A blocked nose is a common complaint but the reasons why it may occur can be quite varied. Most of us associate a blocked nose with an acute infection like the common cold or a sudden change in the weather that clears after a short period of time. However, for some people a blocked nose is a daily occurrence that either momentarily resolves for certain parts of the day or may never ease at all. It is important to understand what exactly a blocked nose means as the term is often used loosely for a range of upper respiratory tract conditions.

continue reading 10 Common and Uncommon Reasons for a Blocked Nose

Ear infections are common, especially in children, but many cases of outer ear infections can be prevented with a little vigilance. The ear like any part of the body has various mechanisms in place to prevent infection apart from the fact that the immune system can fight off an infection when it occurs. As the age old saying goes ‘prevention is better than cure’ and a few simple measures are sometimes all that is necessary to prevent an ear canal infection.

The ear is a complex organ that is made up of several structures. It extends well beyond the outer appendage that we see on the side of the ear (auricle or pinna). The ear is actually divided into three parts, the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear starts from the auricle (pinna), extends to the ear canal and ends at the outer surface of the eardrum. An outer ear infection can involve any of these parts but most commonly involves the ear canal.

continue reading Ways to Prevent Ear Canal Infections

What is fungal sinusitis?

Fungal sinusitis is either an infection by fungi or an allergic reaction to fungi in the paranasal sinuses.  Overall  infectious fungal sinusitis is uncommon in the general population and is more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems. An allergic reaction to the presence of the fungi in the paranasal sinuses are more common and is believed to be a significant cause of chronic rhinosinusitis (nose and sinus inflammation).

continue reading Fungal Sinusitis (Fungus in the Sinus Cavity)

What is rhinitis medicamentosa?

Rhinitis medicamentosa is nasal congestion and sneezing that arises with the overuse of medication for treating nasal symptoms. This is also known as rebound rhinitis. Although this is a short-lived reaction in some cases, it can have permanent effects such as chronic sinusitis. Typically the overuse stems from a pre-existing chronic nasal problem and eventually the patient believes that the underlying problem is worsening. This compels a person to continue using the nasal decongestant and sometimes even increasing the dosage on their own, thereby further aggravating the condition.

continue reading Rhinitis Medicamentosa (Medication Overuse, Rebound Rhinitis)

What is CSF rhinorrhea?

CSF rhinorrhea is a condition where cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks through the nose. Normally cerebrospinal fluid is confined to the space around the brain and spinal cord. Due to its close proximity to the sinus and nasal cavity, any opening will allow CSF to leak into it and then drain out through the nose. Sometimes it can even leak out through the ears where it is then known as CSF otorrhea. Most cases of CSF rhinorrhea are due to head trauma but sometimes it occurs with surgery and other less common causes. Although it can be managed without treatment, at times surgery is needed to correct the condition. CSF rhinorrhea is not a common condition and extensive investigation should be undertaken by a doctor before assuming that any nasal discharge is cerebrospinal fluid.

continue reading CSF Rhinorrhea (Cerebrospinal Fluid Leaking Nose)