Acid reflux: Backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus and possibly the throat and nose.

Acute sinusitis: A temporary sinus infection that often follows a cold or allergy attack. Usually causes nasal stuffiness, facial pain and discolored nasal discharge.

Allergen: A substance that causes sensitivity and the release of antibodies and histamine, typically causing itching and sneezing.

Antrum: Maxillary sinus located in the cheek under the eye, adjacent to the ethmoid sinus.

Atrophic rhinitis: Chronic Rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa) is associated with thinning of the nasal mucosa, crusting and foul-smelling discharge.

Buffered hypertonic saline: A solution that is three to four times saltier than normal saline and contains baking soda in order to decrease acidity.

Chronic sinusitis: A sinus infection lasting longer than eight weeks. Symptoms often include nasal congestion, headache, nasal discharge, coughing and decreased smell and taste.

Cilia: Small, hair-like structures in the nose that act as an air filter and sweep away mucous to keep the nose clean.

Decongestant: A type of medication that is used to constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages helping reduce congestion and swelling of the nose.

Ethmoid sinuses: Paired labyrinth of air cells between nose and eyes.

Frontal sinuses: The paired sinuses in the forehead. Maybe asymmetrical and absent in 10% of the population.

Glycols: Organic compounds containing two hydroxyl groups (-OH groups). These compounds are water soluble and act as moisturizing agents in medicines, cosmetics and food.

Heartburn (Hyperacidity): The most common symptom of acid reflux. Most people describe a burning pain in the center of the chest..

Hypertonic solution: “HYPER” meaning “more” defines a solution that contains a higher salt concentration than in normal cells of the body and the blood (more than 0.9%). A hypertonic solution will shrink swollen cells and draw out the excess moisture.

Infectious Rhinitis: The common cold: a viral infection of the nasal mucosa that leads to mild cell inflammation and significant nasal discharge (runny nose).

Isotonic solution: “ISO” meaning “the same” defines a solution that contains the same concentration of salt as that of the body fluids (0.9%).

Lipid Pneumonia: Also known as, Lipoid Pneumonia, it is a rare, potential problem from inhaling fat-based substances (lipoids), such as petroleum jelly or mineral oil for prolonged periods. Small amounts of jelly can migrate into the trachea and lungs instead of draining down the back of your nose with normal nasal secretions and getting swallowed. These small amounts can accumulate in the lungs over a period of many months, leading to areas of severe inflammation. Chronic inflammation can result in irreversible scarring of lung tissue, which inevitably impairs lung function.

Maxillary sinuses: The Maxillary sinus is located in the cheek below the eye and is adjacent to the ethmoid sinus (see antrum).

Mucus: Slimy substance in the nasal passage that helps lubricate the nose. It also eliminates bacteria and dirt from the nose.

Mucous membranes (mucosa): Mucous membranes contain glands that secrete mucous to help keep the cavity lining lubricated. They can be found in the inner lining of the mouth, nasal passages and various other areas of the body.

Nasal moisturizer: An oily or slippery substance that is applied in the nasal passages to help keep the nose moist.

Nasal membrane: See Mucous Membranes.

Nasal passages: A portion of the respiratory passages, it is the cavity inside the nose that is lined with the nasal mucosa through which air is passed, heated and cleaned before reaching the lungs.

Nasal polyps: Small, sac-like growths made up of inflamed nasal mucosa that project into the nasal passages. Commonly found in people who suffer from asthma, allergies or hay fever.

Nosebleed: Loss of blood from the nasal membrane usually restricted to one side of the nose. Nosebleeds can be caused by an excessively dry nose, forceful blowing of the nose, nose picking and other trauma to the nose.

Rebound congestion: Congestion of the nose that occurs upon discontinuation of medication in those who have over used nasal decongestants.

Rhinitis: Inflammation of the nasal mucosa.

Saline solution: A solution of 0.9% sodium chloride in water used in nasal sprays to help wash out the nose and temporarily relieve congestion.

Septum: The wall that separates the right and left nasal cavities. It is made of bone and cartilage and it is often congenitally crooked (deviated septum).

Sinuses: Air filled cavities around the nose which produce mucus for nasal filtering. The sinuses drain into the nose through small openings or Ostia.

Sphenoid sinuses: The paired sinuses behind the eyes. Infection in this area can cause pain.

Turbinate: The structures on the sidewall of the nose. It adds surface area for the nasal filtration function.