Do I Have a Nasal Airway Obstruction?

Do you struggle to breathe through your nose during exercise, sleep or just daily life? If so, you may be one of millions of people affected by nasal airway obstruction. While the symptoms can be easy to ignore or chalked up to another ailment like allergies, chronic obstruction of the nasal passages can significantly affect your quality of life, and it may require treatment.

Nasal airway obstruction occurs when airflow through the nose is restricted due to structural or inflammatory issues. Common causes include a deviated septum (the cartilage between the two sides of your nose), enlarged turbinates (the tissues inside your nose that warm and humidify the air you breathe in), nasal polyps (benign growths) or chronic inflammation from allergies or sinusitis.

Symptoms to be on alert for include:

• Chronic congestion
• Difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils
• Mouth breathing to compensate, especially at nighttime
• Snoring or disturbances to sleep
• A reduced sense of smell
• Daytime fatigue from poor sleep

An ENT doctor can perform an examination, which may involve using a nasal endoscope to look inside your nose. They’ll evaluate the structure and function of your nasal passages and may use tests like rhinomanometry or imaging studies to assess airflow.

The good news is that nasal airway obstruction is treatable. Depending on the underlying cause of the obstruction, treatment may include nasal sprays or allergy management, minor in-office procedures like turbinate reduction or Vivaer, or surgery to correct structural issues.

Our team at Biltmore ENT is ready to help you live a better quality of life. Contact our office today at (602) 956-1250 or click here to request an appointment.