Understanding Nosebleeds: Causes, Care, and Prevention in Thomaston, CT

Our noses facilitate breathing by keeping out potentially harmful dirt, allergens, and other agents. However, our noses and sinuses can become infected or inflamed, making breathing uncomfortable or difficult. Learn more about some of the common sinus and nasal conditions Naugatuck Valley ENT can diagnose and treat.

• Deviated Septum is a condition when the nasal septum is off-center. The nasal septum is the bone and cartilage that divides the inside of the nose in half. The bone and cartilage are covered by a special skin called a mucous membrane with many blood vessels. Ideally, the left and right nasal passageways are equal in size. However, it is estimated that as many as 80 percent of people have an off-center nasal septum.
• Fungal Sinusitis is a broad term used to describe various situations when fungus might be involved in the cause or symptoms of nasal and sinus inflammation. Fungus is an entirely separate “kingdom” from plants and animals; it is plant-like but cannot create its own food like plants.
• Geriatric Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes or nasal cavity lining. Patients with geriatric rhinitis may have nasal obstruction or congestion, runny nose or post-nasal drip, itchy nose, sneezing, and/or nasal dryness or crusting.
• Nasal Fractures or broken noses may result from facial injuries in contact sports or falls. Injuries affecting the teeth and mouth may also affect the nose. If you’ve been struck in the nose, it’s important to see a physician to check for septal hematoma.
• Nosebleeds (called epistaxis) are caused when tiny blood vessels in the nose break. Nosebleeds are very common and affect many people at some point in their lives. About 60 percent of people will experience a nosebleed in their lifetime, typically young children and adults over the age of 50.
• Sinus Headaches: Not every headache results from sinus and nasal passage problems, as the headache might actually be a migraine or tension headache. The confusion is common, as a migraine can cause irritation of the “trigeminal,” or fifth cranial nerve, a nerve with branches in the forehead, cheeks, and jaw. This may produce pain and nasal symptoms in or near the sinus cavity.
• Sinusitis usually has symptoms of discolored nasal drainage and blockage that last more than 10 days. Sinuses are hollow spaces in the bones around the nose that connect to the nose through small, narrow channels. Sinusitis, also called rhinosinusitis because the symptoms involve both the nose and the sinuses, affects about one in eight adults annually.

Please schedule an appointment with Naugatuck Valley ENT at (203) 578-4630.