An abnormality in the nose in which the partition, the nasal septum, separating the left and right sides of the nose curves or twists. Nasal obstruction, poor sleep, facial pain and/or sinus infections can result.
Turbinates
Bones on the sidewall of the nose. There are three turbinates on each side of the nose: the lower (or inferior) turbinate, the middle turbinate and the upper (or superior) turbinate. The tear duct drains underneath the lower turbinate. The maxillary, anterior ethmoid and frontal sinuses drain beneath the middle turbinate, and the posterior ethmoid sinuses drain under the upper turbinate.
Sinuses
Air-filled cavities located above, between and behind the nose and connected to the nose by tiny passages that carry mucous from the sinus into the nose and also keep the air constant in the sinuses.
Ethmoids
Sinuses located between the eyes.
Sphenoids
Sinuses located behind the eyes; the most deeply placed sinuses.
Frontals
Sinuses located in the forehead.
Maxillary
Sinuses located below the eyes.
Adenoids
The tissue that's just beyond the back end of the nose, up behind the soft palate. Large adenoids can lead to blockage of the nose and may contribute to sinus infections.
Ostium
A small opening connecting the sinuses to the nose.
Polyps
A mass of membrane not typical to normal anatomy.
Sinus Complaints
Sinus Infections and Sinusitis
An inflammation of the lining in one or more of the sinuses, characterized by excessive mucous, congestion and other complaints.
Sinus Headaches
Headaches characterized by a painful pressure in certain areas of the face or skull and typically triggered by air pressure changes, pressure points or blocked sinuses.
Allergies/Allergens
Dysfunctional immune responses to substances harmless to most people.
Any substance that induces an allergy. Common allergens are house dust mite, pollen, mold and animal dander.
Asthma
A chronic lower respiratory condition caused by a tightening of the muscles and swelling of the lining in the small breathing tubes of the lungs.
Clinical/Surgical Terminology
CT Scan
A type of X-ray that provides a detail blueprint of the architecture of the nose and sinuses.
Nasal Endoscopy/Endoscope
A procedure in which the physician uses an endoscope to survey the nasal passages, looking for how much space is available for air passage, any obstructions, infection, polyps, signs of allergy, or other swelling.
Minimally Invasive
Techniques that case less trauma for the patient and disturb as little of the anatomy as possible.
