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The nose is an organ with a complex structure, an important role in the body and … a huge impact on self-esteem. Sensing sensation is just one of the functions of the nose. The second is air transport and cleaning. Strong innervation and vascularization contribute to recurrent rhinitis. What other diseases are associated with the olfactory organ? What is a nose correction, and what is a nasal septum straightening?
The nose – structure
The structure of the nose is an adaptive feature, i.e. it is passed on genetically. The human nose consists of external and internal structures. It is professionally described as the anatomical prominence in the center of the face – between the eyes and the mouth.
The outer nose consists of bone and cartilage tissue which are covered with skin. Its main parts are the base, back and tip. The inner nose, i.e. the nasal cavity with adjacent paranasal sinuses, ends on both sides with anterior and posterior nostrils. Through the front nostrils, air enters the respiratory system. The posterior nostrils lead to the throat. A nasal septum runs through the middle of the inner nose, dividing it into two parts.
The nasal cavity is the first section of the respiratory tract. Due to the functions it performs, the nasal vestibule, the respiratory part and the olfactory part are distinguished in it.. Functions of the nasal cavity:
- air heating,
- air humidification with water vapor,
- air purification,
- receipt and identification of odors.
The outer part of the nose is triangular or pyramidal in shape, with the highest point known as the tip or tip of the nose. The thin upper part that attaches to the forehead is called the bridge of the nose, while the area between the tip and tip is called the bridge of the nose.
Also read: The first symptoms of respiratory infections that must not be underestimated
Nose – functions in the respiratory system
The nose is covered on the inside with a mucosa with millions of cilia and goblet cells that produce mucus. This structure allows it to perform numerous functions in the respiratory system. The mucus instantly dissolves the chemicals in the air you breathe, thus stimulating the olfactory receptors. These receptors are located in the olfactory bulb connected to the olfactory nerve.
Cilia covering the nasal mucosa are the first barrier to airborne dust and dangerous bacteria, viruses and fungi. They spread mucus where germs and pollutants are trapped. The work of the cilia is to make wavy movements. They are caused by the air swirling in the nasal cavity. The cilia wave up to 1000 times per minute, thanks to which the mucociliary transport prevents 90% from reaching the upper respiratory tract. unwanted molecules.
The auricles also build the nasal cavity. Their function is to heat the air before it reaches the lungs. The paranasal sinuses play a similar role. In addition, the sinuses have a significant impact on the timbre and timbre of the voice, as well as on the protection of the skull against mechanical injuries.
Just as our throat and lungs don’t like dirty air, they don’t like too cold or too hot air. The flow of air through the nose brings the air closer to body temperature, which is much better tolerated by tissues. Heating cool air is more frequent than cooling warm air. This is because people spend much more time in environments below body temperature than above.
One clear indication of a warming and moisturizing effect? It is a runny nose that we get on cold days, which is related to the condensation of moisture in the nose under the influence of cold air.
See: Here are the best remedies for a runny nose
Nose – what does its shape depend on?
The shape of the nose depends mainly on what genes we get from our parents. Its length, width, profile and prominence, as well as the position of the nostrils are the features responsible for the neat appearance of the olfactory organ. The shape of the nose is formed during adolescence. This is when the facial structures develop.
A significant change in the shape of the nose may occur when it breaks. The appearance of the nose is also influenced by malformations and genetic diseases. For children with Down syndrome, flattening of the bridge of the nose and the associated reduction of the nasal septum are characteristic.
Also read: Safe method of detecting Down’s syndrome in a fetus
What is a nose correction?
The shape of the nose often becomes a source of complexes. Those who are not satisfied with its appearance may opt for plastic surgery (rhinoplasty) or a less invasive nose correction. A scalpel can radically change the shape of the olfactory organ, interfering with both its soft and hard parts (bones).
Modern methods, i.e. modeling with hyaluronic acid and narrowing the tip of the nose with lifting threadsgive a visible but short-lived effect. Their undoubted advantage is that they do not require surgical intervention and face severe pain.
The aesthetic correction of the nose should be distinguished from the functional correction. The latter is most often performed after diagnosis curve of the nasal septum or overgrown turbinates. Septoplasty and conchoplasty are treatments reimbursed by the National Health Fund.
Want to know more about nasal plastic surgery? Read on here.
Nose – diseases, infections and olfactory disorders
Due to the dense innervation and vascularization of the nasal mucosa, it is often hyperemic and swollen. Rhinitis, associated with the course of diseases such as colds, flu or inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, as well as with allergic reactions, is a common ailment. It is manifested by irritation of the mucosa and abundant production of a thick secretion, i.e. runny nose. Allergy sufferers, smokers and patients taking certain medications (e.g. reserpine, hormones, psychotropics) are at risk of chronic rhinitis.
Bleeding from the nose is also not uncommon, which may occur due to local causes (e.g. trauma, dry mucosa, nose erosions, nasopharyngeal cancer) and systemic causes (e.g. blood clotting disorders, hypertension, vitamin C deficiency, anemia, leukemia) kidney failure).
People suffering from rosacea have an increased risk of rhinophyma, i.e. nasal hypertrophy. This is the most advanced stage of the disease. At this stage, the soft tissues of the nose are enlarged and deformed. It is accompanied by obstruction of the nasal cavity and the exudation of a greasy secretion from lumps formed on the surface of the organ of smell. Nasal hypertrophy is also a consequence of acromegaly (excessive secretion of growth hormone).
The most serious disease of the nose related to its dysfunction is ansomy, i.e. complete loss of smell. There may also be a polyp, adenoma, erosion or a tumor on the nose. Cancer of the nose and paranasal sinuses usually results from prolonged exposure to inhalation of harmful substances.
Symptoms of the nose can also be caused by a number of other conditions. These are i.a. tuberculosis, syphilis, lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nasal polyps – characteristics
Nasal polyps are soft, painless, non-cancerous growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses. They arise from chronic inflammation and are associated with asthma, recurrent infections, allergies, drug sensitivity, or certain immune disorders.
Small nasal polyps may not cause any symptoms. Larger growths or groups of nasal polyps can block the nasal passages or lead to breathing problems, loss of smell, and frequent, recurring infections. Nasal polyps can affect anyone, but they are more common in adults.
Nasal polyps are associated with irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the nasal mucosa and sinuses that last longer than 12 weeks (chronic sinusitis).
The nasal polyps themselves are soft and insensitive, so if they are small we may not be aware of their presence. However, if the polyp is large, it can block the air flow.
Common symptoms of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps include:
- runny nose,
- persistent shortness of breath,
- low or no sense of smell,
- loss of taste
- facial pain
- Headache,
- upper teeth pain
- feeling of pressure in the forehead and face,
- snore,
- frequent nosebleeds.
Nasal polyps can have serious health consequences. As a result of their presence, they can block the proper air flow. As a consequence, there may be:
- obstructive sleep apnea,
- asthma exacerbations
- sinus infections.
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