Infectious diseases of the nose usually occur in the context of a cold. This is mainly triggered by viruses, which cause inflammation and swelling of the mucous membranes of the nose. A cold is the result. If bacteria also nest in the paranasal sinuses and/or frontal sinus, an inflammation of the mucous membrane develops there and a purulent secretion can form. Since it cannot drain properly due to the swollen nasal mucosa, there is painful pressure in the face, the sense of smell is disturbed and a general feeling of illness plagues those affected. Nasal fungi can also take up residence in the sinuses and lead to nasal diseases.
Sinusitis is favored by anatomical peculiarities such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. In these cases, surgery can provide relief from the symptoms.
Allergies are on the rise in our population and are often not sufficiently recognized and treated. Today 25-30% of the population suffer from allergic symptoms. Besides allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma and food allergy play a major role. The risk of developing allergies is 20-40% if one parent is allergic, increasing to 60-80% if both parents are affected.
First of all, allergies are precisely diagnosed in our ENT practice, because only the exact knowledge of the causative allergens also allows a meaningful treatment, which begins with information on allergen avoidance, followed by symptomatic treatment of the symptoms. In the further course, an immunotherapy can follow, a sublingual (SLIT) or subcutaneous (SCIT) hyposensitization.
Even in childhood, timely recognition and targeted therapy is necessary. This can often avoid re-sensitization and prevent a floor change to asthma.
Examination methods:
- Prick test
- RAST (blood test for antibody determination)
- Nasal provocation tests
