As the saying goes: you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Being able to breathe freely and clearly because of this is a great example, and rings true for people who suffer from rhinitis – a condition that can cause discomfort and irritation, and affect the quality of life.
Dr. Sam Rizk is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, who specializes in nose and sinus surgery. With a deep understanding of the nasal structure, his extensive skills allow him to treat medical conditions and undertake cosmetic surgery while keeping aesthetic considerations top of mind.
What is rhinitis?
Rhinitis is an inflammation inside the nose, causing a blocked and runny nose, sneezing, itchiness, and discomfort. There are two types of rhinitis, allergic and non-allergic.
- Non-allergic rhinitis: is not caused or triggered by allergies, instead thought to be caused by a number of things, including viral infections, hormone imbalance, or environmental factors such as extreme temperatures, humidity, or exposure to smoke. These result in swollen blood vessels and a build-up of fluid in the tissues of the nose that block the nasal passages and stimulate mucus glands.
- Allergic rhinitis: is caused by the immune system reacting to an allergen, which results in cells releasing chemicals that cause the inside layer of the nose to become swollen.
How rhinoplasty can help with rhinitis
While rhinitis cannot be cured by rhinoplasty, surgery can be employed to address the underlying cause that results in the exacerbation of rhinitis symptoms, such as a deviated septum, turbinate hypertrophy, or nasal polyps. When it comes to allergic rhinitis, the irritated surfaces in the upper respiratory tract decreases, which reduces their sensitivity.
Chronic rhinitis, allergy based or not, can often require a number of medications to keep symptoms at bay, which over time can become tiresome for the patient to administer. In these cases, when addressing the root cause, rhinoplasty also helps by reducing medication intake.
Left untreated, chronic rhinitis can develop into chronic sinusitis, which is an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses that persists for over 12 months. As another uncomfortable and irritating condition, it can often be rectified with sinus surgery and combined with rhinoplasty if necessary, again correcting an underlying irregularity such as a deviated septum or polyps.
Is rhinoplasty right for me?
During consultation, you will have the chance to thoroughly discuss your condition, concerns, and questions. Dr. Rizk will undertake a thorough assessment of your nose and sinuses, as well as enquire about your medical history and symptoms.
Drawing on his knowledge as a facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist, he will determine whether rhinoplasty or an alternative surgery will be best in helping you relieve your symptoms, as well as improve the shape or profile of your nose if that is desired.
If you are suffering from rhinitis, considering rhinoplasty, or would like to explore your options, contact us at Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgery today.
