Nasal Obstruction

Nasal obstruction refers to the partial or complete blockage of the nasal passages, which can impede the normal flow of air through the nose. This can cause difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, and other related symptoms.

Symptoms

The symptoms of nasal obstruction may include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose - The most common and noticeable symptom is a reduced ability to breathe through one or both nostrils.

• Nasal congestion - A feeling of fullness or pressure in the nasal passages.

• Increased mucus production - This can lead to a runny nose (rhinorrhea) or postnasal drip, where mucus drains down the back of the throat.

• Snoring - Nasal obstruction can cause snoring due to the increased effort required to breathe through the nose during sleep.

• Mouth breathing - Individuals with nasal obstruction may need to breathe through their mouths, especially during sleep, which can lead to dry mouth.

• Reduced sense of smell - Nasal obstruction can interfere with the ability to smell, as odorant molecules have difficulty reaching the olfactory receptors in the nose.

• Frequent sneezing - This can be a reaction to irritation or inflammation in the nasal passages.

• Facial pain or pressure - In some cases, nasal obstruction can cause discomfort or pain around the sinus areas or in the face.

• Sleep disturbances - Difficulty breathing through the nose can lead to poor sleep quality and even sleep apnea in severe cases.

• Fatigue - Poor sleep quality due to nasal obstruction can result in daytime fatigue.

Causes

Nasal obstruction can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Deviated septum - The septum is the cartilage and bone that separates the two sides of the nasal cavity. If the septum is misaligned or deviated, it can obstruct one or both nasal passages.

• Turbinate hypertrophy - The turbinates are small, bony structures covered in soft tissue and mucous membranes located on the sidewalls of the nasal cavity. Inflammation or enlargement of the turbinates can obstruct airflow through the nasal passages.

• Nasal polyps - These are noncancerous growths that can develop in the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. Large nasal polyps can block the nasal passages, leading to nasal obstruction.

• Allergies - Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages, leading to nasal obstruction.

• Infections - Viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or sinusitis, can cause inflammation and swelling of the nasal tissues, resulting in nasal obstruction.

• Foreign body - An object lodged in the nasal passage, especially in young children, can cause nasal obstruction.

Schedule Your Consultation

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 and fellowship trained in rhinology, our physician at Sensa Health has extensive experience diagnosing and treating a wide variety of nose conditions. Call or text our office at 213-267-2256 to schedule an appointment today.