Nasal obstruction

A nasal obstruction refers to some blockage of the nose or nasal cavity.

There are several common causes of nasal obstruction:

Deviated nasal septum

The septum is the structure separating your nostrils inside your nose. A deviated nasal septum is a crooked septum. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing through the nose (especially on one side), and a runny nose. A deviated nasal septum may be caused by trauma to the nose, or by rapid growth, especially at puberty.

A person who has a deviated nasal septum that is not treated may have recurrent nosebleeds, difficulty breathing from the nose, and recurrent nasal or sinus infections. If needed, treatment may include medication to treat a runny nose or infection. A nasal steroid may be prescribed. Surgery may be required to straighten a deviated septum when there is no response to medications.

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy

On each side of your nose there are structures called turbinates. They contain a large amount of spongy mucosa (the pink lining inside your nose). The turbinates are very susceptible to allergy and dust irritation. If they become swollen, it can be difficult to breathe through your nose.

Evaluation and Treatment

1. Your doctor will ask for a complete medical history and will perform a thorough physical examination.
2. Your doctor may prescribe a nasal steroid to decrease inflammation of the turbinates.
3. Surgery to shrink the turbinates may be required if there is no improvement with medications. There are several new techniques that can be used to shrink turbinates:
   • Turbinate size can be reduced with ultrasonic waves and low heat (Somnus or Coblation technology).
   • Turbinate size can be reduced with a small shaving device placed in the turbinate (microdebrider).
   • Your doctor may recommend surgery to remove a portion of the turbinate.