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Nasal Conditions and Diagnoses


Nasal Conditions and Diagnoses | Advanced ENT Services


From filtering the air and promoting healthy lungs to allowing you to enjoy the delicious aroma of a favorite meal, the nose and sinuses play a critical role in health and comfort. When a system in the nose or nasal passageways is not functioning properly, the result is pain or discomfort that affects many aspects of daily life. In certain cases, some nasal conditions can even result in death or debilitating disease if proper treatment is not sought out. Otolaryngologists and otorhinolaryngologists at Advanced ENT Services’ many practice locations in the Hudson Valley are here to help.


Request an Appointment or Refer a Patient | Call 914.693.7636.

 

Please fill out this brief form to request an appointment.

A representative from WMCHealth Physicians Advanced ENT Services will call you at the phone number you include on this form. We accept most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid; please be sure to ask the practice representative who calls you if we accept your insurance plan. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

 

Nasal Conditions and Diagnoses

Providers at Advanced ENT Services care for a wide range of nasal conditions and diagnoses.

Select a condition below for more information. (Learn more about nasal-related surgeries and procedures.) 

 

Congenital Nasal Narrowing, Obstruction or Stenosis

 

The nasal passageways allow air to flow in and out of the lungs. Nasal breathing is especially important in newborn babies. In some newborns, the nasal passageways are obstructed or narrowed, leading to a significant disruption in breathing and feeding. This condition may be treated by widening the nasal passageways in order to improve airflow.

 

Congestion

 

Nasal congestion is a common experience for everyone; congestion occurs when nasal tissues and the surrounding areas become swollen and may be associated with nasal discharge. Congestion in infants, however, can be more serious, disrupting sleep and interfering with feeding. ENT physicians at Advanced ENT Services can diagnose and treat acute and chronic congestion in patients of all ages.

 

Decreased Sense of Smell or Taste

 

Decreased sense of smell or taste is somewhat common in adults aged 60 and older. However, it’s important to communicate with your physician about changes in your ability to taste or smell, as these changes could potentially be related to an underlying health condition, including nasal polyps, the use of certain medications, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions.

 

Deviated Septum and Enlarged Turbinates

 

The nasal septum is made up of bone and cartilage, forming a wall between the two nasal passageways. Turbinates are bony structures on the lateral nasal wall (side opposite the septum) involved in air humidification, filtration, and optimizing airflow. Most people have some degree of a deviated septum, meaning that the wall is crooked or off center. For many, the issue is not significant enough to require medical or surgical intervention. For others, a deviated septum may cause difficulty breathing, recurrent nosebleeds, facial pain, or other symptoms. Enlarged turbinates (“turbinate hypertrophy”) can lead to further narrowing of the nasal airway, worsening congestion. Medical treatments include nasal sprays including topical nasal steroids, which can decrease the size of the turbinates and surrounding tissue to make more space to accommodate airflow. Without structurally altering the septal deviation, these treatments can significantly improve symptoms in some patients. If this approach is not effective, your physician may recommend a surgical procedure known as septoplasty to straighten the septum and turbinoplasty to reduce the size of the turbinates.

 

Facial Fractures

 

ENT surgeons work with other specialists to restore facial fractures, including fractures of the cheekbones, nose, jaw and other bones.

 

Facial Lacerations

 

Deep cuts or tears in the face or neck can cause injury to skin, muscle, nerves and other tissues. ENT surgeons partner with other specialists to repair facial lacerations.

 

Foreign Bodies in the Nose

 

A “foreign body” is a term medical professionals use to describe an object that does not belong in the area in which it has become lodged. Foreign bodies in the nose are most common in small children, but can occur in anyone. ENT specialists can remove foreign bodies, such as clay, pebbles, dirt, food, button batteries, small toys, etc.

 

Hypernasal Speech

 

Hypernasal speech is a speech disorder that is characterized by excessive airflow through the nose during speech. This can cause the individual's speech to sound nasal, as if they are talking through their nose instead of their mouth. Hypernasal speech can be caused by a variety of factors, including structural abnormalities in the nasal cavity or pharynx (the part of the throat behind the mouth), neurological disorders, and other medical conditions. In some cases, hypernasal speech can also be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), in which the muscles and structures in the back of the throat do not function properly, resulting in a gap between the back of the throat and the nasal cavity. Treatment for hypernasal speech typically involves a combination of speech therapy and surgery to correct the underlying cause of the condition.

 

Nasal Masses

 

A nasal mass is an abnormal growth (benign or cancerous) occurring within the nose. Nasal masses may be congenital or develop later in life. Cysts, polyps and tumors are all types of nasal masses that a physician at Advanced ENT Services may diagnose and treat. Presenting symptoms include nasal obstruction, runny nose, nosebleeds or pain. Many types of nasal masses may be removed surgically through a minimally invasive approach using an endoscope.

 

Nasal Polyps

 

Nasal polyps are benign growths that develop in the nasal passageways as a result of chronic inflammation, oftentimes provoked by recurring sinus infections, allergies, and other conditions associated with inflammation (such as asthma). Although the polyps typically do not cause pain, they can cause a decrease in the sense of smell or grow large enough to block the nasal airway. Medical treatments include topical and oral steroids, but surgery is often required to achieve long-term symptom control in patients with polyps.

 

Nasal Trauma and Fractures

 

Nasal fractures may result from automobile accidents, assaults with facial trauma, sports injuries or other causes. An ENT physician can evaluate and treat nasal trauma and fractures; in many cases, treatment may not require surgical intervention.

 

Nosebleeds

 

While many nosebleeds are brief and relatively harmless, some people may experience frequent nosebleeds. Also known as “epistaxis,” this condition can be brought on by dry air, nose picking, sinus infections, allergies, a deviated septum, nasal trauma, nasal sprays or other various causes. If a nosebleed lasts longer than 30 minutes, despite holding pressure, seek emergency care. Treatment for severe nosebleeds may involve placement of nasal packing, cauterization, or surgery in rare instances.

 

Postnasal Drip

 

Postnasal drip refers to passage of nasal secretions down from the nose into the throat. This condition may make you feel the constant need to clear your throat and can cause sore throat and cough. Chronic postnasal drip may be a sign of nasal allergies or chronic sinusitis. Seek evaluation by an ENT specialist if symptoms persist for more than one week.

 

Runny Nose

 

Runny nose most commonly occurs as a symptom of allergies or the common cold. Also known as “rhinorrhea,” the excess drainage from the nose can be irritating. If a runny nose continues for more than 10 days, is accompanied by a high fever, is bloody or discolored and accompanied by fever or sinus pain, seek medical attention. Rhinorrhea can also occur due to temperature changes, in response to certain foods, or for no reason at all. Medical treatments include nasal sprays with topical medications. In rare cases, a runny nose may be caused by leakage of brain fluid (CSF) inside the nose, which requires surgical treatment.

 

Sinusitis

 

Sinusitis (“sinus infection”) is a very common condition in which sinus function is disrupted; this can be due to infection or from chronic inflammation. Common symptoms of sinusitis include runny nose, post-nasal drip, nasal congestion, decreased sense of smell, and facial pain or pressure. While many people experience acute sinus infections from time to time, some may develop chronic sinusitis, when symptoms last for 12 weeks or longer. Chronic sinusitis may be associated with other underlying health conditions, such as a deviated nasal septum, allergies or nasal polyps. It is commonly diagnosed by endoscopy (in-office camera exam) or CT imaging. Medical treatments include antibiotics, nasal sprays (including topical steroids), and oral steroids. If symptoms persist despite appropriate medical therapy, surgery may be considered.

 

Snoring

 

Snoring occurs when there is narrowing of the passageways through the nose and throat, leading to a vibration at the back of the throat or palate. When we are awake, muscle tone keeps these structures from collapsing; however, during sleep, relaxed muscles allow the palate and tongue to soften, collapse, and vibrate with the passage of air. Snoring can be associated with sleep apnea, disrupted sleep, and other adverse health effects. An ENT specialist can evaluate the severity of snoring and sleep-related breathing issues and may be able to provide treatments to optimize the airway during sleep.

 

Find an ENT Provider Near You in New York

To see a board-certified ENT doctor at one of our practice locations in the Hudson Valley, please call 914.693.7636 or request an appointment using the form below.

A representative from WMCHealth Physicians Advanced ENT Services will call you at the phone number you include on this form. We accept most insurances including Medicare and Medicaid; please be sure to ask the practice representative who calls you if we accept your insurance plan. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.