of nasal obstruction. Call their practice in Flagstaff, Arizona, for a consultation on advanced treatments for nasal disorders, or book an appointment online.
Why is taking care of my nose important?
Your nose acts as a filter for the air you breathe, so you aren’t taking in dust particles or irritants into your lungs in such large quantities. Your nose also warms up the air as you breathe in and moistens it, so your lungs and airways don’t dry out.
You smell through your nose as well, and because smell is so closely linked to taste, a problem with your nose can affect your sense of both smell and taste.
What are nasal disorders?
Nasal disorders are diseases or damaged tissues in your nose. Some of the nasal disorders Flagstaff Surgical Associates sees most often are:
Deviated septum
Your septum is the dividing wall made of cartilage and bone between your nostrils. In some people, the septum deviates from the line it should follow down the center of your nose. This deviation causes a blockage that can affect your breathing.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are growths that occur inside your nose. They’re not cancerous, but they can cause a blockage in your nose.
Nasal fractures
A nasal fracture is a broken nose. Fractures of the nasal bones are common and can affect your breathing if bone or blood blocks your airway. You could also suffer a nasal valve collapse as a result of having a nasal fracture, which affects airflow regulation.
Nasal obstruction
Nasal obstruction is something blocking your nasal passage. A common cause of nasal obstruction is enlarged turbinates. Turbinates are pieces of bone covered in mucous membranes that clean the air and moisturize it when you breathe in.
Allergies and infections can cause inflammation in your turbinates. Excessive amounts of dust or pollutants can also irritate the turbinates, resulting in the tissue swelling and producing extra mucus. The swelling creates an obstruction and the mucus makes you even more congested.
Nosebleeds
One of the most common nasal disorders is the nosebleed, which can happen for many different reasons. Most causes of nosebleeds aren’t serious, but if you or your child is regularly having nosebleeds, you should visit Flagstaff Surgical Associates.
How are nasal disorders treated?
Your provider at Flagstaff Surgical Associates first uses medications to address any underlying problem that’s causing your nasal disorder. Medication is a successful treatment approach for conditions like allergies, infections, and inflammation.
Some conditions can benefit from surgery. The types of surgery you might need include:
- Septoplasty to realign a deviated septum
- Turbinate reduction
- Nasal polypectomy to remove nasal polyps
You might also need to undergo nasal fracture repair if you break your nose badly.
Wherever possible, Flagstaff Surgical Associates uses a minimally invasive approach to surgery to minimize discomfort and promote faster healing.
If you’re affected by a nasal disorder, call Flagstaff Surgical Associates today or book an appointment online.