Possible symptoms
- Obstructed nasal breathing on one or both sides
- Pressure or pain over the forehead, cheeks or between the eyes
- Purulent or thick nasal secretion, post-nasal drip
- Reduced sense of smell
- Recurrent infections, headache, tiredness
- Snoring and mouth breathing due to the blocked nose
When an ENT assessment makes sense
An assessment is useful when symptoms last longer than about ten days, worsen again after an initial improvement, recur frequently, or when the sense of smell declines. Permanently obstructed nasal breathing without infection should also be examined.
High fever with marked illness, swelling or redness around the eye, visual disturbance, double vision, severe headache or a stiff neck need immediate care — in an emergency call 144 (112 across the EU).
How the examination works
After a conversation about the course, allergies, previous treatment and medication, the nose is examined, usually with endoscopic assessment of the nasal cavity, the turbinates, the septum and the drainage pathways.
The throat and ears are assessed as well, because middle ear ventilation can be affected. If an allergic component is suspected, allergy testing may be recommended; chronic or complicated courses lead to referral for imaging (CT) or to a hospital.
Treatment options
Conservative measures come first: saline nasal irrigation, decongestant or steroid nasal sprays as instructed, sufficient fluids and treatment of accompanying allergies. Antibiotics are considered only where the findings support it.
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, or anatomical causes such as a markedly deviated septum or nasal polyps are present, surgical treatment via a hospital can be discussed. Whether an operation is appropriate is judged individually and without promising a particular result.