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Nasal CongestionNasal airway obstruction may result from a septal deviation, swelling from infection, allergies, large turbinates, nasal polyps, narrowing of the nasal valve, other anatomic abnormalities, or combinations thereof. A trained specialist in diagnosing and treating ear, nose, and throat disorders can determine the cause of your nasal obstruction. What are the causes of nasal congestion?Infection – viruses, acute sinusitis, chronic sinusitisStructural abnormalities – septal deviation, nasal injuries or fractures, adenoid enlargement, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, foreign bodies, crooked nose, nasal tumors, narrow nasal valve Allergies Vasomotor Rhinitis – reaction to OTC nasal sprays, tobacco smoke, perfumes, pregnancy, stress, medications When Should Surgery Be Considered to Correct a Chronically Stuffy Nose?A deviated septum (the partition between the nostrils) can be crooked or bent as the result of abnormal growth or injury. This can partially or completely close one or both nasal passages. The deviated septum can be corrected with a surgical procedure called septoplasty. The sides of the nose can collapse inward causing a narrowing of the nasal cavity. If your breathing improves when you pull the inside of your cheeks (close to the nose) towards your ears, then you may also benefit from a nasal valve repair to improve your breathing. This is an ideal time to make cosmetic changes to the nose as well.Overgrowth of the turbinates is yet another cause of stuffiness. (The turbinates are the tissues that line the inside of the nasal passages.) Sometimes the turbinates need treatment to make them smaller and expand the nasal passages. Allergies, too, can cause internal nasal swelling, and allergy evaluation and therapy may be necessary. Call 770-475-3361 to schedule your appointment with one of our board certified ENT specialists. |
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