Nasal Obstruction

Blockage of nasal passages leads to nasal obstruction or nasal blockage. When this happens, there is breathing difficulty. It can be due to a runny nose, sinus infection, cold, flu, allergies or other cause.

Nasal congestion or obstruction is marked by:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sinus pain
• Mucus builds up
• Swollen nasal tissue

Nasal Obstruction treatment: If you experience long-term congestion, you may need medical help.

Nasal Obstruction Causes

The common causes of nasal obstruction include minor illnesses – such as cold, flu and sinus infections. Generally, an illness-related obstruction usually improves within a week or so.

If your nasal obstruction lasts more than a week it can be a symptom of an underlying health issue such as,

• Allergy
• Hay fever
• Nasal Polyps
• Chemical exposure
• Environmental irritants
• Chronic sinusitis
• Deviated septum

Pregnancy-related nasal obstruction occurs usually at the end of the first trimester. It may be due to increased blood pressure and hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy. The nasal membranes get affected by these changes and become dry, inflamed or bleed.

Runny nose, sneezing and nasal congestion can also be caused by car exhausts and tobacco smoke may also cause runny nose and nasal congestion. This is known as vasomotor rhinitis or nonallergic rhinitis. This condition is not related to allergies.

Sometimes medicines used to treat seizures, depression, erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure can also cause nasal obstruction.

The other causes of nasal obstruction include alcohol, allergies, acute & chronic sinusitis, Food, especially spicy dishes, stress, sleep apnea, nasal polyps, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), foreign body in the nose, tobacco smoke, Influenza (flu), hormonal changes, dry air, enlarged adenoids, Deviated septum, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Thyroid disorders, decongestants overuse, occupational asthma and Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis).

Nasal Obstruction Treatment

To add moisture to the air, humidifiers can be an option for you which may help to break up mucus and soothe inflamed nasal passageways. Sometimes, these remedies aren’t enough to relieve obstructions, particularly if the symptoms of your nasal obstruction is caused by any other health conditions.

Medical treatment may be needed in this case, if your condition is painful and causing a problem with your everyday activities you should seek for medical help.

If you have the following symptoms, consult an ENT specialist immediately:

• Obstruction lasting longer than 10 days.
• Obstruction accompanied with high fever for more than 3 days.
• Green colour nasal discharge along with sinus pain and fever
• A weakened immune system suggestive of (emphysema or asthma)

You should also see an ENT doctor right away if you have an injury in the head and there is a bloody nasal discharge or a constant flow of clear discharge from the nose.

Nasal obstruction can be more threatening in infants than in adults and older children. Our doctor can work with you to find out the best treatment option for your baby.

Nasal Obstruction Treatment

When the cause of your nasal obstruction is determined, your ENT doctor selects the best treatment option for your problem. Treatment option for nasal obstruction often includes medications to resolve or alleviate the symptoms. However, if you have nasal polyps or tissue growth or deviated septum in your nasal passages or sinuses, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove those obstructions.

Nasal obstruction can rarely cause any major health problem if it is due to a sinus infection and common cold. With proper nasal obstruction treatment, symptoms usually improve.

If you have any chronic signs and symptoms of nasal congestion, meet Dr Neetu Modgil to investigate the underlying problem.