Nasal Airway Blockage

As its name suggests, nasal airway obstruction is a condition where the nasal passage gets blocked and makes it difficult for an individual to breathe through his nose. Sometimes the cause of nasal airway obstruction is enlarged turbinates. Turbinates are small, bony structures located in the nasal passages that are covered with mucous membranes. This condition makes everyday activities such as eating, speaking, and sleeping more difficult.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Difficulty in breathing, eating, and sleeping
  • Frequent nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Nose bleeding

CAUSES

There are many causes of nasal airway obstruction including:

  • A deviated septum
  • Hormonal changes
  • Allergies
  • Environmental irritants

TREATMENT

Traditional medical therapy, including allergen/irritant avoidance and/or use of nasal medications, may be enough to treat turbinate enlargement. However, following treatment options are possible:

Septoplasty – This is a surgical procedure carried out to correct the shape of the septum of the nose.