Located in the middle of your face, your nose is an important organ that allows you to smell and help you breathe. Because of its importance, even mild illnesses and imperceptible defects can cause discomfort. One of the most common ailments is nasal congestion. The three categories of nasal congestion causes are inflammatory, structural, and functional. Causes of inflammation in the nose include allergies, the common cold, and environmental irritants. Structural problems are most likely caused by a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates. Functional problems affect your nose’s performance and may include the collapse of nasal walls or a narrowing of your nose’s valves. Nasal problems can also stem from a fracture, polyps, and other obstructing growths.
How Our Nose Doctor Diagnoses Your Symptoms
Determining the cause and subsequent treatment of your nasal problems begins with a thorough consultation at San Pedro Clinic in Los Angeles. Dr. Divi will ask about your medical history and the timeline of your symptoms. After the preliminary questions, Dr. Divi will conduct a physical examination of your nose. A slender, flexible scope is used to check your nose for swelling, polyps, a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or other issues. If there is any indication of infection, Dr. Divi will also check for bacteria with a culture swab. Allergies are also tested since hay fever is a common source of nasal congestion. Additionally, since your nose and sinuses are connected, a CT scan of your sinuses may be needed.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR NASAL PROBLEMS
Rather than treat nasal ailments aggressively, at first, Dr. Venu Divi prefers to employ a non-invasive approach to treating symptoms. Some of these options include nasal sprays, saline rinses, or in serious cases, a steroid pill or antibiotic prescription. Sometimes, patients who suffer from chronic nasal obstructions may need a more permanent solution. Dr. Divi offers both in-office and surgical treatments. If you are suffering from enlarged turbinates, there are two treatment methods available at Dr. Divi’s office in the San Pedro Clinic. Coblation is a procedure that removes some of the turbinate soft tissue with a probe that emits low-temperature radiofrequency. Submucosal resection is the second available treatment that cuts away extra tissue with a tiny spinning blade. Treatments that require an operating room include a septoplasty and placement of the Latera implant. No matter what treatment you may need, Dr. Divi will review, in-depth, all available options with you to help get you back to full health.