by Terence Davidson, M.D.
INTRODUCTION
The nose is certainly a prominent organ for it sits right smack in the middle of your face. Not only does it contribute to the beauty of your face, not only does it support your glasses, but it plays an important role in your overall well-being and health. The most obvious function of the nose is breathing. Air enters your body through your nose and it is warmed, humidified and filtered. That same heat and humidity are recaptured each time you exhale.
When your nose is ill it is often blocked and you are forced to breathe through your mouth. Most consider this to be a very disconcerting annoying inconvenience. Diseases can enter your body through your nose. A common cold is the best known example and when this happens your nose and sinuses become blocked and filled with secretion and even the toughest of us are reduced to constantly blowing, sniffing/snorting and not feeling well.
The nose also houses the receptors responsible for your sense of smell. Without smell, food would lose all of its flavor. The environment, your loved ones and perfumes turn flat. While we all take our ability to smell for granted, the two to four million Americans who have lost their sense of smell will tell you this is a major disruption to their well-being. Many consider it a handicap and a disability.
The nose is an important part of one's appearance. We all have expectations of what our noses should look like and if your nose looks different because it is bigger, smaller or crooked, this changes your self image.
Nasal and sinus complaints are one of the most common causes for people to consult physicians. Many of these problems can be easily diagnosed by yourself. Many are best treated with some of the simple remedies suggested in this handbook. These same treatments also complement traditional medical therapy.
- Select from the links to the left to read more about nasal disease.
WHEN TO CONSULT A PHYSICIAN
If you have a nasal problem which you cannot diagnose and treat yourself, you are encouraged to consult a physician. Primary care providers are experts at diagnosing and treating simple ailments. If your care with your primary care physician is not successful, insist on a referral to an ear, nose and throat doctor, (otolaryngology-head and neck surgery), for this is the specialty most knowledgeable in nasal disorders.