Nose Conditions

Altered/loss of smell

A change in the sense of smell will often affect your taste. There are a few common causes for a loss/reduced sense of smell - a cold/flu/virus (such as COVID-19), sinusitis, allergies or nasal polyps. In most cases, the sense of smell and/or taste will recover with time or with the aid of some medications. In some cases, the sense of smell may never fully recover. There are some other potential medical reasons why the smell may be affected, such as in Parkinson's or epilepsy. 

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In some cases, the sense of smell may be altered, or things may not smell as they should (parosmia), or you may smell certain things that may not be present, like the smell of burning/smoke (phantosmia). 

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It is also common for one's sense of smell to worsen with age.

Difficult nasal breathing

This is a common ENT complaint and the majority of causes are due to simple structural reasons within the nose. Some of the common reasons for difficult nasal breathing are -  a deviated nasal septum and/or nasal bones, allergies, rhinitis/sinusitis, nasal polyps, in children difficult nasal breathing can be caused by overgrowth of adenoidal tissue at the back of the nose. 

Nose bleeds

Nosebleeds are a common ENT problem in adults and children and are usually not a sign of anything serious. Most nosebleeds can be treated with simple cautery to the bleeding point and this is usually performed in the clinic room with some local anaesthetic. Another useful treatment is with some antibiotic ointment to apply to the bleeding area to allow that area to heal. Some nosebleeds are more brisk, especially if people suffer from high blood pressure, or are on blood thinning medications or if they have a medical condition that makes them more prone to significant bleeds. In these situations, it may be necessary to pack the nose and be admitted to hospital until the bleeding settles. In some cases it is necessary to stop the bleeding with an operation up the nose. 

Polyps​

These are soft, painless swellings that can grow inside the nose. The majority of these are not a sign of anything serious. Commonly, the polyps grow in both sides of one's nose. As they grow, they can cause nasal blockage, a runny nose, a reduced sense of smell and/or taste, a feeling of mucus dripping down the back of one's nose and throat or snoring. 

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is when the lining of the nose gets inflamed, causing swelling. This is common and usually the symptoms disappear on their own in about 4 weeks. However, if the symptoms persist, medications such as sprays and/or drops and nasal rinses are helpful. Sinusitis usually occurs after a cold or a flu. It can cause symptoms such as pain/pressure around the forehead, behind the eyes and cheeks, a runny or blocked nose, reduced smell, yellow/green nasal mucus and a high temperature. One may also notice a foul smell, blocked sensation of the ears, headaches and toothaches.