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What Causes Drainage From The Nose,nasal Obstruction And Difficulty Breathing?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014
Question: Hi, everyday my sinuses cause me to have difficulty with breathing. I have to blow my nose throughout the day and then use Afrin or something similar to clear my nostril so I can breathe. Its been going on for several months and seem to be occurring more frequently. I was told by my former PCP to use a vaporizer but it didn't help. Can you please tell me what is wrong with me? Thank you so much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible a chronic sinusitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!
I am Dr.Rovena and I read your problem in details.

The symptoms you describe (drainage from the nose,nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose) seems it might be chronic sinus infection.

Chronic sinusitis is a common condition in which the cavities around nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen — for at least eight weeks, despite treatment attempts.

Also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, this condition interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up.It may be difficult to breathe through your nose.

Common causes of chronic sinusitis include:
-Nasal polyps. These tissue growths may block the nasal passages or sinuses.
-Allergic reactions. Allergic triggers include fungal infection of the sinuses.
-Deviated nasal septum. A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils may restrict or block sinus passages.
-Respiratory tract infections, most commonly, colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes, block mucus drainage and create conditions ripe for growth of bacteria.
-Allergies because inflammation that occurs with allergies may block your sinuses.

In this case is very important to find the right cause of this chronic sinusitis in order to treat the right cause.

I suggest to consult a ENT doctor to get a carefully evaluation of your nose and sinuses to sort out the right cause.

The diagnosis of this condition includes:
-Physical examination
This visual inspection will help rule out physical conditions that trigger sinusitis, such as nasal polyps or other abnormalities.
-Nasal endoscopy. A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a fiber-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to visually inspect the inside of your sinuses. This also is known as rhinoscopy.
-Imaging studies. Images taken using computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show details of your sinuses and nasal area. These may identify a deep inflammation or physical obstruction that's difficult to detect using an endoscope.
-An allergy test. If your doctor suspects that the condition may be brought on by allergies, an allergy skin test may be recommended.

So consult a ENT doctor to sort out the real cause of sinusitis and the treatment will depend upon this.

Hope I was able to help you.
If you have any further question please feel free to ask me,I will be happy to help.

Best Regards.
Dr.Rovena
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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What Causes Drainage From The Nose,nasal Obstruction And Difficulty Breathing?

Brief Answer: Possible a chronic sinusitis. Detailed Answer: Hello! I am Dr.Rovena and I read your problem in details. The symptoms you describe (drainage from the nose,nasal obstruction or congestion, causing difficulty breathing through your nose) seems it might be chronic sinus infection. Chronic sinusitis is a common condition in which the cavities around nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen — for at least eight weeks, despite treatment attempts. Also known as chronic rhinosinusitis, this condition interferes with drainage and causes mucus to build up.It may be difficult to breathe through your nose. Common causes of chronic sinusitis include: -Nasal polyps. These tissue growths may block the nasal passages or sinuses. -Allergic reactions. Allergic triggers include fungal infection of the sinuses. -Deviated nasal septum. A crooked septum — the wall between the nostrils may restrict or block sinus passages. -Respiratory tract infections, most commonly, colds — can inflame and thicken your sinus membranes, block mucus drainage and create conditions ripe for growth of bacteria. -Allergies because inflammation that occurs with allergies may block your sinuses. In this case is very important to find the right cause of this chronic sinusitis in order to treat the right cause. I suggest to consult a ENT doctor to get a carefully evaluation of your nose and sinuses to sort out the right cause. The diagnosis of this condition includes: -Physical examination This visual inspection will help rule out physical conditions that trigger sinusitis, such as nasal polyps or other abnormalities. -Nasal endoscopy. A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a fiber-optic light inserted through your nose allows your doctor to visually inspect the inside of your sinuses. This also is known as rhinoscopy. -Imaging studies. Images taken using computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show details of your sinuses and nasal area. These may identify a deep inflammation or physical obstruction that's difficult to detect using an endoscope. -An allergy test. If your doctor suspects that the condition may be brought on by allergies, an allergy skin test may be recommended. So consult a ENT doctor to sort out the real cause of sinusitis and the treatment will depend upon this. Hope I was able to help you. If you have any further question please feel free to ask me,I will be happy to help. Best Regards. Dr.Rovena