Midway in the face between the eyes is an organ which gives the human being more concern for its size and prominence than any other in the human body. In more ways than one it is the center of interest.
Compared with the eye or the liver, there is not really much to a nose: some small bones, cartilage, and soft tissues, which surround the two cavities called nostrils. The nose is lined with a membrane called mucous membrane, which is mostly responsible for the troubles that affect the nose. On each side of the nose and in back of and above it are the nasal sinuses. These are cavities in the bones of the head; all of them connect with the inside of the nose by small openings. In addition to the tissues mentioned, there are the usual blood vessels and nerves, which are responsible for bringing in blood and taking it out and for giving us the sensations of odor and also of pain, itching, and other disturbances.
Sensitive Membrane
The mucous membrane of the nose is one of the most sensitive tissues in the body. When it is bruised or hurt in any way it responds promptly with swelling and inflammation. It can also become sensitive to various protein substances; in reacting it will swell and pour out a lot of fluid. Occasionally a small ulcer or infection in the nose will erode a blood vessels; then a crust forms and there is oozing of blood.
Inside the nose are hair follicles and hairs, which filter out dust or infectious materials. However, they also form occasional opportunities for the entrance of infection. The pus-forming germs such as the staphylococcus and the streptococcus are widespread, and will usually get into the human being whenever they come in contact with tissues that have been damaged in any manner. Then there is an infection which may eventually spread throughout the rest of the body.
A nose is best let well alone. The pernicious habits of picking the nose, pulling hairs, and trying to squeeze pimples or other infections may set up forms of inflammation that are most serious. When an infection in the form of a pimple, a boil, or an abscess occurs in the nose it is best to have prompt competent medical attention, to prevent the spread of these infections into a general poisoning of the body.
An infection in the lining of the nose manifests itself by redness, swelling, discomfort, and a pain which increases steadily. If the swelling is sufficiently great the outer aspect of the nose becomes swollen, and the swelling may extend even up to the eyelids. Whenever there is a swelling in the nose a physician should inspect the area to determine the presence or absence of infection and to provide for a release of infected material so as to obviate the danger of a generalized infection.
Hygiene Of The Nose
The right way to take care of the nose is to remove carefully, by proper use of the handkerchief, such materials as can be reached easily. Those which cannot be reached may be washed out by the use of a mild spray without pressure. There are now generally available all sorts of sprays, and materials which can be sprayed into the nose safely. Under no circumstances should materials be put in the nose under high pressure. This applies particularly to oils of various kinds, since it has been found that such oils may get into the lungs and, on occasion, pneumonia has resulted from such procedures.
Foreign Bodies In The Nose
Children, particularly infants, are likely to put into their mouths almost anything they happen to pick up. Occasionally also they push things into the nose. A substance of fairly small size taken into the mouth is not likely to be harmful, providing it is clean, even after it is swallowed. The digestive passages are big enough in most instances to let it pass through. Usually after eighteen to twenty-four hours the foreign materials will have disappeared from the body.
The breathing passages are much smaller than the digestive tube. Moreover, the breathing passages are curved and their walls are rigid. A substance forced into the nose is likely to remain there and serve as an obstacle which blocks the passage of air. Even more serious, however, is the fact that it will block the outflow of secretions.
Buttons, beans, pieces of chalk or erasers that have from time to time been pushed into the nose get lodged there. Occasionally they are inhaled and get into the windpipe. Then an exceedingly serious condition develops. The continuous presence of a foreign substance in the nose result eventually in the damming back of secretions and in the development of secondary infection. Soon there is a bad odor, a secondary swelling, and danger to life itself. A doctor can utilize some of the special instrument that he has available and get a foreign substance out of the nose without very much trouble. The great danger of trying to get out a hard object like a button or piece of chalk is the damage to the tissues that result from manipulation. In many cases it is necessary to give the child an anesthetic to prevent jerking and moving of the head or interference by the hands and arms.
When a foreign substance is inhaled into the tube that leads to the lungs or into the lung itself it is an immediate menace to life. Under such circumstances there must be no delay. An X-ray picture is taken as soon as possible, which aids the doctor in localizing the foreign substance Special instruments have been developed, which permit the placing of a tube down into the lung, and forceps and similar devices have beer developed, by which a foreign substance can be grasped and remove from the body.
Author Resource:
David Crawford is the CEO and owner of a Natural Male Enhancement company known as Male Enhancement Group which is dedicated to researching and comparing male enhancement products in order to determine which male enhancement product is safer and more effective than other products on the market. Copyright 2010 David Crawford of http://www.maleenhancementgroup.com This article may be freely distributed if this resource box stays attached.
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