Category: Nose

Nighttime nasal congestion can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience that affects many people. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential causes of nighttime nasal congestion and provide tips for relieving this condition. Whether looking for a quick solution or seeking professional medical advice, Breathe Clear Institute can help you breathe easier.

What is Nighttime Nasal Congestion?

Nighttime nasal congestion is a common condition that causes your nasal passages to feel blocked or congested, making breathing difficult. It can also cause other symptoms, such as snoring, difficulty sleeping, and dry mouth. While occasional nighttime nasal congestion may be harmless, persistent congestion may indicate an underlying health condition that requires medical attention.

Potential Causes of Nighttime Nasal Congestion

There are several possible causes of nighttime nasal congestion, including:

Allergies

Allergic reactions to dust, pollen, pet dander, or other environmental factors can cause nasal congestion, particularly at night.

Sinusitis

Sinus infections or inflammation can cause your nasal passages to become inflamed and congested, leading to nighttime symptoms.

Deviated Septum 

A deviated septum is a structural problem in which the nasal septum (the thin wall that separates the two nostrils) is off-center, causing breathing difficulties.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to nasal congestion, especially during the third trimester.

Medications

Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and blood pressure medications, can cause nasal congestion as a side effect.

Tips for Relieving Nighttime Nasal Congestion

If you’re struggling with nighttime nasal congestion, there are several things you can do to find relief, including:

Elevate your head

Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce congestion by allowing nasal passages to drain more effectively.

Stay hydrated 

Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin out mucus and reduce congestion.

Use a humidifier

Adding moisture to the air can help alleviate dryness and congestion in your nasal passages.

Use nasal saline spray

Saline nasal sprays can help moisten your nasal passages and clear out mucus.

Avoid allergens

If allergies are causing your nasal congestion, avoid exposure to known allergens, such as pollen or pet dander.

When to Consult an ENT

If your nighttime nasal congestion is severe or persistent, it’s essential to consult an ENT specialist. If necessary, an ENT can perform a physical exam and recommend treatments such as medications, allergy testing, or surgery. Please don’t ignore your symptoms, as they may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires treatment.

Breathe Clear Institute Can Help Reduce Nasal Congestion

If you’re struggling with nighttime nasal congestion, Breathe Clear Institute can help. Our team of experienced ENT specialists can diagnose and treat various nasal and sinus conditions, including allergies, sinusitis, and deviated septum. We offer a range of treatments, from medications to minimally invasive procedures, to help you breathe easier and sleep better. Don’t suffer in silence – contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help.

A nose job/rhinoplasty 

There are a myriad of reasons that a person would consider or need to have a rhinoplasty, commonly known as a “nose job.” If you have a deviated septum, sinus issues, or want to change the appearance of your nose, the rhinoplasty is a well-known and popular surgery. 

Some patients come to us with a severe nasal fracture from contact sports or a substantial fall which is also treated with a rhinoplasty and is quite common. Whatever the reason might be, the Breathe Clear Institute and its staff will work with you to solve functionality and aesthetic issues from damage to the nose and its cavities. 

Now, what does a rhinoplasty surgery involve? Depending on the reason for the surgery, there may be different and more complicated steps along the way in comparison to a routine nose job. A simple rhinoplasty has six major steps:

1. Administration of anesthesia
2. Incision made at the surgical site
3. Reshaping of the nose structure 
4. Correction of deviated septum (if applicable)
5. Closure of incision 
6. Aftercare and healing process
7. See and enjoy the results 

There are risks involved with a rhinoplasty. First, it’s important to do your research on plastic surgeons, if you’re interested in the aesthetic results of a surgical procedure. Rhinoplasty is one of our more common procedures and we understand it from all angles – we want you to breathe well and look good. 

Doctors always like to tell patients to manage expectations and know that results may vary. There are no guarantees that your nose will look the same, dramatically different, better or worse. 

What are the risks and long-term effects of a nose job

While we never plan to have things go wrong in surgery or post-surgery, there is always a chance that something unplanned happens. Like any surgery, there are many risks involved in getting a nose job. Some risks include:

• Complications with anesthesia 
• Numbness or pain at the surgical site 
• Swelling, bruising, and skin coloration 
• Unfavorable changes in breathing
• Possible infections 
• Poor healing or noticable scarring
• Hole in the nasal septum 
• Need for a revisional surgery
• Unmet vanity expectations 

If everything goes well and according to plan, a rhinoplasty will have many positive outcomes such as clearing of nasal pathways and better breathing, restoring of nasal cavity functionality (while also addressing any aesthetic issues that need be addressed along the way), relief from sinus issues, and better sleep at night without incessant snoring. 

There’s no shame in getting a nose job, especially if it’s for medical reasons to improve your overall health. This procedure can make substantial changes in patients’ lives. Rhinoplasty is not something to take lightly, so it’s best to have multiple consultations before making the decision, even shopping around for different doctors.

Want to learn more? Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute 

Book an online appointment with us to go over your questions and concerns regarding your nose and its functionality. We will investigate all aspects of your breathing before concluding that a rhinoplasty is right for you.

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What exactly is an ear infection?

An ear infection is the blockage of the Eustachian tube, which is the narrow tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat located behind the eardrum. The blockage is a build up of fluids that becomes infected, eventually causing pain and discomfort. After a day at the pool, these are often referred to as “swimmer’s ear” but are still under the ear infections umbrella. 

Ear infections are so common in children under five years old that they account for nearly 80% of all pediatrician visits within the age group. The scientific term that doctors may use for ear infections is “otitis media” and is usually easy to treat within children. The Eustachian tubes of children are quite small and are more parallel to the middle ear compared to adults, so they are more easily clogged and infected. Take our online Eustachian tube test to see if the child’s symptoms align. 

Childhood ear infections can often occur alongside other illnesses. It’s important to see a doctor for proper treatment if any of the following at-home remedies are not working within the first couple of days. Symptoms include noticeable differences in hearing, imbalance, fever, unusual crying and fussiness, and fluid draining from the ear. 

What can I do at home to ease the pain?

If a child is in pain and you have to wait to see the pediatrician, there are some simple ways to alleviate the pain with products likely already around the house. Here are some simple ways to help children with a possible ear infection before seeing a doctor:

• Cool set humidifier in child’s room
• Warm compresses or hot water bottle to the ear
• Gargling salt water
• Over-the-counter pain relievers for children
• Nasal spray for children
• Ear drops (children 2+ years old)

These methods may help ease the pain, but they will not help destroy the bacteria inside the ear itself. The next step is to visit us at the Breathe Clear Institute. 

Why does my child keep getting ear infections?

Recurring ear infections are a reason to see a doctor. Typically, if your child has four or more ear infections within a twelve-month period, we recommend seeing your pediatrician or visiting our offices. Treatment will vary on the severity and frequency of the infections and customized to each individual patient.

When is it time to go beyond antibiotics and consider surgery? 

In order to avoid resistance to antibiotic therapies, surgery may be recommended. One method we use  is placing a special myringotomy tube in the child’s ear to create an opening in the tube for proper flow of air and drainage. Another option is the removal of the adenoids, otherwise known as an adenoidectomy. Both are small surgical procedures done in our offices. 

Ear infections are not contagious, so your child is welcome to return to daycare, school, or everyday interactions so long as they are feeling up for it. Treatment will continue and be monitored to ensure success. 

Let us help you find the right solution – Schedule an appointment with Breathe Clear Institute 

No one wants to see their child in pain, especially if it’s chronic. Come see us to assess your child and see what the best avenue of treatment will be.

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Can Plastic Surgery Fix Your Nose Issues?

When you hear the words “nose job” you probably think of cosmetic surgery. It is true that nose surgery, known as rhinoplasty, can give you the sculpted nose you’ve always dreamed of. But that isn’t the only purpose of nasal plastic surgery. These procedures can also improve breathing, fix structural deformities, and correct injuries. Even though medical insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic nose surgery, it will if there is a medical necessity. If you have one of the following conditions, you could be a good candidate for medical nose surgery.

Deviated Septum

One of the most common medical reasons for nose surgery is a deviated septum. Close to 80 percent of people have some degree of septal deviation. Injury or atypical growth can cause the center wall of the nose to warp or bend. In many people, the deformity is minor and doesn’t cause any discomfort. But for more severe cases, the deviated septum can obstruct breathing in one or both nostrils, leading to chronic sinus infections, nosebleeds, facial pain, and congestion. Thankfully, this can be corrected with a special procedure called septoplasty. Some people even choose to combine cosmetic surgery and septum correction in a procedure called septorhinoplasty. 

Enlarged Turbinates

If you’re experiencing chronic congestion, it could be due to enlarged turbinates. Turbinates are structures inside the nasal passages that filter and warm the air we breathe every day. When these structures expand beyond their normal size, you’ll be left with an incessant stuffy nose. Turbinate reduction surgery can correct this problem by decreasing its size. However, since turbinates are necessary for proper nasal function, you can’t remove them completely.

Broken Nose

If you suffer a broken nose, you will need to see a nose doctor immediately to assess the damage. They may ask you to return in a few days to wait for the swelling to subside. Once they evaluate the nose injury, you could receive surgery within 7-10 days (before the bones heal on their own). This type of plastic surgery is called nasal fracture reduction and without it, your bones could heal incorrectly. If you wait too long, you could be left with a nose deformity and breathing issues. In this case, you can consider an outpatient septorhinoplasty. 

Aging Nose

Aging is another common cause of structure nasal obstruction. The combination of weakened cartilage and gravity leads to drooping and collapsing of the nostrils. If you’re struggling with breathing through your nose, try lifting the tip up with your finger. If breathing is improved, rhinoplasty could be the answer to your problem. Plastic nose surgery can reshape and strengthen the nose to make breathing easier.

Breathe Clear Institute Can Fix Your Nose Issues with Plastic Surgery 

Before you can undergo nasal surgery, the medical professionals at our Torrance ENT clinic will need to thoroughly evaluate you. There are a variety of causes for nasal issues and we will need to determine the best ENT treatment for your particular problem. For example, if allergies are behind your congestion, immunotherapy could be a more effective and less invasive option. But if we decide that surgery is the right course of action, just know that your nose is in good hands.

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How to Finally Stop Your Leaky Nose

If your nose is like a faucet that just won’t turn off, you’re a victim of the dreaded runny nose. That drip, drip, drip is probably driving you wild. You may even have skin irritation right at the base of your nostrils. If you can’t leave your house without a box of tissues, It’s probably time to do something about it. Read on to discover how to finally stop that leaky nose (hopefully for good!).

Figure Out Why Your Nose is Running in the First Place

The first step to stopping your runny nose is to identify what is causing it:

Viruses

Viruses like the cold and flu release inflammation-causing chemicals called cytokines. This commonly results in a drippy nose with clear drainage. Thankfully, this will usually go away with time. However, there are plenty of OTC medications to help you get through it.

Allergies

When your immune system mistakes a foreign material as dangerous, it will trigger the release of histamine. This chemical response can cause a host of respiratory and skin reactions, including a runny nose with clear mucus. Symptoms can be temporary or ongoing.

Sinus Infection

When colds or allergies get out of hand, a sinus infection can brew. As bacteria infect your sinuses, you will produce a thicker, yellow or green discharge from the nose. Though many sinus infections heal themselves, steroids and antibiotics can help in severe cases.

Spices and Onions

If you cook often or eat a lot of spicy food, you may find yourself wiping your nose constantly. Ingesting spicy food and cooking with onions and spices can trigger nerve stimulation in the sinuses. When these nerves are stimulated by fumes and foreign particles, mucous production can increase.

Nasal Polyps

Soft, yellow growths in the sinuses called polyps can lead to a chronic runny nose. This is because they are made up of inflammatory cells which trigger mucus production as well as facial pressure and loss of smell. Treatment includes steroids or full removal.

Vasomotor rhinitis

Vasomotor rhinitis is a chronic condition involving overactive nerve endings in the nose. This ailment is tricky to diagnose since it resembles allergies. 

Once you diagnose the cause of your leaky nose, you can try one of the following remedies to fix it.

Eliminate Triggers

If allergies are to blame, you’ll need to identify your triggers. Schedule an appointment with an allergist and have an allergy test done. It could be pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, or feathers. Removing the allergen from your life or using air filters can help. If spices and fumes from onions and peppers provoke your drippy nose, you may need to stay away from those foods. Chemical fragrances and cold, dry air are also common nasal irritants and should be avoided.

Take an Antihistamine

Regular use of an antihistamine can significantly reduce or eliminate your leaky nose. By blocking histamine releases, allergy symptoms can be managed. It could take a while to find an oral or intranasal antihistamine that works for you. And depending on the allergy trigger, you may have to take it seasonally or all year long.

Use a Corticosteroid Nasal Spray

Intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone reduce inflammation in the sinus cavity. When inflammation is down, the sinus dripping will subside. Nasal corticosteroids are very effective at treating sinus issues, especially with allergy sufferers. They can be used long-term with few side effects.

Irrigate, Irrigate, Irrigate

Sometimes the best thing to do is flush out your sinus cavities with saline sprays, neti pots, or nasal irrigation machines. Each method forces salinated water through your nasal passages to clear them out. The saline will typically go in through one nostril and then out the other, pushing out mucus, allergens, viruses, or bacteria. You’ll need to irrigate your sinuses at least twice a day to keep your leaky nose under control.

Try a Nerve-Blocking Nasal Spray

If you have a chronic drippy nose from vasomotor rhinitis, you can try prescription ipratropium bromide. This nasal spray blocks the overactive nerves that cause that incessant nose drip. This medication can also be used if spicy foods are a trigger for you. Although it is useful, the effects only last about 4 hours.

Opt for Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy, such as ClariFix, is another great option for vasomotor rhinitis and other chronic runny nose conditions. Using sub-freezing temperatures, a nose doctor will essentially stun those overactive nerves to return your nose to normal mucous production. Patients typically see a 60-70% reduction in sinus drip after treatment is complete. Results can last years.

Breathe Clear Institute Can Finally Stop Your Leaky Nose

If there seems to be no end in sight for your runny nose, schedule an appointment with our ENT clinic in Torrance. Breathe Clear Institute offers a variety of treatments to correct your chronic leaky nose. Services include non-invasive procedures like cryotherapy and nasal polyp removal to invasive nose surgeries. Our ENT doctors use a holistic approach to medicine so you can expect to be treated as an individual. Schedule your appointment today and finally put an end to that neverending nose drip!

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