In
the previous article, we discuss the impact of a blocked nose and how many of us
may not be aware we are blocked nor the health implications. So what can we do?
For
any blocked nose, there are two components. Firstly a reversible component that
is usually due to the congestion of the nasal lining. Secondly there is a
non-reversible component due to a bent septum or excessive tissue that has
built up over time and has become non-reversible. These may exist in isolation by themselves,
or co-exist and collaborating together to narrow the nasal airway to the
detriment of your health.
Saline
nose douching, topical steroid sprays and antihistamines as well as rest can
reduce the reversible component of the blocked nose. When we are stressed and
do not have enough sleep, our nasal vessels are more likely to be congested. In
individuals with only allergy related blockage, this is very effective
treatment, which is usually required seasonally, or long term for as long as
the offending allergen/s is in your environment e.g. house dust, molds,
pollens, etc. A good regimen of care will also reduce the severity of the other
down line impacts of a congested nose e.g. sinusitis, mouth breathing and sore
throats. In some case with headaches, the reduction in contact between the
internal nasal tissues as well as reduced congestion and re-venting of the
sinuses also reduces or abolishes these headaches.
However
even after a trial of medical treatment, you may still find your nose blocked,
and the treatment only partially effective. An endoscopic examination of the nose
with possible imaging of the sinuses may declare that the obstruction is
substantial due to pre-existing anatomical changes in the nose. The septum may
be bent, the nasal lining now too swollen and thickened, nasal polyps may have
formed which no longer can be reduced and/or the sinuses are chronically infected,
and their openings now are too blocked for medical treatment to reverse the
condition. Under these conditions, together with a clear history of symptoms
and signs, surgery may be the solution. Surgery may include straightening the
septum, reducing the turbinate size, removing the nasal polyps, re-venting the
sinus openings and rinsing out the sinuses, or any of these combinations.
Essentially the aim is to undertake whatever is necessary to improve the nasal
airway and to permit natural re-venting of the sinuses.
So
we can now breathe better after surgery and our overall health and sleep has
improved. But does it end with surgery? Our environment usually remains the same;
there is house dust, molds and pollens around us still. Some of us are still
going to require saline irrigation of the nose and nasal sprays for the
allergic flare-ups. Well funnily enough, opening the nasal airway by surgery
does not only just improve airflow, it also improves the access for delivery of
saline during nasal douching, and drug delivery via nasal sprays. That is the
bad news. The good news is that most of us do not require long-term medical
treatment… and all of us will live and sleep better now that the nose breathes
better.
The Chinese version of this article was published in Hong Kong Economic Journal on 20 July 2015
