Nasal Obstruction

What is nasal obstruction?

The benefits of appropriate nasal respiration cannot be overemphasized. Breathing well through one’s nose is essential for a proper sense of smell and overall respiratory wellness. When the nasal passages become blocked, individuals can experience limitations in their exercise performance, encounter difficulty with sleep, and can take longer to recover from illnesses that affect the nose or sinuses.

What cases nasal obstruction?

While there are many different causes of nasal obstruction, the most common include allergic or infectious mucosal inflammation, and/or structural deviations of the nasal framework. These structural deviations can include mal-positioning, or abnormal contours of the nasal cartilages and bones, and can present as a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse. Nasal valve collapse can be a complex condition that requires careful clinical examination to assess the extent and specific location of the collapse.

Less common causes of nasal obstruction include mucosal damage from autoimmune disorders, foreign bodies, masses, tumors, or growths.  For patients experiencing nasal airway obstruction, a thorough clinical examination, sometimes with endoscopy, is recommended to determine the cause of the obstruction. After the clinical evaluation, the goal is to provide a comprehensive discussion on how to improve the patient’s symptoms.

After your initial consultation, your care team at the UNC Center for Facial Aesthetics may recommend one of the following surgeries to treat your nasal obstruction:

Open Rhinoplasty
Septoplasty and Nasal Airway Surgery

If you would like to schedule a consultation at the UNC Center for Facial Aesthetics, please call 984-974-2255 to make an appointment.