What causes nasal obstruction?
Nasal obstruction, or a blocked nasal airway, may be caused by:
Enlarged turbinates
The turbinates are bony structures inside your nose that are covered in a mucous membrane. Their job is to cleanse and moisturize the air as you inhale, making them susceptible to inflammation caused by allergies, infections, and dust.
As the turbinates become swollen, they cause nasal obstruction. They also produce excess mucus, which contributes to your congestion.
Deviated nasal septum
Your nasal septum is the thin piece of cartilage and bone that runs down the center of your nose. When it becomes crooked or deviated, it causes blocks the airway and makes it hard to breathe.
Enlarged adenoids
The adenoids are located at the back of your nose. When they become infected and swollen, they cause nasal obstruction.
Allergies and infections
Allergies and the common cold cause rhinitis, which results in inflammation and swelling of the mucus membranes inside your nose.
Nasal valve collapse
A valve located at the narrowest part of your nose serves the important job of regulating airflow. The valve may collapse when the nasal sidewalls are weak or following a nose injury.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths in your nasal passages or sinuses. They can get large enough to block your airways.
What symptoms develop due to nasal obstruction?
The most obvious symptom of nasal obstruction is difficulty breathing, as air flow through your nose is limited. You may also experience nasal congestion, snoring, or difficulty sleeping.
If you have a nasal valve problem, you may notice that your nostrils collapse inward when you take a deep breath. Your symptoms may become more severe when you exercise or engage in activities that boost your breathing.
How is a nasal obstruction treated?
Dr. Kaufman may treat your nasal obstruction with medications to address the underlying problem. This approach often successfully treats obstruction due to allergies, inflammation, and infections.
However, surgery is typically needed when your nasal obstruction is caused by a structural problem. The surgical procedures frequently performed include:
- Septoplasty – corrects a deviated septum
- Turbinoplasty – reduces the size of nasal turbinates while maintaining their function
- Nasal valve repair – supports valve with resorbable implant
- Nasal polypectomy – minimally invasive outpatient procedure to remove polyps
Dr. Kaufman performs minimally invasive surgery using an endoscope that is inserted through your nose. Since these are outpatient surgeries, they require limited downtime.
No one should suffer with difficulty breathing. To get help for nasal obstruction, schedule an appointment online or call South Coast Ear, Nose and Throat.
