Nasal Obstruction

Nasal obstruction occurs when the nasal passages are blocked or there is difficulty breathing through the nose. Nasal obstruction is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying cause that has resulted in the nasal passages being blocked or obstructed. The nasal cavity can be blocked by several causes including:

• Colds and the flu
• Deviated nasal septum
• Foreign body insertion
• Large adenoids
• Nasal polyps
• Rhinitis
• Sinus infection or infection of the adenoids

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of nasal obstruction can include:

• “Nasally” voice
• Mouth breathing
• Nasal drainage
• Recurrent sinus infections

Often, nasal obstruction from mucus or a runny nose usually goes away on its own. When it persists, nasal obstruction can be the symptoms of other causes and should be diagnosed by an ENT specialist.

Treatment

The treatment of the nasal obstruction will depend on the underlying cause. Treatment can include non-surgical or surgical treatment options.

Non-surgical treatment

For less serious conditions, common treatments include:

• Antihistamines or decongestants to decrease swelling.
• Nasal wash to clear mucus.
• Steroids sprayed in the nose to decrease inflammation.

Surgical treatment

Surgery may be the best option for more serious or structural issues involving how the nose is shaped. Our providers may recommend surgery when other non-surgical treatments aren’t proving effective. Surgical treatments may include:

• Adenoidectomy to remove enlarged adenoids.
• Endoscopic sinus surgery to remove sinus blockages.
• Polyectomy to remove nasal polyps.
• Removing foreign objects.
• Septoplasty to straighten or reposition a deviated septum.