A nasal obstruction is when airflow in the nose is impeded because of a nasal cavity blockage. It’s also known as a nasal blockage. It can affect one or both nostrils. Many are caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, or medications and are temporary. Others need medical intervention.

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Types of Nasal Obstructions

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There are several different types of nasal cavity blockage. Other than foreign objects in the nose, possibilities may include:

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Deviated nasal septum: The nasal septum divides the left and right nostrils. A deviated septum is one that’s crooked, and it’s very common. It’s estimated that the nasal septum of 80 percent of people is crooked to some degree — the question is whether it’s the cause of nose blockage. Symptoms include breathing difficulties in one nostril and a chronic runny nose.

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Inferior turbinate hypertrophy: The turbinates are bony structures in your nasal cavity. When irritated by allergies and dust, they swell and can cause breathing difficulties.

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Choanal atresia: Another cause of nose blockage, this congenital defect leads to excess tissue in the nasal airway, which results in breathing difficulties.

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Nasal polyps: Soft, noncancerous growths on the lining of your sinuses or nasal passages are usually painless but can lead to nasal airway obstruction.

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Oversized adenoids: Adenoids are small patches of tissue that keep foreign particles from entering your body via your nasal cavity. They’re right above your tonsils and, when enlarged, can cause nasal passage blockage and breathing difficulties.

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Complications from Nasal Obstructions

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By seeking treatment for nasal obstruction from a qualified physician in Utah, patients can receive the best possible care for their condition. If not cared for, it could lead to severe complications that could interfere with your quality of life.

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- Disrupted Sleep

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No doubt, sleeping can seem impossible with nasal congestion problems. A healthy nasal pathway is essential for breathing through the night and getting optimal sleep. 

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Over time, disrupted sleeping patterns, and years of inadequate rest can lead to chronic fatigue, elevated stress levels, higher chances of depression, weight gain, and more. 

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- Perpetual Breathing Problems 

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The severity of how difficult it is to breathe depends on the type of nasal congestion one has. Yet, struggling to draw breath day in and day out is never a good feeling. And since this nasal congestion forces you to breathe through your mouth over time, several problems can arise, such as dental issues, dry mouth, poor sleep, mood fluctuations, and more. 

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- Constant Headaches

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Depending on the severity of your condition, blocked nasal passages and chronic nasal obstruction often lead to mild to intense headaches. Undoubtedly, a diminished quality of life follows, as headaches interfere with daily routine, concentration, work abilities, and sleeping patterns.

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- Loss of Taste and Smell 

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Considering the sense of smell and taste are connected, it’s no surprise that loss of taste often accompanies the loss of smell due to chronic nasal congestion. 

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If you are experiencing all the things mentioned above — sleep problems, breathing difficulties, constant headaches, loss of taste and smell — your quality of life is most likely dwindling. No doubt, these symptoms of chronic nasal obstruction put a strain on your physical and mental well-being. 

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There are treatments out there that can get you to live life to the fullest again.

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Nasal Obstruction Treatment

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In Utah, those suffering from nasal obstruction have access to a range of treatments from experienced physicians who specialize in this condition. Nasal obstruction treatment Utah utilizes a variety of measures to diagnose and treat nasal congestion due to various causes. 

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Radiofrequency turbinate ablation (coblation): A minimally invasive procedure that involves shrinking the turbinate tissue with radiofrequency energy

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Other surgical procedures which may be recommended to treat anatomical nasal obstruction are:

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Septoplasty: Surgery performed to straighten the nasal septum

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Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: An outpatient procedure performed using an endoscope to restore ventilation and drainage within the nasal cavity.

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Turbinate Reduction (also called turbinectomy or turbinoplasty): Surgery, performed under general anesthesia, to decrease airway resistance by reducing turbinate size.

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Nasal Valve Surgery (functional rhinoplasty): Surgical procedure, usually performed under general anesthesia, in which the internal and/or external structures of the nose are repaired or reconstructed to enable proper airflow into the nasal passages.

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Nasal obstruction can be a difficult and uncomfortable condition, but does not have to be a permanent part of your life; at ENT Utah - Dr. Alan Jones has in-office treatment for chronic nasal obstructions and will give you back the quality of life that you want. Schedule an appointment online today, or give us a call.

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