Category: Breathing Issues

 

The phrase ‘nose job’ is often cited when it comes to celebrities. However, the surgical procedure is not just conducted for professional reasons but also personal ones. It may be required for any number of reasons, which we will discuss further below.

Definition

A nose job or rhinoplasty is a facial cosmetic surgery, which is ordinarily performed to enhance the physical appearance or simply as a reconstructive procedure. It involves adjusting nasal cartilages and the associated bones. Alternatively, it may also mean correcting the tissues of the nose to improve the aesthetic appearance.

Rhinoplasty may also be performed on a needed basis, such as rectifying nasal fractures. In this particular instance, the objective of the surgery is to revitalize the nose back to its original appearance.

Additionally, septorhinoplasty is a similar enucleation which is meant for people with nasal obstructions. In case an individual has any internal interference, then septorhinoplasty is the way to go. Besides, it also revamps the person’s physical appearance.

Pre Procedure Practice

Generally, the procedure is performed as an outpatient at a hospital. An anesthesiologist is present to facilitate the process. Prior to undergoing surgery, patients must be examined i.e. their medical history must be studied and lab tests should be performed as well.

Other tips include avoiding aspirin in the days leading up to the procedure. The same applies to non-steroid anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil and Motrin. In cases of confusion, a pharmacist can be consulted too.

Moreover, no solids or liquids should be consumed in the hours leading up to surgery. This is a common request made by doctors before trials or surgeries. Fasting before tests ensures that results obtained are accurate.

In this instance, if the stomach contains food then the chances of an anesthetic issue increase. Lastly, smoking should be avoided before the surgery and any infection or allergy must be treated.

Reasons for Rhinoplasty

If an individual’s nose size to facial balance is in disequilibrium or their nose width or the positioning of their nostrils is not right, then a rhinoplasty can be performed. Similarly, if there is a depression on the bridge of their nose or their nasal tip is either enlarged or pointed, then a nose job can be performed as well. Moreover, if the nostrils are too large or too wide and their nose is asymmetrical, then this surgery can be completed as well.

There are other explanations for the routine being executed. A cleft lip is one. This is a birth defect that involves a facial deformity close to the mouth and/or nose. This can cause those suffering associated with eating issues and will mean the individual will likely undergo corrective rhinoplasty.

Chronic sinus concerns are the second reason for the surgery. This can include anything from regular nasal allergies to sinus congestions. In most cases, an anatomical anomaly which is a structural issue that causes discomfort when breathing can be fixed with a rhinoplasty.

Injuries can also lead to this surgery. If a person suffers from a serious fall that damages their nose and requires surgery, then rhinoplasty is mandatory. Facial fractures or bruises are routine reasons for rhinoplasty. A plastic surgeon can fix issues such as breathing difficulties with a corrective surgery.

Finally, another actual reason for this surgery is low self-esteem. It is within the realm of possibility that a person may be dissatisfied with a part of their body. In the long run, this can cause diminished pride and the inability to cope with that overwhelming feeling and they may also become the butt jokes (bullying) which can lead to depression or other stressful ailments.

I addition, women who are not content with the size of their breasts can undergo breast augmentation or have breast implants inserted as well. Similarly, those who are willing can get rhinoplasty done too. Conventionally, this is the most common reason why individuals get rhinoplasty done.

Procedure

The surgical procedure can be conducted under general or local anesthesia, which varies case by case. Routine exercise may take an hour or two unless it is an intricate procedure, which may need an overnight stay at the hospital.

When local anesthesia is taken, the nose and the adjoining area become numb. The person may be slightly sedated during the surgery itself. In this state, a patient is completely composed and does not feel any pain whatsoever. On the other hand, general anesthesia puts the patient completely to sleep.

The surgeon makes a decisive incision inside the nostrils or from the outside, around the base of the nose. The cut is made to work on the nose if a cartilage graft is required. If the purpose of the surgery is to contract the width of the nose, then the incision might extend to the nostrils.

Furthermore, a splint, which is a metallic or plastic substance, may be placed on the outside of the nose. This regulates its shape once the surgery is complete, especially if the shape is modified. Also, tender plastic splints or a nasal pack may be placed inside the nostrils too. This is done to make sure that the wall that divides the septum is kept stable.

Post Surgical Care

Once the surgery is finished, patients are monitored during recovery. Once the effects of the anesthetic wear off, the patient is free to return home. They must rest with their head elevated, which can be done with extra cushions or pillows.

Swelling or bruising on several parts of the face is one of the after effects of rhinoplasty. For example, the nose itself, lips and cheeks can also be affected in the aftermath of this surgery. This usually subsides in a matter of days. Icing the face can help alleviate this issue vastly. As for the nasal splint that is placed during the operation, it can be removed a week or so after the surgery is completed. Once the swelling begins to lessen, naturally the splint will not fit. Once the gap increases and sufficient time has passed, it can be removed and a state of normalcy is resumed.   

The nose is an organ which is primarily used to breathe i.e. inhale and exhale. It forms an important cog in the respiratory system of the body and is also used to identify various smells as well. The nose allows the introduction of air into the body. During this process, specific cells communicate with the brain, enabling it to recognize an odor.

The hairs found on the inside of the nostrils have biological significance since they ensure that foreign particles are not transmitted into the body and only safe passage of clean air is executed. The air travels through the nasal zone before it reaches the lungs.

A nasal allergy is an inflammatory reaction to any number of irritants or allergens. Nasal allergies, which are also referred to as allergic rhinitis and hay fever, transpire when the immune system is affected by allergens in the atmosphere.

Routine

Allergies affecting the nose are quite prevalent, so much so that one in five adults in the United States suffer from a nasal predicament. Nasal concerns are not taken seriously since there is no chance of fatalities occurring because of such allergies. However, despite the general disregard, it causes considerable sickness in patients. The rapid sneezing, chest congestion, eye irritations, and a nose that is constantly blocked are all side effects of these allergies.

If left untreated, a niggling nasal nuisance can become much more, such as a sinus problem. Before such an unfortunate circumstance arises, patients must vigilant and nip their nasal concerns in the bud. If adequate treatment is availed in a timely manner, allergic rhinitis is definitely treatable.

Although patients have to endure an abject state, they fail to take the illness seriously. They treat the precursors mentioned above with disdain and negligence, which is not a sensible choice. They may be accustomed to concerns like regular congestion, sinus dilemmas, and mouth breathing.

Symptoms

Of course, we cannot discuss nasal allergies without expounding symptoms of the infection. Signals that require your attention include a runny nose which is perhaps the most common sign of allergic rhinitis. Naturally, the ideal way to avoid this instance is by avoiding allergy triggers. This forms a significant step to avert an overflowing nose.

Plenty of patients may exhibit an allergic reaction to pollen for instance. Although some triggers may be impossible to avoid outright, it is advised to decrease exposure. If pollen is an issue, then patients may opt to stay indoors when pollen is higher. Similarly, cat or dog hair may provoke an unfavorable reaction, which means those affected must refrain from making contact and wash their hands if a domestic animal makes contact.

The sinuses are small cavities that are found behind the forehead and eyes. These cavities may be laden with mucus in case an allergy (or other illness) develops. As a result, patients may sense pressure in their sinus area (aka sinus congestion). In order to reduce this condition, steam can be inhaled or a nasal spray can be used as well. In addition, there are numerous over the counter medications that can relieve sinus pressure, but it is recommended to speak to your doctor first to make sure you can take these meds, especially if you are taken other prescribed medication.

A bout of sneezing is another indication that an allergy is germinating. People can suffer from elevated episodes of sneezing, which can be cured with an antihistamine. The final symptom of a nose allergy is watery eyes and you may feel discomfort in your eyes. It is better not to rub the eyes profusely and wear glasses instead of contact lenses.

Treatment

Conventionally, mild allergic rhinitis is treated with over the counter medicine. Prescription drugs are not required as standard medication but can be used to tend to nasal allergies. A mild condition may affect an individual once or twice a year. It is best to speak to your doctor if you feel you have these symptoms.

Examples of over the counter medication include steroid nasal sprays. As shown in the picture above, these sprays can be inserted into the nostrils for relief. They reduce the inflammation or swelling in the nasal passages. They are recommended by doctors worldwide as the most viable option since they are instantly effective and convenient as well.

Furthermore, alternatives are antihistamines, drugs which directly impact the histamine in the respiratory system. Histamine is a chemical which is known to cause several allergic symptoms. The drug allows patients relief from itches and sneezes. Examples of antihistamines include fexofenadine and cetirizine. Although they can sporadically cause a sense of drowsiness, they are suggested strongly by doctors.

Decongestants are also useful if a patient is suffering from congestion in their chest area. While antihistamines can only curb allergy symptoms, it does not assuage the concern. This is precisely why patients require decongestants. Drugs such as Phenylephrine can decrease the inflammation and open the nasal passage. Last but not least, there are other options available to patients. For instance, Cromolyn is a nasal spray which can soothe the irritation of discomfort in the chest and the nose.

In case consuming over the counter medication is in vain, patients can seek alternative means. For instance, a steroid heavy nasal spray may do the trick. These are the most common treatment pertaining to allergic rhinitis. It is an all-purpose medication that allows users to hit multiple birds with one stone. Examples are Budesonide and Triamcinolone. Nasal sprays affect the concerned area and provide instant relief.

In cases where the severity is higher than usual and conventional medication does not have the required impact, then patients can undergo immunotherapy. This is a procedure where the body is exposed to small quantities of the allergen so that it becomes accustomed. With the passage of time, significant amounts may be able to offset an allergic reaction. Such allergy shots work in 9 out of 10 cases. An injection or oral tablets can be administered and the immune system in the body performs its function.

As mentioned, it is highly recommended to speak to your physician to determine (1) if the symptoms you are experiencing are due to an allergy or some other condition and (2) get the appropriate medication you will need to combat it.

The infection predominantly affects children and adults aged five and above. Quite often, a bout of pneumonia can mean a visit to the hospital.

We will delve into the significant details of this disease, including what causes the inflammation, different types of pneumonia, symptoms that patients exhibit, risks involved, diagnosing the disease, and viable treatments.

Types

Pneumonia is classified into different types by health care professionals. This categorization is based on how the ailment is acquired. First and foremost, two broad categories are identified by doctors. These are:

• Community-Acquired Pneumonia

When the disease develops beyond the realms of a hospital, it is known as community-acquired pneumonia. It is a common occurrence, particularly in winter and affects more than four million individuals in the United States annually.

• Hospital Acquired Pneumonia

The other broad category is called hospital-acquired pneumonia. As the name implies, this transpires when a patient is admitted to the hospital for reasons other than pneumonia. Being subjected to a ventilator, for instance, can augment the risk of developing pneumonia.

Furthermore, the advent of pneumonia can be broken down into categories based on how severe the lung tissue is damaged:

1. Bronchopneumonia is a condition where deposits which cause the inflammation are dispersed in the lungs
2. Lobar pneumonia follows an inflammation of one lobe of the lung, which includes all the air spaces in the specific lobe
3. Lipoid pneumonia is simply the accretion of fats in the airspace

That is not all though. Pneumonia can also be divided into varying types depending on the germs that cause the disease. For example, bacterial pneumonia is caused by the presence of bacteria, the most common of which is known as streptococcus.

Respiratory viruses can also cause viral pneumonia, particularly in infants and the elderly. However, in majority cases, it subsides quickly. Mycoplasma pneumonia is a combination of both instances mentioned above while fungal pneumonia is the ill effect of soil and bird droppings.

Symptoms

Signs of pneumonia can change depending on whether the condition is mild or extreme and also, the type of infection that the patient develops. The most common indicators of the ailment are abundant coughing. While coughing is a precursor to several health concerns, wheezing linked to pneumonia will generally be accompanied by the excretion of excess phlegm. This is dense, yellow material that originates from mucus. It can also be bloody in severe cases.

Similarly, high fever can be a signal that something worse is around the corner and the same applies to pneumonia too. It is often connected with the sensation of chills through the body. Sometimes, as was the case with a 15-year-old teenager, he acquired a chronic cough, but showed no other systems; however, after visiting the doctor, he was diagnosed with walking pneumonia.

Alternatively, other manifestations include chest congestion and agony, which worsens as you breathe. A disconcerting headache and a general loss of appetite. This can often lead to diminished energy and/or fatigue.

Risks

Although anyone can develop the condition, there are some who are at greater risk than others when it pertains to respiratory illness. Determinants which augment the element of risk include people with a compromised immune system, poor health, senior citizens and cigarette smoking, to mention a few. The adverse effects that smoking has on the human body are well known. The phrase ‘smoking is injurious to health’ is a common disclaimer that is often found on the packaging of cigarettes.

A respiratory infection can also lead to the advent of pneumonia. For instance, if a patient has recently suffered from a bout of influenza or laryngitis, it may well turn in to pneumonia. Also, those who experience difficulty in swallowing, which can happen because of various issues, are also prone to developing the disease.

Moreover, patients with bronchitis and fibrosis or any other lung oriented illness are increasingly vulnerable. Experiencing augmented stress or trauma can trigger pneumonia and so can live in a nursing accommodation. All in all, there are multiple risk factors associated with pneumonia.

Diagnosis

Sometimes, doctors may encounter difficulty in diagnosing the infection. Like asthma and bronchitis, pneumonia shares many of the same symptoms. For example, coughing and chest pain are common indicators of several diseases, which is the main reason doctors are hard pressed may have to run a series of tests.

When you consult a physician, they may run tests related to your breathing and question you regarding how long you’ve had coughing and if it contains phlegm. Problems with inhaling and exhaling and checking your body temperature is another diagnosis that may arise.

Treatment

In terms of treatment, there are different routes that patients can take. Conventional wisdom suggests that a doctor must be consulted primarily. This will lead to prescribed treatment of the disease. Antibiotics and antiviral medication may be given by doctors, subject to the cause and severity of pneumonia. Examples of suitable pharmaceuticals include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Pneumonia can also be treated at home. This would ideally include plenty of rest combined with the prescribed medication and an abundance of water intake.

In extreme cases, hospitalization may be necessary. This happens when a patient has another condition which can cause complications and subsequently, the situation can worsen. Also, appropriate diagnosis is necessary to determine how the individual initially acquired these diseases. Doctors monitor your vitals, such as your heart rate while you are admitted. They will also inject intravenous antibiotics into the system and employ oxygen therapy to assuage the patient.

Bottom line is if you acquire severe coughing that doesn’t appear to diminish, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible.