Question: It feels as though something is running down the back of my throat. I have a tickle and an urge to cough, and sometimes I bring up phlegm. Why do I have to put up with this?
Answer: You would be a lot worse off without mucous. It's nature's lubricator. Bet you didn't know that mucous is dripping down the back of your throat all the time. Your body produces 1 cup of it a day. It is only when more than that amount is produced that you feel annoyance and discomfort. When this production is increase it is because of an irritation somewhere in your sinuses. Your body is fighting off that irritation. Our specialists suggest you not medicate yourself with over-the-counter antihistamines because they can have a rebound effect when they wear off. Even worse, nasal sprays can rapidly become addictive. A sinus specialist can evaluate and treat the root cause of irritation.

Question: My doctor looked inside my nose and said he thought he saw inverted papillomas. What are they?
Answer: Like polyps, inverted papillomas are also benign tumors (a tumor is a swelling). They are usually located between the nose and the maxillary sinus. They obstruct the side of the nose they are on and they sometimes bleed heavily. Like polyps, a sinus specialist will know how to take care of them.

Question: Many years ago I broke my nose while playing football. It is crooked now and sometimes it feels stuffed up. Could I have a deviated septum? What is it and how do I get rid of it.
Answer: Injuries to the nose are often the cause of a deviated septum. Judging by your description this could be what you have. The septum is the dividing wall or partition in the middle of the nose that separates the two nasal cavities; it is made up to cartilage and membrane. If it is deviated it no longer is in the center of the nose. This can cause problems either with breathing or sense of smell as well as sinus drainage. If it has never caused you any problems, you are lucky. If you think it is a problem you should consult a sinus specialist. Without an indication of injury, a deviated septum may only be aggravating pre-existing or underlying sinus concerns.