What the Inside of Your Nose Reveals
Ever wondered why your doctor or healthcare provider looks inside your nose during a routine physical exam? When you have a runny nose or congestion, your doctor needs to take a good look at the source of the problem. According to Marlon Maducdoc MD, PIH Health otolaryngologist, “Doctors look inside your nose to check if there are other problems such as an infection, allergy or perhaps a deviated septum – shifting of the wall that divides the nasal cavity into 2 parts."
Your doctor will use a light source with a nasal speculum to get a clear view of about 1½ to 2 inches inside your nose if there is no congestion. Here is what your doctor is checking:
Color
“Healthy nasal membranes are pink, the same color as healthy gums,” says Dr. Maducdoc. “Pale and usually swollen membranes tell me that the patient has allergic rhinitis, a nasal allergy that causes inflammation, which can be treated with antihistamines or nasal steroid to reduce the swelling.”
According to Dr. Maducdoc, red or darker nasal membranes may be a result of an infection. If the infection affects the nose, throat, and ears and you have a low-grade fever (between 100.4 and 102.2 degrees), it may be a cold virus that can be treated with a decongestant to treat the symptoms.
Mucus
Mucus in the sinuses often drains into the nasal passages. When you have a sinus infection, those passages can't drain correctly because of inflammation. If your provider finds that the infection is bacterial, you may be given a prescription for an antibiotic for treatment.
Other problems
“Not all nasal problems are caused by allergy and infection,” says Dr. Maducdoc. “Sometimes it may be caused by a nasal polyp which is a growth in the mucous membrane. Common symptoms of nasal polyps include stuffy and runny nose, postnasal drip, reduced sense of smell, and nasal blockage. Treatment may depend on the patient’s symptoms, age, and overall health.”
Talk to your doctor if you think you may have symptoms that affect your nose. To find a doctor go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors.
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