Nasolakrimale

Nasolakrimale refers to anatomical structures and pathways related to both the nose and the lacrimal system, which produces and drains tears. This term broadly encompasses the nasolacrimal duct, a crucial component that connects the lacrimal sac to the nasal cavity. The primary function of this duct is to drain excess tears away from the eye surface into the nose. This drainage is why crying can sometimes lead to a runny nose.

Conditions affecting the nasolakrimale system can manifest in various ways. Blockage of the nasolacrimal duct is a common issue, particularly in infants, leading to excessive tearing and potential eye infections. In adults, this blockage can cause epiphora, a persistent watery eye, and dacryocystitis, an inflammation of the lacrimal sac. The causes of blockage can include inflammation, infection, congenital abnormalities, or injury.

Diagnostic methods for nasolakrimale issues often involve examining the eye and nasal passages, and sometimes more specialized tests like probing the duct or imaging studies. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may range from conservative measures like warm compresses and massage to surgical interventions such as probing, intubation of the duct, or dacryocystorhinostomy, a procedure to create a new drainage pathway. Understanding the nasolakrimale system is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions affecting tear drainage and eye comfort.