Nose and sinus care for clearer breathing and better day-to-day comfort
Nasal blockage and sinus symptoms can affect sleep, exercise, concentration, smell and overall comfort. The cause may be allergy, inflammation, infection, a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, polyps or a combination of factors.
Assessment aims to separate inflammatory and allergic causes from structural narrowing so treatment can be targeted and unnecessary procedures can be avoided.
Symptoms and concerns we commonly assess
- Persistent or alternating nasal blockage
- Facial pressure or sinus discomfort
- Repeated sinus infections or prolonged sinus symptoms
- Reduced or altered sense of smell
- Post-nasal drip
- Thick nasal discharge
- Frequent sneezing, itching or watery symptoms
- Mouth breathing or poor nasal airflow at night
The pattern of symptoms—seasonal, one-sided, constant, recurrent or linked to colds—can provide important clues.
What may be contributing
Possible contributors may include:
- Allergic or non-allergic rhinitis
- Chronic nasal inflammation
- Viral or bacterial sinus infection in selected cases
- Deviated nasal septum
- Enlarged turbinates
- Nasal polyps
- Medication or environmental irritants
- Dental or other causes of facial pressure in selected cases
How your ENT assessment is planned
A nose and sinus assessment may involve:
- Detailed symptom patternDuration, triggers, allergy pattern, smell changes and previous treatments are reviewed.
- Nasal examinationThe front of the nose is assessed for swelling, septal position and airflow.
- Nasal endoscopy when usefulA slim camera may be used to look deeper inside the nasal passages and sinus drainage areas.
- Imaging selectivelyCT or other imaging may be considered when symptoms and examination suggest chronic or structural sinus disease.
Treatment and management options
Treatment is individualized and may include:
- Saline rinses or nasal hygiene measures
- Appropriate nasal sprays
- Allergy management
- Medication for selected inflammatory or infectious conditions
- Review of environmental triggers
- Discussion of septoplasty, balloon sinuplasty or other procedures when clinically appropriate
What you can do between appointments
Consistent day-to-day measures can improve control in many nasal conditions:
- Use nasal sprays with the technique demonstrated by your clinician
- Consider saline irrigation when advised and use clean water practices
- Reduce exposure to known irritants such as smoke
- Track seasonal or environmental triggers
- Stay hydrated and follow medication instructions consistently
Follow-up and longer-term care
Chronic nose and sinus conditions often need review after a period of medical treatment. Follow-up helps assess response, refine the diagnosis and decide whether additional investigation or procedural options are justified.
Seek prompt assessment for severe or rapidly worsening facial swelling, eye symptoms, significant nosebleeding that does not settle, sudden neurological symptoms, or any severe breathing concern.
Frequently asked questions
Does facial pressure always mean sinusitis?
No. Facial pressure has several possible causes. The pattern of nasal symptoms and examination findings help determine whether the sinuses are involved.
Can a deviated septum be treated with medicines?
Medicines can reduce swelling around the septum but do not physically straighten it. Whether surgery is useful depends on symptoms and the overall nasal anatomy.
What is nasal endoscopy used for?
It allows a closer look inside the nasal passages and can help assess inflammation, polyps, bleeding sites and sinus drainage areas.
When is a CT scan needed?
Imaging is usually considered selectively, particularly when chronic sinus disease, complications or surgery planning are being evaluated.
Your next step
Persistent nasal blockage or recurrent sinus symptoms can often be managed more effectively once the inflammatory, allergic and structural factors are separated clearly.