Condition Lookup

Deviated Nasal Septum

Sub-category: Structural and Congenital Issues

Symptoms:
nasal congestion; difficulty breathing through the nose; frequent sinus infections; headaches; snoring; sleep apnea

Root Cause:
The nasal septum, the cartilage and bone structure that divides the nostrils, is shifted or crooked, leading to blockage or restricted airflow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, or imaging studies (such as a CT scan).

Treatment:
Mild cases may be managed with decongestants or nasal corticosteroid sprays. Severe cases might require surgery (septoplasty) to straighten the septum.

Medications:
Nasal corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone , Mometasone ) to reduce inflammation and improve airflow. Decongestants (e.g., Pseudoephedrine ) may be used for short-term relief. These are classified as corticosteroids and sympathomimetics, respectively.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects an estimated 80% of the population to some degree, though many individuals do not experience significant symptoms.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital factors, trauma or injury to the nose, family history of nasal issues.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often manageable with non-invasive treatments, but surgery may be necessary for persistent or severe symptoms. Prognosis is generally good with surgery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic sinus infections, nasal obstruction, sleep disturbances, and frequent nosebleeds.

Nasal Valve Collapse

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Nasal Conditions

Sub-category: Structural and Congenital Issues

Symptoms:
nasal congestion; difficulty breathing through the nose; flaring of the nostrils; reduced airflow; nasal obstruction during physical activity

Root Cause:
Weakening or collapse of the nasal valve area, which is the narrowest part of the nasal passage, causing difficulty with airflow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through a physical exam, nasal endoscopy, and sometimes dynamic tests to assess airflow during breathing.

Treatment:
Treatment options include nasal dilators, surgery (such as nasal valve reconstruction), and the use of cartilage grafts.

Medications:
Nasal steroids (e.g., Fluticasone , Mometasone ) to reduce inflammation and help manage congestion. These are corticosteroids that provide relief from swelling and obstruction.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 10-15% of patients with nasal obstruction report nasal valve collapse, often in combination with other conditions like a deviated septum.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous nasal trauma, genetic predisposition, chronic use of nasal decongestants, or a history of prior nasal surgery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, such as surgery or the use of devices, symptoms can be greatly improved.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent breathing difficulties, sinus issues, and poor sleep quality.

Choanal Atresia

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Nasal Conditions

Sub-category: Structural and Congenital Issues

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing through the nose; nasal obstruction; stridor (noisy breathing); cyanosis (bluish skin due to lack of oxygen); feeding difficulties in infants

Root Cause:
Choanal atresia is a congenital condition where the back of the nasal passage is blocked or narrowed by abnormal tissue, preventing normal airflow from the nose to the throat.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed via nasal endoscopy, CT scans, or MRI. In infants, a clinical diagnosis is often made if the baby is unable to breathe through the nose.

Treatment:
Surgical intervention is required to create or widen the nasal passage. In some cases, a stent may be placed to keep the airway open.

Medications:
Post-surgical care may involve antibiotics (e.g., Amoxicillin , Cephalexin ) to prevent infection, and nasal saline sprays for lubrication. Antibiotics are typically classified as penicillins and cephalosporins.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 5,000 to 8,000 live births, and it is more common in females.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Choanal atresia is often seen in association with other congenital anomalies, such as CHARGE syndrome (a genetic disorder).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and surgical intervention, the prognosis is generally good.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory distress, failure to thrive in infants, frequent sinus infections, and possible long-term airway issues.

Concha Bullosa

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Nasal Conditions

Sub-category: Structural and Congenital Issues

Symptoms:
nasal congestion; difficulty breathing through the nose; headaches; sinus pressure; sinus infections

Root Cause:
A concha bullosa is a pneumatized (air-filled) middle turbinate, a structure inside the nose, that can enlarge and cause obstruction in the nasal passages, leading to chronic sinus issues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through nasal endoscopy or CT scan imaging, which reveals air-filled spaces within the middle turbinate.

Treatment:
Treatment may involve nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or surgical removal of the concha bullosa if it causes significant symptoms.

Medications:
Nasal steroids like Fluticasone or Mometasone may be used to reduce swelling. These corticosteroids help to alleviate symptoms by reducing the size of the turbinate.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Concha bullosa is found in up to 50% of individuals undergoing imaging for sinus issues, though not all experience symptoms.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sinus infections, structural abnormalities in the nasal cavity, and chronic allergic rhinitis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is good with treatment, especially if surgery is performed to remove the enlarged turbinate.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic sinusitis, nasal obstruction, headaches, and impaired airflow.