Nasal obstruction can make something as simple as breathing feel like a challenge. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of nasal obstruction and how you can manage them.
Common Causes of Nasal Obstruction
A few common causes of nasal obstruction include:
- Deviated septum. A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone that divide your nasal passages are displaced, resulting in restricted airflow. While mild cases often go unnoticed, a severely deviated septum can lead to significant breathing problems.
- Enlarged adenoids. Adenoids are glands located behind your nasal passages, responsible for trapping harmful germs. While they typically shrink and disappear by adulthood, enlarged adenoids can cause nasal obstruction, especially in children. This enlargement is often due to ear or upper respiratory infections.
- Nasal polyps. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths that develop in the lining of your nose or sinuses. Though small and often painless at first, they can cause significant congestion if swollen or irritated. Along with difficulty breathing, symptoms may include headaches, snoring, postnasal drip, sinus pressure and nosebleeds.
- Sinus or nasal infections. When something irritates the tissues lining your nasal and sinus passages, they can become inflamed, making it harder to breathe through your nose. Sinus and nasal infections are often triggered by factors like allergens or frequent nose blowing.
Managing Common Causes of Nasal Obstruction
Management options for each common cause of nasal obstruction include:
- Managing a deviated septum. For a severely deviated septum, a procedure called septoplasty can help. During septoplasty, the surgeon reshapes or removes parts of the bone or cartilage to realign the septum. This procedure is typically quick, taking between 30 to 90 minutes.
- Managing enlarged adenoids. Treatment for enlarged adenoids usually begins with addressing the underlying condition, using antibiotics, antihistamines or corticosteroids. If these treatments don’t work, your specialist may recommend an adenoidectomy—a surgical removal of the adenoids—to restore normal airflow.
- Managing nasal polyps. If nasal polyps are the culprit behind your congestion, your doctor may suggest a polypectomy, a surgical procedure to remove the growths. Alternatively, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or Balloon Sinuplasty can widen and clear the nasal passages to improve airflow.
- Managing sinus infections. To reduce inflammation and help prevent recurring infections, it’s essential to avoid known allergens and consult with an ENT or sinus specialist. If infections persist, they may recommend a Balloon Sinuplasty to open up the sinuses and reduce the chances of future infections.
Don’t let nasal obstruction interfere with your quality of life. Contact Palmetto ENT & Allergy today for an appointment with one of our ENT and sinus specialists.