Nose (Human Anatomy): Image, Function, Diseases, and Treatments

When we examine the features of a person's face, we notice that each individual has a unique nose shape. In addition to its role as a key component of the upper respiratory system, the nose is also the main organ of smell in the human body.

It's true that the nose is most well-known for its role in taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide, but it also plays a role in other critically vital processes, including taste. There is the exterior nose, and then there is the nasal cavity to consider while discussing the anatomy of the nose. The majority of the external nose is made up of mucous membrane, whereas just a few hairs are present.

In addition to this, the internal one is made up of glands. There are a total of 12 facial bones that are responsible for the construction of the nasal conchae and the walls of the nose.

Everyone, whether they live in the Sahara Desert or the Antarctic, depends on their ability to breathe for survival. Air is inhaled via the nostrils and exhaled when breathing out. The air that is breathed first passes via the nose and then passes through the oropharynx, larynx, and alveoli of the lungs.

Additionally, it aids olfactory functions. The olfactory epithelium, which is found on the roof of the nasal cavity, comes into touch with the air that is inhaled. Olfactory receptors bind odour molecules within the epithelium.

The olfactory nerve, which is linked to these receptors and conveys these signals to the brain and, in turn, imparts the taste of food, receives these signals. In addition, it helps to purify the air that is breathed.

Cilia-based hair is used to coat the nasal cavity's walls. To clean the air that is breathed, the cilia catch dirt and dangerous particles. Either the trapped dust particles are forced down the throat and ingested, or they are expelled by the nose. The job of the nose is to moisturise the air that is breathed.

The air is moistened and heated by the nose hair to a level that is similar to the humidity and temperature in the lungs. The nasal hair absorbs the heat and moisture in the CO2 during exhale before releasing it into the environment. Our meal stimulates the olfactory receptors in our nose. The most significant achievement of evolution is speech, which is understood with the aid of the larynx and nose.

• Allergic rhinitis: This is an inflammation of the membranes lining the nose that leads to a leaking of the cerebral spinal fluid, which results in runny nose, itchy, red, and watery eyes, as well as sneezing.
• Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are a common complication of chronic sinusitis, a sinus infection that lasts longer than 11 weeks. Chronic sinusitis may also be linked to allergies and other respiratory conditions like asthma.
• Chronic sinusitis without polyps: This condition is characterised by persistent paranasal sinus inflammation lasting at least 12 weeks without polyps.
• Deviated septums: This term refers to a sideways displacement of the wall between the nostrils. The most frequent reason for septum deviation is a nasal injury. Sinus and sleep apnea, snoring, frequent nosebleeds, face discomfort, trouble breathing, mouth breathing, and moderate to severe loss of smell are some of its symptoms.
• Fungal sinusitis: Acute or chronic invasive fungal sinusitis is one kind of fungal sinusitis, along with allergic fungal sinusitis and fungal ball. Nasal blockage, nasal leakage, a diminished sense of smell, face pressure, and repeated sinus infections are all signs of sinusitis, which is often a chronic condition.
• Inverting papilloma: An instance of benign tumours that develop within the nose is the inverting papilloma. Nasal blockage that is mostly on one side, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, sinusitis, face discomfort, loss of smell, and frontal headache are a few symptoms.
• Meningoencephalocele: This condition occurs when the brain's lining or brain tissue protrudes into the nose via a hole in the skull. There are signs such as headaches and eye discomfort.
• Nasl fracture: Nasal fractures or a broken nose may result from a sports injury, a brawl, or a nasal injury.
• Triad asthma: Triad asthma is a clinical disease that is characterised by the coexistence of three ailments. Asthma, aspirin sensitivity, and nasal polyps are these disorders.
• Rhinitis: Rhinitis is the medical term for sinus and nasal inflammation that may sometimes result from allergies. A runny nose is the major sign.
• Nasal polyps: These develop when the nasal lining swells and are linked to sinusitis. They may obstruct the nasal passage, making breathing difficult. Infections may result from polyps that obstruct the sinus cavities' normal drainage system. Most experts agree that a persistent inflammatory process in the nose and sinuses is the cause of polyps.
• Concha bullosa: This condition occurs when one of the conchae, or turbinates, within the nose develops an air pocket. Pneumatization of the turbinate is another name for this condition. The most typical symptoms include being unable to breathe via the nose. Concha bullosa, on the other hand, seldom results in ear and jaw discomfort, mucus leakage, or other related symptoms.
• Empty nose syndrome: This condition causes a person to feel as if they are unable to breathe via their nose.
• Inverted papillomas: Inverted papillomas are benign tumours that develop on the backside of the nasal canals. They sometimes have the ability to expand into the orbits or paranasal sinuses as they develop. It may develop a malignant transition into squamous cell carcinoma, a severe kind of cancer.
• Nasal septal abscess: An accumulation of pus between the mucoperichondrium and septal cartilage characterises a disease known as a nasal septal abscess. Fever, general malaise, and nasal symptoms, especially discomfort around the nose's dorsum, are common.
• Rhinoliths: Rhinoliths are calcareous concretions that develop as a result of salts being deposited on an intranasal foreign substance. Nasal blockage, epistaxis, headache, sinusitis, and epiphora are symptoms.
• Nasal vestibulitis: Staphylococcus aureus is often the cause of nasal vestibulitis, which is a generalised dermatitis of the nasal vestibule. It could develop as a result of viral infections, nose picking, or persistent rhinorrhea. Skin that has acute vestibulitis is red, puffy, and sensitive. Vestibular skin induration and crusting are signs of persistent vestibulitis.
• Epistaxis: Because of the nose's position and the blood vessels that line it being so near to the surface, nosebleeds (also known as epistaxis) are a common occurrence. The tissue that borders the inside of the nose is losing blood.
• Nasal septum perforation: A hole or crack forms in the nasal septum, which separates the nasal cavities, in a disease known as nasal septum perforation. It might be asymptomatic or result in a number of other indications and symptoms. When breathing, small holes may make a whistling sound. The symptoms of larger holes are often more severe. These symptoms might include a mix of crusting, bleeding, breathing problems, nasal pressure, and pain.
• Nasal septal hematoma: A uncommon but significant side effect of nasal or face trauma is a nasal septal hematoma. It describes a buildup of blood behind the cartilage or bone of the nasal septum's mucoperichondrium or mucoperiosteum. There are signs such as blood leaking from the damaged blood vessels into the surrounding tissue, which results in pressure, discomfort, and bruising.
• Nonallergic rhinitis: This is an inflammation of the nose's inside that is not brought on by an allergy. Nonallergic rhinitis is characterised by symptoms such as persistent sneezing or a stuffy, runny nose without a known allergic response.
• Post-nasal drip: This condition is also referred to as 'upper airway cough syndrome.' Its occurrence is brought on by the nasal mucosa's overproduction of mucus. The extra mucus builds up or lodges in the back of the nose before finally dripping down the back of the throat and entering the oesophagus. It may be brought on by rhinitis, sinusitis, GERD, or a swallowing issue.

• MRI Scans: Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans, also known as MRI’s, can be used to know the deep brain structures and connections of nasal disease to the brain.
• Nasal endoscopy: An endoscope is a thin tube that can be inserted into the nasal passageways. The tube includes a light and magnifying lens, allowing the physician to see the inside of the nose.
• CT scans: Computed tomography scans, known as CT scans, are used to visualise the sinuses and inner structures of the nose.
• Skin-prick testing: It is often used when nasal allergies are suspected. Very small amounts of possible allergens are injected under the skin. If the skin in that area becomes red and inflamed, then there can be presence of allergy to that allergen.
• Blood tests: It can also be used to look for specific antibodies that may indicate the presence of an allergy.
• Noninvasive sweat test: The standard diagnostic test for cystic fibrosis is a noninvasive sweat test, which determines whether the perspiration of the patient is saltier than most people's sweat is.

• Infusion therapy for nasal bleeds: It is unclear if hypertensive individuals' high blood pressure at the time of bleeding is a reflection of vascular fragility or a raised blood pressure at the time of bleeding. However, in the case of accelerated hypertension, drugs such as amlodipine, atenolol, telmisartan, and others have been mentioned.
• Reduction surgery for nasal fractures: While the patient is under the effect of local and topical anaesthetic, a single surgeon is all that is necessary to accomplish closed nasal fracture reduction. If your nose is crooked as a consequence of the accident, you may need a reduction to realign and straighten the bones.
• Septoplasty: It is a surgical treatment that includes connecting a deviated nasal septum, which improves nasal air flow and helps to improve the condition of a clogged nasal channel.
• Endoscopic endonasal excision: It is a well-known surgical treatment that allows for the removal and excision of brain tumours and lesions via the nasal tube. It is a non-invasive surgical method that does not require a craniotomy. A keyhole incision is created under the nasal tube, and a probe is introduced into the brain to perform its purpose of removing the brain tumour or nodule.
• Youngs operation: The surgical therapy for allergic rhinitis known as vestibulo plasty includes filling up the vestibule. This operation is believed to be safe and effective in treating allergic rhinitis.
• Turbinectomy: The surgical excision of nasal conchae or nasal polyps that are implicated in the infection and induce hyperplasia symptoms owing to excessive mucus secretion is referred to as a turbinectomy.
• Vidian neurectomy: In this particular surgical treatment, neuronal impulses that are transmitted by the median nerve are blocked in order to treat vasomotor rhinitis, which is a condition that is quite common.

• Steroids for nasal congestion: Anti-inflammatory steroid nasal sprays, also known as corticosteroid nasal sprays, are drugs that are sprayed into the nose and work by blocking the release of steroid hormones. The anti-inflammatory agents beclomethasone, budesonide, and fluticasone
• Mucopurulent drugs for nasal congestion: Infections that lead to a cough as well as a runny or stuffy nose can be remedied with the help of this combo medicine (nasal congestion). Mucolytic medicines, such as guaifenesin, can contribute to a reduction in the viscosity of the mucus, resulting in improved mucus clearance. Pseudoephedrine is another medicine that might cause mucopurulent side effects. It alleviates the symptoms of hay fever as well as other allergens that affect the upper respiratory tract, such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and itching in the nose or throat.
• Antihistamines for allergic rhinitis: In the treatment of allergic rhinitis, the first-generation antihistamines, which include diphenhydramine, fexofenadine, acrivastine, azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, chlorpheniramine, and clemastin, are beneficial in reducing the symptoms of nasal blockage and mucus production.
• Antibiotics for nasal congestion: The majority of sinus infections do not require antibiotic therapy and will begin to improve even if they are not treated. Antibiotics are normally only prescribed by medical professionals for sinus infections that do not resolve on their own. We can notice common names like Augmentin (amoxicillin/clavulanate), Zithromax (azithromycin), and Levaquin scribbled on the prescription pad by the doctor (levofloxacin)
• Antivirals for nasal congestion: Seltamivir or inhaled zanamivir are the antiviral drugs that are known for treating rhinitis and other forms of rhinovirus infection. These drugs are typically prescribed for five days for the treatment of nasal congestion. Alternatively, one dose of intravenous peramivir or oral Baloxavir may be administered for one day.
• Antipyretics and analgesics for cough and cold: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are the common names that are written by doctors when there is a need for antipyretics and analgesics or when there is an incidence of pain. These are the medications that are typically prescribed. It is standard practise to make use of them in order to alleviate the generalised discomfort, headache, and fever that accompany the common cold.
• Nasal drops for nasal congestion: A cold, allergies, or hay fever can produce irritation in the nasal passages, which can be alleviated with oxymetazoline nasal spray.
• Antihypertensives for nasal bleeds: It is not known for certain whether an elevated blood pressure at the time of bleeding in hypertensive patients is a reflection of vascular fragility or an elevated blood pressure at the time of bleeding. However, in the cases of accelerated hypertension, there is known mention of treatment through medications such as amlodipine, atenolol, telmisartan, etc.