Sinus and nose-related headaches – Why? & Causes

Headaches! We have all had them. There are many causes of headaches but this article relates to that arising from conditions that affect the nose and sinuses. Our nose is very sensitive. It has to be as it forms one of our earliest sense organ for finding food as well as arousing us to the presence of danger from predators or our changing environment. Many of us know the nose as an organ of smell (and therefore flavor) and this sensation comes from the olfactory nerve. The nose however has another nerve supply that provides us with the sensation of heat, cold, dry, humid and of course, pain. This sensation arises from the fifth nerve of our brain called the trigeminal nerve.

You all know this nerve, which innervates your face, eyes, nose, sinuses and teeth. It burns and gives you a headache if you do somersaults underwater in the swimming pool or take too much wasabi on your sushi. Your face burns from the inside and your eyes water. This is when your trigeminal nerve is being hyper-stimulated.

This same nerve is responsible for the headaches one can get from sino-nasal disease. If someone has nasal allergy, and especially if the septum (the bone inside your nose that separates the right from the left nostril) is bent, the lining of the nose expands considerably. When the hypersensitive linings touches one another, they can cause a localized headache at the top of the head, the temples or the back of the head. This kind of headache, or nerve pain, is known as Sluder’s neuralgia or Sluder’s headache.

Our sinuses are air-filled cavities inside our skull. These cavities have very narrow openings into the nose. Again, due to:

·             a nose allergy,

·             a bent septum blocking the sinus opening,

·             a narrowed sinus opening/s from recurrent infection

·             or all of the above in the same person at the same time,

the sinus opening/s become blocked. When this happens, a negative pressure is generated within the sinus and this can cause facial pains and headaches. If, on the other hand, there is a bacterial infection with pus formation, the pus will build up an intense pressure from within the sinus causing pain too. This change in pressure stimulates the nerve endings in the nose and sinuses, causing a sinus headache.

If only specific sinuses are affected like the frontal sinuses above the eyes, then a headache above and behind the eye may be felt.  Sinus headaches are peculiar in that the pain changes in intensity with position, being usually more painful when the head is lowered i.e. tying the shoelaces or picking something from the floor. Also the bony surface of the face just outside the inflamed sinus is painful to applied pressure from outside the face.

Naturally, as you now understand that sino-nasal inflammation can cause headaches, you will realize that any infection of the inside of the nose can do this too. Even when we are stressed, the nose lining inside swells up and this can manifest as a headache. Equally cancers of the nose, sinuses and nasopharynx can cause headaches as they stimulate the trigeminal nerve or block the sinus openings. Cancers are thankfully much, much less common than allergies. However in any case, any persistent or recurring headaches is best investigated for its cause and the correct treatment offered.

Reference: www.entific.com.hk/headache.html

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Epistaxis / Nosebleeds – What to do

Nosebleeds can happen when you least expect it. At the very least, they are alarming especially with small children, and at the worst, possibly life threatening. So what can you do about the bleeding nose and what action should you take after it has stopped bleeding?

The first thing is to stop the “stoppable” bleeding. Bleeding that comes from the front of the nose can be stopped by pressure. All other bleedings from the middle or back of the nose stops only by your own blood clotting or with medical attention. The first thing to do in a nose bleed is place your head forward, breathe through the mouth and press gently but firmly on the soft part of the nose. This is the lowest third of the nose that you can wiggle with your fingers. Placing your head forward means that you will be less likely to choke and swallow your blood, and any continuing bleeding is clear to see. Pressure should be applied for 15 minutes and this is usually more than enough to stop the small bleed, as our blood will effectively clot in less than 3 minutes. If you are on blood-thinning medication, this can take much longer.

After releasing the pressure, if there is no further active bleeding, this suggests that the bleeding is from the front of the nose. Dry weather and a long flight travel in a dry cabin may be the cause and applying some Vaseline ointment inside the nostrils will help. Seeking the early attention of your ENT Physician would be recommended so that a good check up can be done to prevent further bleeds and treating the underlying cause. You can usually expect that the nose will be clearly visualized with an endoscope of the front, middle and back of the nose. Sometimes a scan of the sinuses may be required as the cavities of the sinuses are not usually visible to the naked eye or endoscope. If a bleeding point is identified, it can be electro-cauterized and this is very successful in preventing future bleeding in 90% of cases. If a nasal allergy causing rhinitis exists, this is also easily treated with medication.

If the bleeding is especially heavy and/or does not stop, it is usually from the middle to the back of the nose. Here the reason is because the vessels are larger and we cannot physically press on them as they are situated inside the face. Situations such as this will require immediate attention at your nearest hospital as you may have lost a lot of blood. Your attending doctor’s priority would be to stop the bleeding first. This is usually undertaken with nasal packs placed into the nose. They are uncomfortable to put in but their intention is life saving. They may then possibly refer you to the ENT Physicians to identify with their special endoscopes where the bleeding is coming from, and treat you accordingly. Nowadays modern endoscopes for the body cavities have revolutionized epistaxis care. After identifying the bleeding point, if appropriate, the source maybe cauterized.

Nosebleeds are frightening for the sufferer as well as family and friends. Thankfully the majority of nosebleeds are minor and easily stopped by pressure as mentioned above. If the bleeding is unduly heavy and does not stop, urgent hospital attention should be sought.

]

 

Reference: www.entific.com.hk/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Epistaxis / Nosebleeds – Why? & Causes (2)

Our environment also plays an important part in causing nosebleeds.  Our nose should be moist, and not dry. If it is dry, the lining breaks down and we bleed.  So sudden changes in the environment make the nose drier and can cause bleeding. This happens if we fly especially for long journeys or go from a warm, humid climate to visit a dry climate like a winter skiing holiday in the Alps or if the temperature suddenly drops like during the Winter Solstice in Hong Kong. An underlying condition or drug may also cause dryness of the nose. Patients with radiotherapy to the nose for previous cancer or atrophic rhinitis (an inflammatory condition of the nose that has caused a reduction in the mucus secreting cells of the nose) will predispose the lining of the nose to easy breakdown and bleeding.

 

Interestingly also the internal passage size of our nose also affects our frequency of nose bleeding too, by creating a drier environment. If one’s nose is narrower on one side, there is more turbulence generated when we breathe normally. This turbulence causes local drying effects, lining breakdown and therefore bleeding. This narrowing can be caused by a deviated septum of the nose, enlarged turbinate from nose allergy or sinus polyps that narrow the passages themselves.

 

So epistaxis/nosebleeds are common. The cause/s of any nosebleed is varied and is the interplay between the anatomy of the nose, an underlying condition and environment factors. As mentioned earlier, most nosebleeds have no significant cause. However if any nose bleeding persists, recurs and/or is unusually heavy, it is always best to seek an assessment by your ENT Specialist to exclude all causes. Thankfully here too, most causes are easily treated.

Reference: www.entific.com.hk/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

Epistaxis / Nosebleeds – Why? & Causes (1)

“Epistaxis” is the Latin word for the nosebleeds. Nose bleeding is very common and every one of us has experienced it at least once in our lifetime. As common as it is, 90% of nosebleeds do not have an identifiable cause after investigation. This is not a bad thing as it means that most nosebleeds have no sinister causes.

Our nose is supplied by blood from an internal and external arterial system. The external vascular supply comes from the vessel that brings blood to our face; hence it enter the nose from outside, causes the bleeding from the front of the nose where we get most of the bleeding. The internal vascular supply is more elaborate, coming off the vessels that bring blood directly to the brain. They supply the nose from the back under higher pressure and therefore nose bleed from the internal system tends generally to be more heavier; this is because we cannot press and stop the bleeding at the back for the nose with our fingers and also as the arterial blood pressure is stronger too.

So what causes nose bleeding? Several factors affect and cause nose bleeds. Firstly we need a blood vessel as the source, preferably near the surface of the lining. Vessels in the front of the nose are nearer the surface as the lining is thinner so nose bleeds from the front is therefore commoner. Next we also need a condition that makes the vessel more prone to bleeding. So, for example, if there is an existing inflammation like a nose allergy, infection or sinusitis, there is inflammation of the vessel with an engorgement by blood. 

Perhaps the wall of the vessel might be weak and breaks easily; we sometimes see this as the sole reason in the elderly population. Trauma from an accident to the nose or repeated trauma by the patient picking his/her nose can break the vessel too. Obviously nasopharyngeal cancers, cancers of the nose and sinuses, vascular tumors and malformations can cause bleeding too. All tumor growths require a good blood supply to feed their growth and hence may present as a nosebleed early on.

Reference: www.entific.com.hk/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

What is functional septorhinoplasty surgery? (2)

The bony cartilaginous septum is intimately connected to the upper and middle third external nose structures, and loosely via strong suspensory ligaments, to the lower “mobile” third. This intimate relationship determines appearance and airflow through the nose. Hence a deformity of this internal framework structure can deviate the external nasal structure, and functionally cause a block nose.

The intimate relationship between the different structures of the upper, middle and lower nose, together with the internal nasal septum, is relevant. They all influence the function of the other; so surgery on one structure can dynamically affect the position of the other. Hence in some cases of a blocked nose, a septo-rhinoplasty surgery may be recommended in one surgical session to primarily improve function, and consequentially, appearance. A stronger septal “tent” and support would mean a less obstructed middle and lower third of the nose, as well as an improved projection and nasal profile.

Functional septo-rhinoplasty surgery can be performed under open or closed (endonasal) approaches. The optimal approach should be discussed with your surgeon.





Reference: www.entific.com.hk/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

What is functional septorhinoplasty surgery? (1)

Functional septo-rhinoplasty surgery is a “nose job” undertaken primarily to improve the function of the nose i.e. breathing through the nose. It is not a cosmetic nose job, which only enhances the aesthetics of the nose. However, it does realign the deviated / collapsed nasal structures whilst projecting them for an improved airway, and does result in a more aesthetically pleasing nose. In addition, the improved nasal airway improves sleep quality and sometimes snoring and adds a real life meaning to the cliché term “ beauty sleep “.

The structure of the nose consists of bony and cartilaginous elements. These form the upper, middle and lower nose as most people see on a person’s face. The internal nasal structure is however not visible. This consists of a midline strong bony cartilaginous septum which “tents” the outside nose, giving it projection, height and therefore also its aesthetic form. The nasal framework’s function is to tent and project the nose, and maintaining an air passage so that the nose remains open for air to pass through, during sleep and active exertion.

 

 

Bony and cartilaginous framework of the nose

Deviated internal nasal septum

 




Reference: www.entific.com.hk/

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult ENT Specialists before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.

如何保護你的聲帶

保護聲帶

- 放慢說話速度

- 說話時要作停頓

- 保持聲線得到適當的休息

-   以適合自己的聲調說話

-   多飲水

-   避免長時間逗留在乾燥／多煙塵的地方

- 減少吃刺激性飲食多放鬆自己

-   保持身心愉快，以理性的態度面對問題

-   日常生活有規律

    
-  減少娛樂中過度用聲

-   在許可情況下，培養多方面興趣

損害聲帶的行為

-   課餘時長時間不停的說話或唱歌，例如過度唱詩、煲電話粥

-   說話太快

-   在嘈吵環境中大叫和大聲說話，例如課室、茶樓、街上

-   用不適當音調說話或唱歌，(太高/太低音)

-   用不適當音量說話或唱歌，(太大/太細聲)

-   清喉嚨

-   大力咳嗽

-  激動地大笑/大哭

-   吸煙

-   飲刺激性飲料，例如酒、咖啡、濃茶

-  吃刺激性食物，例如煎炸/熱氣/太乾食物，太鹹/太甜/太辣食物，和太熱/太凍食物

 
- 吃宵夜過飽

-   娛樂節目中過度用聲，例如唱卡拉OK、打麻雀

參考資料:  www.entific.com.hk

以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途，如果你有任何醫療問題，
應向自己的耳鼻喉專科醫生查詢，而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。

鼻竇炎

事實上，鼻敏感患者由於長期流鼻水和擤鼻涕，鼻竇和鼻腔間供鼻液流通的孔道會比常人狹窄；當患上感冒時，這些孔道會比平常更窄，結果感冒引起的鼻液(鼻水)就因為找不到宣泄的出口而堆積在副鼻腔中。含有大量細菌的鼻液一旦在鼻竇堆積，就會引發急性鼻竇炎。上述的男生就因為鼻竇發炎，令耳咽管的黏膜腫脹，一旦遇上氣壓改變就會引起劇痛。不過，急性鼻竇炎並不難治療，患者只需服用1-2星期鼻敏感藥及抗生素，再輔以噴鼻用的類固醇就可痊癒。

 

值得留意的是，慢性鼻竇炎患者也有年青化的趨勢。不少來求診的患者都是20多歲的年青人，成因和急性鼻竇炎一樣，是鼻敏感長期處理不善，令鼻內孔道長期腫脹，讓鼻液積聚誘發炎症而成。慢性鼻竇炎和急性鼻竇炎的病徵很相似，一般來說，如果鼻竇炎在6星期內不能痊癒的話，就會歸類為慢性鼻竇炎。

 

慢性鼻竇炎患者的鼻內孔道很多時都因為長期發炎腫脹而結痂，即使消炎和收鼻水後，孔道依然狹窄。要徹底治療，就要做手術來打通鼻竇與鼻腔間的自然孔洞，令鼻竇內的鼻黏膜回復正常。另外，如果患者本身的鼻敏感十分嚴重，亦需要以內窺鏡或電腦掃瞄觀察是否鼻結構出現問題，如是否有鼻中隔側移或出現瘜肉等問題，再對症下藥進行治療。

參考資料: www.entific.com.hk

以上所提供的資訊僅作為教育及參考用途，如果你有任何醫療問題，

應向自己的耳鼻喉專科醫生查詢，而不應單倚賴以上提供的資料。