Q: I have had trouble breathing through one side of my nose for years.
I also get sinus pain and my headaches appear to be on the same side as
the nasal blockage. Do you think I might have a deviated nasal septum
even though I have never had my nose broken? Would surgery help?
A: The nasal septum consists of a wall of cartilage that separates the
inside of the nose into two halves. The ideal septum is exactly in the
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middle, but many people have them off centre or deviated to one side.
You do not have to have a broken nose for this to happen.
Deviation of the nasal septum can lead to blockage of one or both
nostrils, nasal congestion and sometimes, nose bleeds. It is also one
of the causes of chronic sinusitis, which leads to headaches and facial
pain on the affected side, as well as a nasal drip of mucus down the
back of the throat. Snoring or noisy breathing while sleeping is
another common result. All these symptoms can get worse if you suffer
from a cold or allergies.
You could also have nasal polyps. These are outgrowths from the lining
of the nose, which can be big enough to completely block the back of
the nose. They usually occur in one side more than the other, so you
can still breathe through one nostril. Some people have to breathe
through their mouths to get enough air. Polyps can be easily removed by
specialist.
A deviated nasal septum requires a more extensive operation known as a
septoplasty. It is often done on an outpatient basis. The surgery is
performed through the nostril so there is no obvious external bruising.
The nose will be a little swollen for a few days.
Help for kidney patients
There are thousands of people waiting for a suitable kidney donor in
order to receive a transplant. They have to continue with dialysis
while they are waiting.
Now, Dr. Robert Montgomery from Johns Hopkins Medical Centre in
Baltimore, Maryland, says there is a new procedure that will allow a
person of any blood type to donate a kidney. During the surgery, all
the blood is taken from the body and the harmful antibodies are
removed. The blood is then returned to the body along with medication
to stop the antibodies from returning. This will also work for patients
who develop harmful antibodies because of previous pregnancies, blood
transfusions or transplants.
Out of 29 people who have had this procedure, 27 of them still have a
healthy, functioning kidney.
Clare Rowson is a medical doctor with a practice near Belleville, Ont.
Her columns are intended for general information only. Individuals are
encouraged to also seek the advice of their own doctor regarding
medical questions and treatments.
