Nasal decongestant
A drug that shrinks the swollen membranes in the nose, making it easier to breathe. Decongestants can be taken orally or as nasal drops or spray. Nasal decongestants should not be used for more than 5 days in a row without a physician’s consent. When nasal decongestants are used for a long time and then discontinued, symptoms often worsen (a rebound effect) because the tissues become dependent on the medication.
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- Nasal flu vaccine
A live attenuated (weakened) influenza virus vaccine that is administered as a nasal spray. The brand name for this vaccine is FluMist. The nasal flu vaccine is recommended only for healthy people between 5 and 49 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends this vaccine as an acceptable alternative to the inactivated […]
- Nasal mucus
A slippery fluid produced by the membranes lining the nose. Excessive nasal mucus is the basis of a runny nose. Mucus is the Latin word for “a semifluid, slimy discharge from the nose.”
- Nasal passage
A channel for airflow through the nose. The walls of the nasal passages are coated with respiratory mucous membranes, which contain innumerable tiny hair-like cells that move waves of mucus toward the throat. Dust, bacteria, and other particles inhaled from the air are trapped by the mucus in the nose, carried back, swallowed, and dropped […]
- Nasal polyp
A growth or protrusion of tissue in the nose or sinuses. Nasal polyps may produce no symptoms or may lead to obstruction of the nasal passages, sinus infection, and a decreased sense of smell. Nasal polyps are almost always benign. Treatment can involve medications or surgery.
- Nasal polyps
Benign growths that originate in the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages or paranasal sinuses. Polyps are believed to arise in the nasal mucosa as a result of chronic inflammation. Up to 4% of adults have nasal polyps; they can also occur in children, particularly those with chronic respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis. Symptoms […]