Overview and Facts about Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction refers to a blockage in the nose or nasal cavity. People with nasal obstruction may describe the nose as feeling “blocked,” "stuffy" or “congested.”
They may be unable to breathe through one or both nostrils and the symptoms may even alternate between the two sides, depending on the cause.
Nasal obstruction may be bothersome; and while it's not usually life threatening, this problem usually can be fixed if the right doctor evaluates the problem.
Signs and Symptoms of Nasal Obstruction
The telltale sign of nasal obstruction is feeling as though you are unable to breathe easily. Depending on the cause, additional signs and symptoms may include:
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Facial pressure or rarely pain
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Feeling overly aware of air moving in and out of the nose during breathing
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Nosebleeds
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Snoring, deep breathing or whistling through the nose
Causes and Risk Factors of Nasal Obstruction
There are several causes of nasal obstruction. Some patients have an anatomic blockage and others may have nasal swelling or sinusitis that gives the sensation of blockage.
Common causes of nasal obstruction include:
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Allergic rhinitis
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Acid reflux
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Autoimmune disease processes, such as granulomatosis polyangitis (GPA) or sarcoidosis
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Chronic rhinosinusitis with or without nasal polyps
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Deviated septum
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Enlarged adenoid tissue
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Nasal infection/crusting
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Nasal foreign body
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Nasal tumors or masses
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Nasal valve compromise, which is when the narrowest portion of the nasal cavity is further narrowed due to trauma or a prior nasal surgery
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Overuse of over-the-counter nasal decongestants
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Prior nasal drug use
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Septal perforation or hole
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Turbinate hypertrophy
Tests and Diagnosis of Nasal Obstruction
An otolaryngologist, or ear, nose and throat physician can help take a thorough history and do a complete exam to check for causes of nasal obstruction.
Your doctor may use a lighted fiberoptic and sterilized scope to check the nasal passageways and determine the cause of your symptoms.
Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI may need to be ordered if your doctor suspects sinusitis or a nasal mass.
If inhalant allergies are the suspected cause (i.e. dust mite, pet dander, grass, tree or mold allergies), the doctor may order a skin or blood allergy test to verify the diagnosis.
Treatment and Care for Nasal Obstruction
Your doctor will take a tailored approach to helping fix your nasal congestion. Treatment may often start with medical sprays and progress to an in office procedure or even surgery, depending on the nature of the identified problem.
The otolaryngologists at Loyola Medicine are trained to use various medical and surgical tools to give you the best possible outcome.
