Comfortable Nasal Passages Are Key to Studying, Working, and Sleeping Thumbs Up (Lee Jin-kyung's Health Tips)

Various Diseases Inside the Nose

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-kyung Lee] As the seasons change, more people are experiencing dryness inside the nose and various nasal diseases. Our nose plays an important role beyond just smelling. Therefore, if inflammation or nasal diseases are mistaken for a common cold and neglected, breathing through the nose becomes difficult, leading to increased reliance on mouth breathing. This can cause decreased concentration, chronic fatigue, dental malocclusion, and may affect personality development and interpersonal relationships, so caution is necessary.

● How important is the nasal mucosa?

The nasal mucosa not only functions in the sense of smell but also regulates the humidity and temperature of the air inhaled through the nose, ensuring that air with a consistent temperature and humidity enters the lungs. Through mucus secretion, it removes toxic substances and infectious agents, and secretes antibacterial substances to act as a protective barrier against external bacteria, viruses, fungi, and dust. However, if the mucosa is dry or inflamed due to viral infection and is in poor condition, it cannot perform its functions properly and may lead to various diseases in severe cases.

● Various nasal diseases easily mistaken for a common cold and neglected

▶ Nasal dryness (Rhinitis sicca)

Nasal dryness often occurs when the inside of the nose becomes dry due to dry air, long flights, or hot environments. The main symptoms include a tight, itchy, and stinging sensation in the nose, difficulty breathing, and nosebleeds when blowing or picking the nose. It mainly occurs in the elderly with reduced nasal mucus secretion and children who frequently pick their noses. It is important to avoid stimulating behaviors such as nose picking, use a humidifier, and drink plenty of water to keep the nasal cavity moist. In severe cases, ointments can be applied for treatment.

▶ Sinusitis

Sinuses are empty spaces within the facial bones around the nose, connected to the nasal cavity through small openings. These openings allow ventilation and drainage of secretions from the sinuses. Sinusitis (also called rhinosinusitis) occurs when these small openings become blocked, preventing proper ventilation and drainage, leading to inflammation and accumulation of secretions that worsen the condition. If the disease lasts less than 4 weeks, it is acute sinusitis; if it persists for more than 3 months, it is chronic sinusitis. Main symptoms include continuous yellow nasal discharge, nasal congestion, facial pain, and postnasal drip. Severe cases may cause decreased sense of smell and concentration, and can lead to otitis media and bronchitis. Treatment mainly involves medication and nasal irrigation, but surgery may be necessary in some cases. It is important to seek medical attention promptly to prevent progression from acute to chronic sinusitis.

▶ Deviated nasal septum

A deviated nasal septum refers to the bending of the nasal septum, the wall that vertically divides the nostrils, causing nasal congestion, sinusitis, and other nasal symptoms and functional disorders. It often occurs due to congenital causes. Nasal congestion is the main symptom, but the side that feels congested may not always be consistent between the narrower or wider side. Prolonged symptoms can lead to hypertrophic rhinitis and other symptoms such as memory decline, distractibility, sleep disorders, sleep apnea, and olfactory dysfunction. If left untreated, frequent acute rhinitis like colds may occur, and the deviated area pressing against the lateral nasal wall can compress surrounding sensory nerves, causing headaches or facial pain. Treatment can include medication or nasal irrigation with saline, but for complete treatment, septoplasty is recommended.

▶ Chronic rhinitis

Rhinitis is an inflammatory disease of the nasal mucosa accompanied by symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, and congestion. It can be caused by various factors, and chronic rhinitis may develop if acute rhinitis like a cold is not fully treated and recurs repeatedly. Chronic inflammation of the sinuses or tonsillar tissue, poor nutritional or immune status can also cause prolonged rhinitis leading to chronic rhinitis. The main symptom is nasal congestion, which varies in severity. In severe cases, both nostrils may be blocked, making nasal breathing very difficult and causing mouth breathing, which can lead to headaches and decreased concentration. Chronic rhinitis may cause yellow-green nasal discharge, paroxysmal sneezing, and decreased sense of smell. Severe cases can lead to complications such as conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis, eustachian tube inflammation, otitis media, and pharyngolaryngitis. If the cause is clear, proper treatment can be effective, but if not, treatment is difficult and symptoms may persist for a long time.

▶ Nasal tumors

The nasal cavity is an empty space inside the nose surrounded by bone, cartilage, and mucosa, and tumors occurring within this cavity are called nasal tumors. Most nasal tumors are benign and cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, headaches, and olfactory disturbances. If the patient is not too young, the tumor is not too large, and the location is accessible, it can be removed surgically under local anesthesia. However, recurrence is possible and requires caution. Rarely, malignant tumors may occur, often presenting with frequent nosebleeds and ulcers on the nasal mucosa. It is difficult to determine malignancy based on symptoms alone, so detailed examinations and biopsies are necessary. Treatment may involve extensive surgical resection, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

● How to maintain nasal health in daily life?

▶ Nasal irrigation when dry

In spring, due to polluted air such as fine dust and yellow dust, the nasal mucosa can become swollen and dry, causing nasal congestion. Nasal irrigation helps remove foreign substances from the nasal cavity and dilutes inflammatory substances, helping to keep the mucosa moist.

▶ Always wear a mask

Masks are effective in blocking yellow dust and fine dust, but they also prevent dry air from entering the respiratory tract and help retain warm, humid air inside, aiding in maintaining nasal moisture.

▶ Maintain indoor temperature and humidity

If the nasal cavity becomes dry, the sticky mucosa that filters foreign substances dries out, making it easier for foreign substances to enter the body, so caution is needed. The nose is most comfortable at an indoor temperature of 20?25°C and humidity of 50?60%, so maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity is important. Using a humidifier or placing wet towels or laundry nearby can help regulate indoor humidity.

▶ Drink enough fluids

To prevent dehydration, especially during seasonal changes, it is good to drink lukewarm water frequently. Drinking small amounts often rather than a large amount at once helps maintain body hydration, so it is advisable to develop a habit of drinking water regularly at appropriate intervals.

▶ Improve dietary habits

Instant foods, dairy products, flour-based foods, and caffeinated beverages are major factors that worsen rhinitis symptoms. If you suffer from rhinitis, avoid these foods and focus on dietary improvements to manage inflammation and maintain health.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.