Structural abnormalities of the nose, such as a deviated septum, crooked nasal bones or collapsing nasal cartilages can also cause significant problems. A deviated septum occurs when the nasal septum, the wall between the two nasal passages, is displaced to one side, leading to nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, and an increased risk of sinus infections. Septoplasty is a surgical procedure performed to straighten the septum and improve airflow through the nasal passages. Rhinoplasty involves also correcting the nasal bones and or nasal cartilages and is often done in conjunction with septoplasty by rhinologists.
One of the most prevalent conditions treated in rhinology is sinusitis. If this is short lived it is called acute rhinosinusitis and if it prolonged it is called chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). CRS is characterized by prolonged inflammation of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, lasting for more than 12 weeks despite medical treatment. Symptoms of CRS include nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, nasal discharge, and a reduced sense of smell. The condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, leading to chronic discomfort and functional impairment. Treatment for CRS typically involves a combination of medical management and surgical intervention. Medical management includes nasal and oral corticosteroids, saline irrigations, and antibiotics. When these measures are insufficient, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) may be performed. FESS is a minimally invasive procedure that aims to restore normal drainage and function of the sinuses by removing obstructions and improving ventilation.
Nasal polyps are a subtype of chronic rhinosinusitis .These benign growths arise from the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses due to chronic inflammation. Nasal polyps can cause significant nasal obstruction, leading to breathing difficulties, loss of smell, and recurrent infections. Treatment for nasal polyps often involves a combination of medications, such as corticosteroids or newer monoclonal antibodies injections to shrink the polyps, and surgical removal when necessary.
Rhinitis refers to disorders affecting the nasal lining or mucosa. It can be further subcategorized into non allergic or allergic rhinitis depending on whether an allergic trigger is present. Allergic rhinitis is a condition characterized by an allergic reaction to an airborne substances such as pollen, mould, house dust mites, and pet dander. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, nasal itching, congestion, and a runny nose. Rhinologists manage allergic rhinitis through various approaches, including allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy (antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids), and immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets) to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens.
Epistaxis, or nosebleeds, is another condition that falls under the purview of rhinology. While most nosebleeds are benign and self-limiting, recurrent or severe cases may require medical intervention. Rhinologists may use various techniques to control nosebleeds, including nasal packing, cauterization, and, in some cases, arterial embolization or surgical ligation of the blood vessels supplying the nasal cavity.
Olfactory disorders, which affect the sense of smell, are also managed by rhinologists. These disorders can range from hyposmia (reduced sense of smell) to anosmia (complete loss of smell) and can result from various causes, including infections, trauma, nasal polyps, and neurological diseases. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, olfactory testing, and imaging studies. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include medications, surgery, or olfactory training.
Tearing can be due to an over production of tears or due to an anatomical blockage of the tear duct that empties into the nose. In cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, rhinologists can perform surgery via the nasal route to drain the tear sac and resolve the tearing.