- What are the causes
- Main symptoms
- Types of treatment
- 1. Medicines
- 2. Surgery
- 3. Natural treatment
- Possible complications
Flesh on the nose, or spongy flesh on the nose, is a popular term used that usually refers to the appearance of swelling of the adenoids or nasal turbinates, which are structures on the inside of the nose that, when swollen, hinder the passage of air to the lungs. Because of this, it is common for the person to breathe most of the time through the mouth, avoiding inhaling through the nose.
Since it can be a very uncomfortable condition, it is recommended to consult an otorhinolaryngologist to start the appropriate treatment, which is usually done with surgery or the use of anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy drugs, for example.
What are the causes
The flesh in the nose can appear in childhood and, in these cases, it is usually caused by the increase in adenoids, which are glands of the immune system that grow up to 6 years and then disappear. In the case of adults, the flesh in the nose can be caused by the turbinate hypertrophy, which is the swelling of the nasal turbinates, which are the structures responsible for filtering and humidifying the air that enters the nose. See treatment options for turbinate hypertrophy.
However, in some cases, the person may be born with flesh on the nose due to genetic factors or changes in the development of these structures.
Main symptoms
The presence of spongy flesh in the nose causes symptoms such as:
- Snoring; Sensation of a blocked nose; Breathing through the mouth; Restless sleep; Breathing during sleep; Bad breath; Dry or cracked lips; Frequent throat and ear infections; Frequent colds.
In addition to these symptoms, the flesh in the nose can also cause crooked teeth to grow, a weak voice and irritability in children. When these symptoms appear, it is recommended to consult the pediatrician, general practitioner or otorhinolaryngologist who will examine the inside of the nose with the aid of a small tube with a camera, which is a test called nasofibroscopy. Understand how the nasofibroscopy exam is done.
These symptoms can get worse with pollution, cigarette use, chronic allergic rhinitis and infections by bacteria, fungi and viruses, as they can increase the swelling of the inner parts of the nose.
Types of treatment
Treatment depends on the person's age, the causes and the size of the meat in the nose. In most cases, the doctor may recommend treatments such as:
1. Medicines
Some medications may be indicated by the doctor to reduce the swelling of the spongy flesh in the nose, such as corticosteroids to be applied to the nostrils or anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy remedies to reduce inflammation and relieve the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. In some cases, along with the flesh in the nose, the person may have a bacterial infection in the amygdala and, thus, the doctor may prescribe the use of antibiotics.
2. Surgery
When treatment with medications does not reduce the spongy flesh in the nose and greatly impairs the passage of air, the doctor may recommend surgery. Adenoidectomy is the surgery to remove the adenoids and turbinectomy is the partial or total removal of the nasal turbinates, and these surgeries are indicated to relieve the symptoms of the meat in the nose.
These surgeries are performed in a hospital, with general anesthesia and, in most cases, the person can return home the next day. After these surgeries, recovery is quick and the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and analgesics, which prevent infections and relieve pain.
In addition, after performing the surgery, it is necessary for the person to rest for a few days and avoid hard and hot foods. It is recommended to report to the doctor quickly if symptoms of fever or bleeding in the nose or mouth appear, as these signs may indicate the development of complications. See more about recovery from adenoid surgery.
3. Natural treatment
Natural or homemade treatment can help relieve the symptoms of flesh in the nose, which can be done together with the use of medications and after surgery. These treatments are based on maintaining a healthy diet, rich in foods that contain omega 3, as they have anti-inflammatory action, and foods that help increase immunity such as those that contain vitamin C, selenium and zinc. See here the foods that strengthen immunity.
Possible complications
If not treated as medically recommended, the flesh in the nose can increase and end up preventing air from passing through the nose, causing severe headaches, sleep problems and repeated throat and ear infections.
