Dr. Hazenfield -- Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor in Hawaii

 

 

Nasal Disease

"Nasal" Headaches

 

Hugh N. Hazenfield, M.D., F.A.C.S.

 

 

  • Symptoms:

    • Nasal obstruction (one or both sides)

    • Lack of sense of smell (called anosmia)

    • Runny nose (clear, thick white, or yellow-green)

    • Post-nasal drip

    • Pain around or between the eyes

    • Taste disturbances

     

  • Causes:

    • Allergies

    • Over-use of bulb aspirators in infants

    • Chronic nasal or sinus infection

    • Hormonal changes with menstruation or pregnancy

    • Deviated nasal septum.  This may be due to previous trauma.

    • Polyps

    • Tumors

    • Foreign body in nose.  Suspect this especially if there is thick infected drainage from just one side of the nose.

 

Deviated nasal septum

(Yellow, blue & pink structures)

 

 

Left Nasal Polyp

 

 

Foreign Body (Bead) in Left Nasal Cavity

 

 

  • Headaches caused by nasal problems:

     

     

    • Headaches in the area around the eyes, above the eyebrows, in the top of the head (vertex), or the back of the head (occipital area) may be caused by deviation of the nasal septum.  These are sometimes called "Sluder headaches".

    • This is usually due to a history of trauma to the nose.

    • The problem is impingement of the fractured and deviated septum upon the bones on the side of the nose (turbinates).

     

    • Left Nasal Cavity

      (Red star is the pressure point causing headache)

     

     

    • These headaches may be treated medically with topical intranasal steroid sprays and with infrequent use of topical decongestant nasal sprays.

    • These headaches often may be significantly relieved on a permanent basis with surgery.  This involves straightening the septum to the midline and fracturing and/or removing part of the turbinates.

     

 

  • Diagnosis of nasal disease:

    • Accurate history by your physician or an otolaryngologist.  This includes a history of asthma and/or aspirin intolerance.

    • Complete examination of the nose, mouth, and throat behind the nose (nasopharynx).  This may involve anesthetizing the nose with a spray and examining the nose and nasopharynx with a fiberoptic instrument.  This is usually only slightly uncomfortable but usually is not painful

    • Cultures of the nasal secretions for bacteria

    • Examination of nasal secretions for eosinophils

    • Sometimes, X-rays or computerized tomography

     

  • Treatment of nasal disease:

    • Treatment may be medical or surgical or both

    • Medical:

      • If you use a bulb aspirator in your infant's nose, and his or her nose is congested, discontinue it.  The irritation of the tip of the aspirator in the nose causes more congestion!

      • Topical intranasal steroid sprays

      • Topical intranasal antihistamine sprays

      • Saline nasal sprays

      • Topical decongestant nasal sprays (sparingly)

      • Antihistamines and/or decongestants by mouth

      • Occasionally, systemic steroids (by mouth or injection)

       

    • Surgical:

      • Removal of polyps if present

      • Straightening the septum (middle structure of the nose)

      • Fracturing or removing part of small bones called turbinates

      • Removing obstructing masses or tumors

      • Removing foreign bodies

      • Opening and draining sinuses

 

For more information about allergies, click on this link:

Allergies

 

  •  Nose Bleeds

 

Bleeding from the anterior part of the nose

 

  • Nasal bleeding (epistaxis) is usually benign, but it may signify more serious disease. 

  • It can be very frightening, and rarely blood loss may be in dangerous amounts. 

  • If it is frequent or does not stop within a few minutes, a complete evaluation by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) should be made. 

  • If you cannot stop a nosebleed in just a few minutes, go immediately to the nearest emergency room!

 

For more information about nosebleeds, causes, and treatment, click on this link:

Nosebleeds

 

 

 

My offices are in the following convenient locations:

  • Aiea (also serving Honolulu & Waipahu)

  • Wahiawa (also serving Mililani & the North Shore)

For appointments call:  (808) 622-2626

 

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You deserve the best of care.

When seeking an otolaryngologist,

be certain that he or she is

Board Certified

by the

American Board of Otolaryngology

 

 

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DISCLAIMER:  The purpose of this website is to provide general information and not medical advice.  This website is not a substitute for consultation with a physician.  Information contained herein is believed to be accurate, but no warranty is made as to accuracy or appropriateness.  Information contained herein may be outdated or incomplete.