Nose is responsible for the functions such as filtering the air we breathe, removing the germs, dust and irritants. It also helps moisten the air to prevent the tubes leading to the lungs from becoming dry. Nose is also important for the sense of smell. Some of the problems affecting the nose include nasal polyps, nasal fractures, allergic rhinitis, a common cold, nasal congestion, nasal septal hematoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma and influenza.
Influenza
Commonly known as the flu, this is a contagious condition that is caused by the influenza virus. Individuals with the weakened immune system such as the elderly or the young children are at increased risk of developing serious complications. The severity of the condition can range from mild to severe with some even requiring hospitalization. The common symptoms of influenza include a cough, fever, fatigue, a sore throat, runny or stuffed nose, body aches and headaches. There are four types of flu viruses; A, B, C and D and the common seasonal flu viruses are A and B. In most of the cases, no treatment is required and the condition can get better on its own.
Allergic rhinitis
This develops because of inflammation of the nose from breathing in materials such as pollen, dust or something that causes allergy. This condition occurs when the immune system of the body identifies the allergen material as an intruder and the antibodies releases chemicals such as histamine which can affect the nostril. The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can be similar to cold such as a runny nose, itchy nose, mouth, eyes or skin and watery eyes. Some of the individuals can also develop a sore throat, nasal congesting, dark circles around the eyes and problems with the smell. The common treatment option is the medication called antihistamines that block the reaction of histamine.
Common cold
This is one of the common illnesses presenting a sore throat, stuffy nose, coughing and sneezing. The symptoms of cold usually develop in 2 or 3 days after exposure to the infection and can last for a couple of days to a couple of weeks. There is no cure for the common cold but medications can provide relief from the symptoms.
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
This is cancer that develops in the tissues of the nasopharynx which consists of the upper section of the throat behind the nose. The symptoms of this cancer can be difficult to recognize as it appears to be similar to other less serious conditions. The symptoms may not become evident until the cancer has reached an advanced stage and can include blood in the saliva, frequent ear infections, lump in the neck from swollen lymph node, stuffy nose, bloody discharge from the nose and hearing loss. The treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma is the radiation therapy that uses high-powered energy such as x-rays and chemotherapy involving drugs to destroy the cancer cells.
References
https://medlineplus.gov/noseinjuriesanddisorders.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/dxc-20248062
https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/patient/nasopharyngeal-treatment-pdq
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Rhinitis—allergic/Pages/Treatment.aspx