Nasal Obstruction Symptoms & Causes

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What is nasal obstruction?

Nasal obstruction is the partial or complete blockage of the breathing airway in the nasal cavity. This can be uncomfortable, as it forces you to breathe through your mouth and makes daily functions, such as eating or exercising, more difficult.

The potential causes of nasal obstruction

The blockage can be caused by a variety of problems, including:

  • Allergies may cause swelling and inflammation that creates a nasal blockage.
  • Sinusitis is caused by a prolonged bacterial infection in the nasal passages, which can cause a blockage in the nasal passage.
  • Adenoid hypertrophy, or enlarged adenoids, is the swelling of the adenoids, which causes an obstruction in the nasal passage.
  • Nasal Polyps are tissue growths in the lining of the nose that can cause a blockage and impede airflow.
  • Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation that occurs in the lining of the nasal cavity commonly associated with allergies. This can create a partial or full obstruction in the nasal passage.
  • Deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone in the nose is crooked due to injury or malformation, and creates a partial or full blockage of the nasal airway.

What are some nasal obstruction symptoms?

Symptoms that may indicate a patient is suffering from some form of nasal obstruction include:

  • Postnasal discharge
  • Eye itching or watering
  • Sneezing
  • Facial pain
  • Headache
  • Inability to smell
  • Difficulty or inability to breathe in one or both nostrils
  • Trouble blowing nose
  • Stuffy, full feeling in the nose, sinuses or head
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The risk factors of Nasal Obstruction

Some factors that may increase a person’s risk of suffering from a nasal obstruction include:

  • Family history of nasal obstruction
  • History of allergies
  • Owning pets
  • Exposure to poor air quality
  • Recurrent sinusitis
  • Nasal injury
  • Nasal surgery

How is nasal obstruction diagnosed?

Nasal obstruction can be diagnosed by a skilled ear, nose and throat doctor at New York ENT through an evaluation of the patient’s related nasal symptoms, severity and duration. Our doctors will use a physical examination along with a detailed patient history evaluation to make an accurate diagnosis. Some tools that your ENT doctor may use to help evaluate your condition include:

  • Rhinoscopy is used to look at the inside of the nose with an otoscope, which is a light and magnifying tool held up to the outside of the nostril.
  • Endoscopy is used to get a more detailed look of the inside of the nasal passages than a rhinoscopy can gather.
  • Allergy testing is a skin test used to check a patient for negative autoimmune reactions after being exposed to certain substances. If allergies are the underlying cause of the nasal obstruction, they can be treated and the blockage should subside.

How New York ENT treats Nasal Obstruction

Once a New York ENT specialist has diagnosed a patient with nasal obstruction, the condition can be treated in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Some treatment options that may be recommended include:

Patient Testimonial

"Dr. Volpi changed my life, he is one of the top in New York at his speciality. I did a recommended nasal surgery and I feel like a different person, my heart is functioning way better. After the surgery my nose looked normal no blue marks or any of that. Within a week I can breathe again much better than before the surgery. He charges reasonable amount compared to the level of treatment you’re getting. A 100% recommendation."

- Dana D.

If you are suffering from nasal obstruction, the first step towards feeling better is to schedule an evaluation with an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor. Board certified physicians with New York ENT have extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of nasal conditions. Fill out the form on this page or call our office at 212-873-6036  to schedule an appointment today.

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