Nasal blockage is not only a source of frustration but also poses significant health issues. The nose serves the crucial functions of humidifying and warming the air, thus facilitating a more comfortable breathing experience. When nasal breathing is compromised, individuals often experience discomfort, which may also lead to a dry mouth or sore throat. Patients presenting with this complaint typically exhibit symptoms of nasal airway obstruction, a condition that hinders the smooth passage of air through the nasal passages.
Research indicates that memory function may improve when individuals breathe through their noses. This phenomenon happens due to the enhanced proximity of oxygen to the brain, which benefits cognitive performance. Individuals experiencing difficulty with nasal breathing should prioritize finding a resolution to this issue. Symptoms of nasal airway obstruction can arise from four primary regions of the nasal passages. For individuals experiencing nasal airway obstruction, it is crucial to identify potential causes and explore practical solutions.
Nasal Airway Obstruction: Having Trouble Breathing Through Your Nose?
Issues With The Nasal Septum
The nasal septum, the structure that divides the nasal cavities, can significantly contribute to symptoms of nasal obstruction. Composed of both cartilage and bone, the septum may become deviated, resulting in airflow difficulties. A deviated septum can be congenital, meaning it is present from birth, or it may arise from trauma, such as a fracture or repeated injury to the nose. Furthermore, the condition often deteriorates with age, as continuous growth of the cartilage can exacerbate the obstruction over time.
Treatment Options
A deviated septum commonly requires surgical intervention known as septoplasty. This procedure is typically conducted on an outpatient basis and has an estimated duration of one hour, with a recovery period of approximately one week. In cases of minimal septum deviations, it is possible to perform the procedure in a clinic setting or an outpatient surgery center using local anesthesia.
Nasal Valve Complications
The nostril, clinically known as the nasal valve, may collapse in some individuals during deep inhalation, leading to a sensation of insufficient air intake, especially during exercise. Patients can assess for a potential nasal valve collapse by observing their reflection while inhaling; if the exterior of the nose collapses inward, this may indicate an issue. Additionally, improved breathing with the use of nasal breathing strips may suggest that a nasal valve problem is present.
Treatment Options
To address nasal valve collapse, we employ a treatment known as Vivaer, which facilitates the remodeling of nasal tissue. This procedure involves the insertion of a small probe beneath the surface of the nostril to expand its opening and strategically apply heat to the tissue. As the tissue cools, it can be repositioned by several millimeters, resulting in a considerable enhancement in breathing. Furthermore, this treatment reinforces the tissue, thereby reducing the likelihood of future collapse.
Turbinates Problems
There are three types of turbinates: superior, middle, and inferior. The inferior turbinates increase the nasal surface area, helping to hydrate, humidify, and warm the air before it reaches the lungs. However, when enlarged, they can cause nasal blockage. Turbinates can change size throughout the day. Many people experience congestion on one side of their nose, often changing sides, particularly when lying down. This happens because fluid fills a space in the inferior turbinates, and gravity pulls it in, leading to increased congestion, especially during sinus infections or allergy flare-ups.
Treatment Options
If inferior turbinates are the problem, we can perform a turbinate reduction, a quick procedure that takes less than 30 minutes in the clinic. The goal is to reduce inflammatory tissue by suctioning it out and repositioning the turbinate to create more space in the nasal passages, similar to liposuction. Turbinate reduction is well-tolerated and has minimal recovery time. Most patients may experience a slight nosebleed for up to 24 hours and congestion for about a week. This non-invasive procedure offers an effective solution for turbinate issues.
Mucosa Issues
The mucosa is the lining inside the nose that covers its surface. When it becomes inflamed, it can cause congestion and increased mucus production, leading to allergic rhinitis, which presents as a stuffy, itchy, and runny nose. Many people use nasal decongestant sprays, such as Afrin, but overusing them can worsen congestion and lead to a condition called rhinitis medicamentosa.
Treatment Options
When treating mucosal issues, patients should stop using nasal decongestant sprays and then start medication. Always pursue medical treatment for nasal obstruction symptoms before considering surgery.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with nasal obstruction, such as difficulty sleeping, challenges in breathing during physical activity, or excessive snoring, we encourage you to contact our office. Following the resolution of a nasal airway obstruction, individuals frequently report improved sleep quality, a reduction in snoring, and an overall enhancement in their well-being. Such improvements are beneficial for anyone seeking a better quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nasal airway obstruction can arise from several issues including a deviated nasal septum, nasal valve collapse, enlarged turbinates, and inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Each of these conditions can restrict airflow through different parts of the nasal passages, leading to breathing difficulties.
A deviated septum occurs when the cartilage and bone dividing the nasal cavities are misaligned, causing airflow obstruction and difficulty breathing. It can be congenital or result from trauma and may worsen with age. Septoplasty is the primary treatment, often performed outpatient with local or general anesthesia, where the septum is surgically corrected to improve airflow.
Nasal valve collapse happens when the nostril caves inward during deep inhalation, making it hard to breathe, especially during exercise. It can be identified by observing if the nostrils collapse when breathing in or if nasal strips improve breathing. Treatment includes the Vivaer procedure, which uses a small probe to heat and reshape nasal tissue, expanding the nasal opening and strengthening the valve to prevent collapse.
Turbinates are nasal structures that humidify and warm inhaled air but can cause obstruction when enlarged, often fluctuating with allergies or sinus infections. Treatment involves turbinate reduction, a minimally invasive procedure that removes some tissue to increase nasal passage space, usually performed in the clinic with minimal recovery time.
Inflammation of the nasal mucosa leads to increased mucus production and congestion commonly seen in allergic rhinitis. This causes a stuffy, itchy, and runny nose. Overuse of nasal decongestant sprays can worsen this condition, leading to rhinitis medicamentosa. Proper medical treatment and discontinuing decongestant use are recommended before considering surgery.
Individuals experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, excessive snoring, trouble sleeping, or problems during physical activity should consult a medical professional. Early evaluation can identify the cause of obstruction and help in choosing appropriate treatments to improve breathing and overall quality of life.
After addressing nasal airway obstruction, patients often notice better sleep quality, reduced snoring, and easier breathing during exercise or daily activities. These benefits contribute to an enhanced sense of well-being and overall quality of life.