Chronic Nosebleeds - Everything You Should Know

We all have that one friend whose nose tends to bleed even at the poke of a finger. As scary as the scene might appear, nosebleeds are common. They may occur in some children.

Nosebleeds can also indicate some serious underlying medical condition but this is very rare. If you are an adult and experiencing nosebleeds frequently, you should probably get screened.

Nosebleeds - What Exactly Happens?

Millions of blood vessels end at the base of your front and back of the nose. The ends of blood vessels are fragile and can bleed due to a small impact, stress, and even due to the dry air.

When the nosebleeds occur for a long time, the condition becomes chronic. Usually, this would be healed on its own with age. If the problem persists, book an appointment with your nearest ENT hospital for screening.

Types of Nosebleeds

Based on the region of the impact, there are two types of nosebleeds - anterior and posterior.

Anterior nosebleeds can occur when the blood vessels in the front base of the nose bleed.

Posterior occurs when the back of the nose bleeds. If the bleeding occurs more than 20 minutes, it could be due to the posterior nosebleed.

Causes of Nosebleeds

A nosebleed can be triggered for various reasons. Sudden, frequent, and infrequent nosebleeds might be due to the serious conditions.

• Cold and Nasal Allergies - Anterior nosebleeds can be triggered by a cold, frequent sneezing, nose blowing, allergies and coughing.
• Injuries - An impact, be it a punch or a fall, on the frontal nose region can lead to nosebleeds.
• Dryness - Dryness is the major cause behind most of the nosebleeds in children living in dry, and heated climates. This can dry out the nasal membranes leading to crusting inside the nose. This could lead to irritation which may cause bleeding.
• Nose Picking - Children tend to pick their nose frequently. If this happens when inside the nose is crusted, it can lead to bleeding.
• Foreign Objects - This is common in toddlers. If you observe a foreign object inside the nose and it starts bleeding, reach out to an ENT specialist at the earliest.

In some cases, deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, can also passively contribute to the nosebleeds.

Other reasons include high blood pressure, clots in the blood, excessive use of aspirin, and respiratory infection. However, these are commonly observed in adults.

The Right Time to Seek Medical Help

When a nosebleed occurs, following a few simple steps like sitting upright, tipping the head upwards, and catching the blood with a tissue or a damp cloth should stop the bleeding.

However, if the bleed doesn’t stop for more than 20 minutes, you should seek proper medical help, irrespective of the type of the bleeding.

Diagnosis for Nosebleeds

Your ENT doctor might perform a thorough physical examination to determine the cause primarily. 

Upon ruling out the presence of foreign objects, and injuries the doctor will inquire about the medical history and symptoms.

Based on the symptoms or the recent injuries, your doctor will plot out the diagnosis process that includes various tests.

Most likely the complete blood count, partial thromboplastin time, nasal endoscopy, and imaging tests like x-ray and CT scan.

Treatment for Nosebleeds

The doctor recommends a treatment course if the nosebleed is due to a medical condition or could recur. Here is a glimpse of the treatment course for anterior and posterior nosebleeds.

Anterior Nosebleed

The treatment for anterior nosebleed is more of a first-aid procedure. The bleeding could be stopped by closing the nostrils with a cold compress.

• The person needs to breathe through the mouth
• Should sit upright with head slightly tilted up
• Should not lie down as swallowing blood can irritate stomach
• Doctor’s advice is recommended if the bleeding does not stop after 20-30 minutes

Posterior Nosebleed

This type of nosebleeds are not common and often associated with serious consequences. Doctor’s help is needed immediately.

• Identify the type of bleed and seek medical help immediately
• These type of nosebleeds should not be treated with just first-aid procedures
• The nosebleed qualifies to be treated out of an emergency room (ER)

Nosebleeds - Prevention

Finding the root cause for the nosebleed makes it easy for the parents to take preventive actions.

• Start using a humidifier if your child’s bleeding occurs during hot or humid weather.
• Take care of your kid not to pick their nose and insert any foreign objects.
• Using sprays or gels that keep nasal passages moist would be helpful.

Visit Vikram ENT hospital in Coimbatore to find better solutions for all your nose, throat, and ear related medical issues. And, follow our blog for latest updates on ENT health issues and how to take care of them.

Allergies during the summer season: Causes and the preventive measures

Allergies occur during the winter and rainy season! Now, that is the popular belief. On the contrary, there are allergies that go hand in hand with summer. In fact hay-fever, one of the common allergies in summer, is named after hay-cutting that usually occurs in the summer season. And, most of the allergens that cause allergies in the winter and rainy seasons stay active even during the summer.

Knowing your triggers, refraining yourself from the exposure, and getting the appropriate medical help is the way to keep yourself away from the summer allergies. Stay with us until the end of the blog to know more about allergies that occur in the summer.

What causes allergies in the summer?

The clear sky and windy long days make people spend most of their time outdoors but it is full of allergens like pollen and mold. The typical summer days with high temperature, air pollution, and strong winds contribute to increased allergy cases. Here are a few causes that lead to allergies in summer.

1. Dust in the air: Summer is a dry season and the air will be full of dust causing dust allergy in many. The immunology and allergy specialists claim that summer allergies are as high as the fall or winter allergies. In addition, the increased carbon dioxide levels in the air strengthens pollen which is one of the common allergy triggers. Heat is also one of the contributing factors for increased pollen and mold in the air during summer.
2. Spike in temperature: Hot temperature and the humid air go hand in hand and make the perfect breeding ground for the mold, a fungus that causes allergies. At the same time, the protective mucus inside the nostrils gets drained due to the hot weather. And, the mucus-free nostrils become the perfect passages for people with allergies. The more the dry spells last during summer, the longer the allergies can disrupt the lives of many.
3. Air pollution: Be it the carbon dioxide from a motor vehicle or chemical spray or cigarette smoke, polluted air can trigger allergies. As the wind gets stronger mixed with heat, the air pollution can become worrisome. In addition, the longer days make it harder for people to get through the allergies.

What type of care and preventive measures can you follow?

It is essential for people diagnosed with allergies to practice all the preventive measures in summer that they strictly adhere to during the winter and monsoon seasons. Here are a few summer allergy tips that you could count on.

• Reduce your exposure to allergens by staying indoors, especially when it is too hot or windy outside.
• If you have a pet and you're taking him/her for a walk, ensure you wear a mask and give your pet a clean wipe down before walking indoors. This helps you get rid of the allergens stuck to your pet’s coat.
• Remove your shoes outside the door and clean your hands thoroughly before entering the house.
• Keep your windows shut if the weather is too hot or humid. If it is getting windy, do not open windows or doors.
• Use medically approved anti-bacterial washing powders while washing clothes. And, do remember that drying clothes attract all sorts of allergens. It is recommended to dry your clothes indoors.
• Change your bed sheets regularly and sanitize the entire room. Bugs, dust mites, and various other pollutants will cover up on the beds that are not changed properly.
• If you are planning to go outside, wear a quality mask. Knowing the wind and pollution levels in your locality helps you be prepared.
• Taking a shower right after you come back home and before going to bed helps you get rid of the triggers.
• Most importantly, know your medications and keep them always with you if you are stepping outside.

When to see the doctor?

If you have been diagnosed with a certain allergy condition and know you have been exposed to the allergen, take the prescribed medication. The allergy should go away eventually. If you are suffering from nasal congestion, difficulty in breathing, or inflammation in the nose and you do not know the reason, it is recommendable to visit an ENT specialist to get it diagnosed.

Dealing with chronic allergies can be difficult. Know your allergy and know what triggers it, and stay away from it.

Vikram ENT Hospital in Coimbatore houses the best ENT specialists who are experienced in dealing with allergies. If you are suffering from any allergy symptoms, visit the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore to find a relief.

Why does someone require a swallowing specialist?

Just like breathing, swallowing is an essential activity of life. On an average, an adult swallow somewhere between 500-700 times a day. And, this activity occurs even when you are sleeping. Difficulty in swallowing is not a condition but a symptom of many conditions.

Medically known as dysphagia, in most cases the difficulty in swallowing is not severe and goes away in a week or two.

However, in some cases it can be a symptom of a tumor or a disorder. Dysphagia is a condition that is mostly observed in seniors even though it can occur in any age group.

Weather changes, drinking cold water, having cold, or having certain foods excessively can cause mild difficulty in swallowing.

If the difficulty is not gone in a day or two, you might want to consider seeing an ENT specialist or an otolaryngologist.

Swallowing occurs in 4 related stages and the 1st stage takes place in the mouth in the form of preparation.

Swallowing is a complex mechanism and various organs are involved in it to make it a smooth passage for food or liquid you take in a day.

Here are the 4 stages involved in the swallowing process. The first and second stages need your effort but the third and fourth stages occur without you knowing them.

1. 1st Stage: Foods or liquids in the mouth are prepared and gathered together by the tongue to be swallowed.
2. 2nd Stage: The actual swallowing starts when the tongue pushes the gathered food or liquid at the back of the mouth. This is called oral stage.
3. 3rd Stage: This stage is known as the pharyngeal stage where the food or liquid enters the esophagus after passing through the pharynx.
4. 4th Stage: From the esophagus, the food or liquid is pushed into the stomach, completing the swallowing process. This is known as the esophageal stage.

Dysphagia: Causes

There can be many reasons for dysphagia as it is a symptom of many conditions such as swallowing disorders, lumps in the throat, strep throat, throat cancer, tonsillitis, and mouth ulcer.

Here are a few frequent causes behind this symptom.

Throat Infections: Overuse of voice, sore throat, tonsillitis, and infections such as cold or flu can cause dysphagia.

Weakness of Throat Muscles: Age-related weakness, scar of esophagus, and throat muscle weakness.

These are the common causes and, in some cases, the following conditions can cause difficulty in swallowing.

• Nerve Diseases: Nerve conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Lou Gehrig’s disease, or stroke
• Cancerous Tumors: Throat cancer, lung cancer, and esophageal cancers

Besides, certain medications such as kinins, substance P, and prostaglandins (used for inflammation) can also cause dysphagia.

Typical Symptoms of Dysphagia

The primary symptom is difficulty in swallowing. Besides that, drooling, inability to move saliva, and food particles getting stuck in the throat or a feeling that they are stuck are a few symptoms.

In severe conditions, feeling the presence of lumps in the throat, developing infections in mouth, pneumonia, changed voice, and losing weight are observed.

The Role of ENT Specialists in Treating Swallowing Disorders:

ENT specialists are the designated specialists to see when you are feeling throat pain or difficulty in swallowing.

As swallowing difficulty is not a diagnosis but a symptom, your ENT specialist needs to work with other specialists such as speech language pathologists, neurologists, and gastroenterologists based on the diagnosis.

• During the treatment process, the ENT specialist will enquire about your recent medical history and might conduct a physical throat exam using laryngoscope.
• Flexible endoscopic evaluation (also known as FEES) is conducted to check the accuracy of throat muscular action.

Various tests and examinations are done before finding the root cause of the swallowing difficulty. The prognosis for swallowing in difficulty is purely based on the root cause.

The best way to find a chronic pain in swallowing is seeking treatment from the best ENT specialist in your locality. Besides the medications, follow the simple lifestyle changes below for better treatment outcomes.

• Make changes in the texture and size of food you swallow
• Follow the posture changes as suggested by your ENT doctor
• Follow yogic practices and exercises to strengthen your throat muscles

Tips for maintaining a healthy voice

Voice is the sound which is produced when air that is forced out of the lungs passes over the vocal cords. Voice disorders occur when there is a problem in the quality of the voice including pitch, volume and tone. These disorders are developed in people for multiple reasons. Doctors who specialize in Ear Nose Throat (ENT) problems must be consulted for diagnosing and treating voice disorders.

The treatment approach may involve medication, injections, therapy or surgery depending upon the cause. Vikram ENT Hospital is a state-of-art specialized ENT Hospital in Coimbatore and a globally renowned Centre that provides effective treatment and cure to a wide variety of ENT issues including voice disorders.

Causes of Voice Disorders

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections like laryngitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis, sore throat and common cold
• Strep throat
• Hyper nasal speech
• Presence of white patches(leukoplakia)
• Inflammation caused by gastrointestinal reflux
• Misuse and over-usage of vocals
• Certain neurological diseases like vocal fold paralysis
• Polyps, nodules or cysts in the vocal cord
• Lumps in the throat
• Throat cancer
• Psychological trauma

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done through a detailed investigation and physical examination of vocal cords using clinical instruments like angled mirrors, laryngoscope and video stroboscope. Further tests may include acoustic (sound) analysis and laryngeal electromyography.

Treatment

• Rest, hydration and therapy - Taking rest, drinking sufficient water and taking therapy from speech pathologists for using the voice effectively can help in curing mild voice disorders.
• Allergy medication - If mucus accumulation due to allergy is hampering the voice, doctors give medication to treat the problem.
• Lifestyle changes - If the disorder is caused by smoking, cessation of this unhealthy habit is recommended.
• Medications - Medications may be given to reduce inflammation, manage gastro esophageal reflux or prevent the regrowth of blood vessels.
• Interventions - Laser surgery is used to remove non-cancerous growths like lesions, nodules and cysts in the throat if they are affecting the voice. A damaged vocal cord may also be replaced surgically with a healthy nerve from the neck. Thyroplasty is another treatment option wherein an implant is inserted against the paralyzed vocal cord. Alternatively, medicinal injections are given to resolve the neurological movement disorders that affect the vocal muscles.

Tips to keep the voice healthy

• Always drink sufficient water to keep the body hydrated as proper water balance helps to lubricate the vocal cords. Consumption of caffeine and alcohol should also be avoided. Fruits like apple, watermelons, peaches, grapes and plums are good natural sources for hydration.
• Take so-called ‘vocal naps’ when you have used the voice for a considerable length of time.
• Quit the habit of smoking as it not only raises the risk of throat cancer but also negatively impacts the voice. Even inhaling secondary smoke is harmful.
• Never abuse or misuse your voice. Hoarseness is a clear indication that depicts that vocal cords are irritated. It is essential to avoid yelling and screaming in noisy zones during such times.
• Ensure that the throat and neck muscles are kept relaxed and not strained even if you are using raised pitch or singing high notes. Singers may tilt their heads up towards the ceiling when singing high notes and lower them towards the floor during the low ones. Strained vocal muscles can create a long-term impact on the vocal range.
• When you speak, make sure that there is proper breath flow. The way we speak has a huge impact on protecting our voice.
• Do not develop the habit of clearing your throat often because it harms the vocal cords. That causes injury and makes the voice further hoarse. A good alternative is to swallow the saliva or have a sip of water.
• Do not speak much when you are ill especially if you are having a cold, sinus or throat infection.
• Use a loudspeaker or amplifier while addressing large gatherings in public rather than using a loud tone.
• It is advisable to humidify your surroundings, be it the home or workspaces. That is because a moist atmosphere is good for the throat and voice.
• When you have a throat infection, try to eat nutritious yet soft food. Some best foods for sore throat that will aid in soothing it are turmeric, scrambled eggs, honey, cooked vegetables, soup, cinnamon, ginger, apple cider vinegar and cinnamon.
• Consider voice therapy from a professional speech-language pathologist.

All the information about Tinnitus - Signs, Causes, Symptoms & Prevention Methods

Tinnitus is the medical terminology for ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. Apart from ringing, people who are suffering from this problem may also hear sounds like roaring, whistling or hissing though there are no external sources. Tinnitus can be frustrating as it interferes in the normal hearing process. The unwanted sounds heard disrupt the flow of the genuine sounds around a person. Neglecting this disorder can lead to anxiety, depression and stress.

Tinnitus can happen in people of all ages though it is most common in older adults. The problem can occur either in one or both the ears. Patients who experience persistent or frequent ringing in the ears must consult the ENT doctor for accurate identification of the cause and appropriate medical intervention. Vikram ENT Hospital, a reputed ENT Hospital in Coimbatore, offers promising treatment for tinnitus and all other ENT problems. It is equipped with state-of-art infrastructure and experienced ENT specialists who have created innumerable patient success stories with their prompt diagnosis and effective treatment procedures.

Causes

• Middle ear damage
• Inner ear damage
• Ageing
• Hearing loss
• Constant exposure to loud sounds
• Side-effects of medications like certain antibiotics and diuretics
• Meniere’s disease (improper balancing and hearing of inner ears)
• High blood pressure or cholesterol
• Earwax blockage
• Head or neck trauma
• Some joint disorders which lead to chronic pain in the jaws and the head
• Cardiovascular diseases and diabetes

Symptoms and Signs

Patients suffering from tinnitus experience signs of non-auditory internal sounds in the ears which may be high or low-pitched. These sounds are clearer at night or when there is quietness around. Some of the abnormal sounds heard are whistling, chirping, clicking, screeching, pulsing, whooshing or musical. Other related symptoms include-

• Pain in the ears
• Hearing loss
• Irritability
• Lack of concentration
• Sleep disturbances like sleep apnea
• Psychological depression

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in the timely management of tinnitus. ENT doctors usually do a physical examination first to check for any abnormalities. Hearing or audiometry tests may be conducted to evaluate the perception of various types of sounds. The middle and inner ears can be examined using an otoscope. Rhinoscopy may also be done to view the internal structures like nasal septum and sinuses. Sometimes, doctors recommend blood tests to rule out hormonal issues like thyroid which can cause this disorder.

Treatment

Removal of Blockage - If ear wax deposits are causing the tinnitus, the ENT doctor will remove it to reduce the symptoms.

Medications and Devices - Though medications may not cure tinnitus, they can help in providing some relief from unwanted sounds. Usually, anti-anxiety drugs and antidepressants are prescribed. Since some medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause the ringing in the ears, doctors may advise stoppage of such medicines. Hearing aids may be used if the tinnitus is caused by age-related or noise-induced hearing loss.

Restraining Therapy - This form of treatment uses two approaches-

• Directive counselling in which intensive and individual patient awareness and education are given about the causes and effects of this problem on the ear and brain along with the coping mechanisms.
• Low-level sound generators are used to help the brain to re-learn the patterns that de-emphasize the prominence of tinnitus and desensitize the patients who are oversensitive to sound.

Additionally, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be used as a psychological intervention to lower the stress and distraction associated with tinnitus.

Surgical Procedures - Underlying abnormal blood vessel conditions may be treated by surgery to resolve the tinnitus issue. In case permanent or severe hearing loss occurs due to tinnitus, cochlear implant treatment is given by insertion of an electronic device into the inner ear to restore hearing.

Prevention Methods

• Avoid constant exposure to loud sounds.
• Protect the ears from noise using earplugs and masks.
• Decrease anxiety and hypertension.
• Practice mindfulness and stress relieving activities like meditation and yoga.
• Avoid long-term usage and high dosage of certain medicines like aspirin.
• Quit smoking and reduce intake of caffeine products.
• Counteract age-related hearing loss by doing exercises that increase the blood circulation to the ears and relax the muscle tissue in the neck. Some such exercises to boost hearing are head rotation, neck flexion and extension and putting legs up the wall in a restoration inversion pose after lying down on the floor or cot.

Ear infection and obesity - What is the connection?

As children, we all would have experienced ear infections every now and then. Even though ear infections can be observed in many children, they are prevalent in adults too. By causing perforation of the eardrum, mastoiditis, meningitis, hearing loss, facial nerve paralysis, and possibly, and Meniere's disease, ear infections can be a painful rite of passage to pass through. And, now there is another addition to this list - Obesity, particularly in children.

New medical researchers confirm that prolonged or unattended ear infections can cause obesity by influencing the child’s food preferences negatively after damaging the taste nerves. This will further lead to obesity and its complications as the child ages. Stay with us as we help you find out more about the connection between the ear infections and obesity in children.

Ear infections and obesity - What is the connection?

Have you ever lost the sense of taste when you are sick? Losing the taste sense is quite common whenever the sensory organs get sick. When the health issue is addressed, the sense is restored.

Ear infections are suspected to influence and even damage the most important taste nerves beyond repair in some of the chronic conditions. It is believed so because the taste nerves pass through these ear canals to the brain. Showing the effect of tonsillectomies (which damages the taste nerve that passes through the throat), many researches have conceded that the chronic ear infections are behind the obesity in children.

What exactly the research says?

"Middle ear infection is a common childhood disease and obesity is a growing problem worldwide," says Linda Bartoshuk, PhD, of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Concreting Dr Bartoshuk’s comments, many series of studies have addressed this while confirming the connection.

In another attempt, John Hayes, PhD, from Brown University, in collaboration with University of Connecticut, found solid associations between ear infections, taste nerves, food choices, and obesity. The study was conducted on preschoolers with a history of chronic ear infections. The other batch includes children who have no or minimal history of ear infections.

Children with a severe history of infection have preferred to eat sweet and high fat foods and fewer vegetables. Dr. Hayes confirms that the results suggest that the taste nerve damage influences the food choices.

What causes ear infections in children?

Be it acute or chronic, all types of ear infections in children need to be checked thoroughly by the qualified ENT specialist. An ear infection is a result of bacterial or viral infection that affects the middle ear. Medically known as otitis media (the complex sections of the ear located just behind the eardrum), can cause pain that ranges from mild to severe with the fluid buildup.

How to prevent ear infections in children?

Even though most of the ear infections are unpreventable, strengthening the immunity, adjusting the body to the outside temperature, and preventing exposure to the virus and bacteria can help you in beating ear infections. Let’s have a look into the ways you can prevent ear infections. 

• Breastfeed: Ear infections can be prevented with stronger antibodies. Breastfeeding for at least 6 to 12 months greatly enhances your baby’s immunity.
• Vaccination: Ensure your baby gets all the prescribed vaccinations without fail. Besides the healthy diet, vaccines give that extra edge for your baby to fight diseases and infections.
• Carefully bottle feed: If you are bottle feeding your baby, ensure you hold your baby in an upright position so that the fluid does not enter into the Eustachian tubes.
• Take care of the environment: Provide your baby a germ-free and healthy environment. Take all the necessary measures to prevent bugs and mosquitoes from the reach of your baby.
• Be prepared for the weather conditions: Changing weather conditions mean that the body needs the much-needed protection to prevent cold and other infections. Tuck in your baby with warm clothing’s and tidy sheets.

This applies to kids across all age groups. If you are observing any blocks in the hearing ability of your kids, reach out for the proper medical help from your local ENT specialists at the best ENT hospital in Coimbatore.

Smell and Taste Disorders - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

The sense of smell and taste are closely linked. The taste buds in the tongue help in identifying the taste and the nerves of the nose sense the smell. Both these sensations are transmitted to the brain and processed there so that the flavours may be recognised and relished. Sometimes, there may be impairments in smelling and tasting as many people are born with such disorders. Loss of smell and taste is also common in ageing.

However, these disorders may be indicative of underlying diseases or health issues. Obesity, diabetes, hypertension, poor nutrition and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis are some such ailments. Though the problem may not be life-threatening always, it is important to identify the right cause associated with it. One of the popular ENT Hospitals in Coimbatore that precisely treats this condition is Vikram ENT Hospital. As a globally renowned specialist treatment centre, this hospital has a team of extremely skilled ENT doctors in Coimbatore to deliver high-quality treatment.

Causes of Smell and Taste Disorders

• Nasal congestion due to common cold, flu attacks, sinus infections and Hay Fever
• Presence of blockages like nasal polyps and deviated septum
• Hormonal changes
• Poor oral hygiene resulting in dental and mouth infections
• Exposure to certain harmful chemicals
• Side-effect of medications like antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs
• Smoking tobacco
• Radiation therapy treatment administered for head and neck cancer
• Cocaine abuse
• Tumours
• COVID
• Head injuries

Symptoms

The symptoms of smell and taste disorders may vary from person to person. While some people experience total loss of these senses, others may have reduced ability to smell, taste and relish various kinds of foods. In some exceptional cases, even pleasant odours and taste may become unpleasant and unappealing.

Types of Smell and Taste Disorders

• Anosmia-Loss of sense of smell
• Ageusia-Loss of sense of taste
• Hyposmia-Decreased ability to smell
• Hypogeusia-Reduced ability to taste and differentiate between sweet, sour, salty and bitter foods

Diagnosis

The ENT specialist does a complete physical examination and also examines the medical history about the symptoms. Further investigation may be done if required by doing tests like CT scan, MRI scan, brain x-ray and nasal endoscopy to check for the presence of abnormal blockages and growths.

Anosmia Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the anosmia. If it is due to a cold or sinusitis, the problem is likely to clear on its own within a few days. However, if it persists, doctors may recommend prescription medications like steroid nasal sprays, decongestants, antihistamines, steroids and antibiotics for bacterial infections. Lifestyle changes like cessation of smoking and decreasing the exposure to nasal irritants and allergens can also be helpful. If a prescribed medication is causing the loss of smell, patients may discuss with their physicians to substitute it with other treatment options. Surgical intervention is essential to remove the obstruction if polyps or tumours are present. It is advisable to follow environmental safety recommendations and install proper chemical detectors at home for identifying dangerous gases like carbon-monoxide if a permanent loss of smell is experienced.

Hyposmia Treatment

The treatment of hyposmia is along the same lines as anosmia. Doing nasal rinses, smell restraining therapy and certain health supplements like Vitamin B12 may also be beneficial. Foods like fish, meat, eggs, cheese, milk, yogurt and chicken can also help in improving the sense of smell.

Ageusia Treatment

If ageusia is due to allergies and infections, doctors may prescribe relevant medicines to clear the condition and relieve the symptoms. In some cases changing certain medications or stopping them may be necessary. If ageusia is caused by ageing, it is likely to be permanent and cannot be reversed completely. In such cases, treatment involves teaching coping strategies like preparing foods with more spices and safe colours to make them delicious. Quitting the smoking habit can improve the taste significantly. Besides, maintaining good oral hygiene helps in regaining better taste. A customized treatment plan is needed if the problem is caused by head injury or mental ailments.

Hypogeusia Treatment

The treatment approach is similar to ageusia. Intranasal sprays and vaporisers are sometimes used in treating hypogeusia. Using aromatic herbs and ingredients of different textures can help in better managing this disorder. Vitamin D and zinc supplements are beneficial too.