The nose is a peculiar body part. It’s the body’s primary organ of smell and functions as the body’s respiratory system. It comes in all shapes and sizes; we love ours or we don’t! The upper part of the nose consists mostly of bone. The lower part of the nose gains its support from cartilage. Inside the nose is a hollow cavity (nasal cavity), which is divided into two passages by a thin sheet of cartilage and bone called the nasal septum. The bones of the face contain the paranasal sinuses, which are hollow cavities that open into the nasal cavity.
The nose can be especially vulnerable to injury, including fractures. Bacterial nasal infections, nosebleeds, objects inserted in the nose, and polyps also can affect the nose. The mucous membrane of the nose may become inflamed (rhinitis). This inflammation may spread to the lining of the sinuses (rhinosinusitis). Do you suffer from sinus infections? Are you in a perpetual state of enduring sinus headaches, trouble breathing or even taking antibiotics to fight sinus infections? Please call our office to schedule an exam.
