Epistaxis (Nosebleeds)
A common complaint with both adults and children, epistaxis or nosebleeds, is the occurrence of bleeding from any part of the nose. This can be caused by nasal trauma, inflammation, nasal tumours or underlying medical disorders.
Rhinitis
Also known as nasal allergy, is when the nose over-reacts to certain stimuli, resulting in nasal congestion, itchiness and excessive sneezing. Exposure to allergens (such as pollen, mold or dust mites) or non-allergic triggers (such as hormonal changes, constant exposure to smoke and hazardous chemicals) can trigger rhinitis to occur.
Sinusitis
This refers to the inflammation or infection of the sinuses– air-filled spaces in the skull –due to excessive mucus accumulation. While most cases of sinusitis can clear up within a few weeks, some cases may recur or persist over 12 weeks, warranting further specialised treatment.
Smell Disorder
Smell disorder can manifest in the form of total loss of smell (anosmia) or partial loss of smell (hyposmia), commonly caused by nasal congestion and inflammation from allergies, infections or common cold.
Nasal Polyps
Painless, benign growths found in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. While small polyps may not cause any symptoms, larger growths can obstruct the nasal passages and interfere with breathing or cause sinus infections.
Deviated Septum
Congenital causes, injury or trauma to the nose can cause the bony-cartilage wall that separates the two nostrils (septum) to become deviated or crooked, leading to congestion and breathing problems.
Nasal Fractures
This refers to a crack or break of the nasal bones, generally associated with traumatic incidents such as falls or collisions in contact sports.
Turbinate Hypertrophy
This refers to the abnormal enlargement of nasal turbinates responsible for warming and humidifying the air as it passes through the nose. An inflammation, infection of the nose or deviated septum can cause the turbinate to swell, resulting in difficulty breathing and snoring.
Nasal Neuralgia
Also known as contact point headache, this is a condition characterised by intense, painful stabbing sensations in the nasal region, which can stem from irritation or damage of the nasal nerves.
Nasopharyngeal Cancer (Nose Cancer)
Commonly known as nose cancer, is one of the most common cancers in Singapore, that originates in the back part of the nose and above the soft palate. Symptoms often develop late, which include an abnormal lump in the neck, persistent ringing, hearing loss and blood-stained sputum.
