Nasal obstruction might not sound like a big deal to those who don’t suffer from it, but for anyone who has experienced chronically blocked nasal passages, you understand how frustrating, uncomfortable and dangerous it can be.
What is Nasal Obstruction, and is it dangerous?
Everyone whose ever had a cold knows how annoying a stuffed up nose can be. But for those with nasal airway obstructions caused by chronic conditions or allergies that annoying feeling of stuffiness becomes a way of life.
Nasal obstructions occur when the nasal passages are unable to pass enough air though the nose, which causes discomfort and many other troubling symptoms. There are many factors that can cause this condition including:
- AllergiesÂ
- Adenoid hypertrophy
- Nasal valve obstruction
- Deviated septum
- Nasal polyps
If you believe you have a nasal obstruction, contact an ENT specialist today who can help you figure out which condition is causing your symptoms.
Nasal Obstructions: Symptoms
Nasal obstructions can cause a wide range of symptoms, making life incredibly difficult for you or any loved ones suffering from any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing: Not being able to breath is a terrible feeling, and depending on your type of nasal blockage the severity may be different.
- Sleep apnea: A nasal obstruction can cause interruptions in your breathing patterns while you sleep. This is called sleep apnea and it can lead to serious health problems.
- Snoring: Sleep apnea can also cause loud and disturbing snoring at night. Getting your nasal obstruction treated can take care of this problem that not only affects you but your loved ones as well.
- Nasal congestion: Those with nasal obstructions often experience a consistent feeling of stuffiness and discomfort because of the lack of air being passed through the nasal passages.
- Headaches: Blocked nasal passages can also cause mild to intense headaches depending on the severity of your condition.
- Nasal discharge: If you’re suffering from a blocked nasal passage, you might notice a discharge from your nose as well.
- Inability to smell: Do you love the smell of roses on a summer day? Or maybe the delicious smell of a home cooked meal? Those with nasal obstructions might not get to experience such things.
- Fatigue: One of the worst parts about a nasal obstruction is the fact it can lead to chronic fatigue from interrupted sleep and difficulty breathing.
How is Nasal Obstruction Treated?
The good news about nasal obstructions is there are a number of treatments available that can minimize or completely remove the obstruction. Your ENT specialist can help you decide which of the following treatments is right for you:
- Sinus surgery: If needed, a surgeon can remove the object obstructing your airway, opening up your nasal passages and allowing you to breathe again.
- Polypectomy: This is a surgical procedure used to remove polyps that are obstructing the nasal passages.
- Turbinate reduction: Also known as a turbinoplasty, this surgical procedure reduces the size of turbinates that reduces nasal obstructions and provides relief from your symptoms.
- Septoplasty: A surgical procedure performed to fix a deviated septum, this treatment is well known for bringing relief to chronic nasal obstruction issues.
- Balloon sinuplasty: As a safe and less invasive procedure, a balloon sinuplasty offers an alternative treatment for those suffering from chronic sinusitis.
- Allergy treatment: Depending on the type of allergy you’re suffering from, an ENT specialist can suggest a wide variety of allergy treatments to provide you relief from your symptoms.
If you’re ready to start sleeping and breathing with comfort and ease, contact one of our ENT specialists today to come up with a personalized treatment plan.