Important Details
- Several nasal conditions share symptoms, so a proper check is important.
- Diagnosis usually starts with detailed questions about your symptoms.
- Nasal endoscopy lets the doctor see inside your nose during a clinic visit.
- A CT scan may be used to show the sinuses in more detail when needed.
- Knowing the exact cause helps your doctor plan the right treatment.
When a Stuffy Nose Is More Than It Seems
Most of us have had a blocked nose that cleared up after a few days. But what happens when it doesn’t? Some people spend months dealing with congestion, a reduced sense of smell or a constant drip at the back of the throat, without ever getting a clear answer.
Long-lasting nasal problems can have several different causes, and working out which one is behind your symptoms takes more than a quick look. That’s where a sinus specialist in Singapore comes in. In this article, we’ll walk through how these problems are usually diagnosed, step by step, so you know what to expect if you’re considering one of the best ENT specialists in Singapore.
Conditions That Can Be Tricky to Pin Down
Part of the challenge is that many nasal conditions feel alike. Chronic sinusitis, for instance, is inflammation of the sinuses that lasts 12 weeks or longer. Nasal polyps are soft, painless growths on the lining of the nose or sinuses. A deviated septum occurs when the wall between your nostrils is off-centre, which can narrow one side of the nose.
Turbinate enlargement can also occur, where the structures that warm and moisten the air you breathe become swollen. All of these can cause congestion, trouble breathing through the nose and a reduced sense of smell.
Because the symptoms overlap so much, a sinus specialist in Singapore will usually rely on a combination of checks rather than symptoms alone.
Starting With the Right Questions
Before any equipment comes out, your doctor will want to hear your story. This conversation often gives useful clues, so think about your answers beforehand. You may be asked about:
- How long your symptoms have lasted: and whether they come and go.
- Which side is affected: since symptoms on one side only may point to a specific cause.
- Treatments you’ve already tried: including nasal sprays or medication.
- Your sleep: such as snoring or waking up with a dry mouth.
- Past nose injuries or surgery: as these can affect the structure of your nose.
If you’re seeing one of the best ENT specialists in Singapore, clear answers help them decide on the next tests.
A Closer Look With Nasal Endoscopy
A standard examination only shows the front part of your nose. To see further back, your doctor may perform a nasal endoscopy. This involves passing a thin tube with a small camera and light through your nostril.
Before the procedure starts, your nose is usually sprayed with a decongestant and a numbing medication to make it more comfortable. The procedure is often done in the clinic and typically takes only a few minutes.
The camera allows the doctor to see the drainage pathways of the sinuses and spot signs such as swelling, polyps or pus. For many patients, this is the step where a sinus specialist in Singapore can start to narrow down the cause.
When Further Tests Are Needed
Sometimes, the endoscopy doesn’t give the full picture. In these cases, your doctor may suggest additional tests depending on what they’ve found so far.
| Test | What It Can Show |
| CT scan of the sinuses | The shape of the sinuses and any blockages or inflammation |
| Allergy testing | Whether specific allergens may be playing a part |
| Nasal swab | The type of bacteria or fungus behind an infection |
| MRI scan | Soft tissue detail, used in certain cases |
Not everyone will need all of these. Your doctor will explain why a test is recommended. If you’re still comparing the best ENT specialists in Singapore, asking how each one approaches testing can help.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Living with a blocked nose for months isn’t something you simply have to put up with. Complex sinus and nasal problems can take a little time to diagnose, but each step helps build a clearer picture of what’s going on.
Once the cause is known, your doctor can talk you through the treatment options that suit your situation, whether that’s medication, lifestyle changes or a procedure.
Contact Dr Dennis Chua to arrange a consultation and have your long-term sinus or nasal symptoms properly assessed.
