Nasal Obstructions

Nasal obstruction refers to partial or complete blockage or narrowing of the nasal passages, which can impede airflow and make breathing difficult. It is not a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying disorder.

At Kimball Health Services, our board-certified ENT surgeon, Dr. William O. Dickey, performs a thorough diagnosis to find the underlying cause of nasal obstruction. Based on the cause, he designs a personalized treatment plan to address your condition effectively.

A nasal obstruction refers to any condition that impedes airflow through one or both nasal passages, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This can be due to swelling of the nasal tissues or structural blockages within the nasal cavity, resulting in a sensation of congestion or blockage.

Chronic nasal obstruction can lead to several complications, such as snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, where breathing stops and starts repeatedly during sleep. 

Some factors may increase your risk of suffering from a nasal obstruction, such as:

• Family history of nasal obstruction
• History of allergies
• Owning pets
• Exposure to poor air quality
• Recurrent sinusitis
• Nasal injury

Nasal obstruction is typically caused by two main factors:

• Swelling of nasal tissues
• Anatomical blockages

Common temporary causes of nasal obstruction include:

• Chronic sinusitis: It refers to the long-term inflammation of the sinuses. Chronic sinusitis can be treated with corticosteroids, saline nasal irrigation, decongestants, or surgical procedures like functional endoscopic sinus surgery and balloon sinuplasty.
• Allergic rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis is an allergic response to airborne allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold spores. Antihistamines, corticosteroids, and decongestants can help manage its symptoms.
• Environmental irritants: Environmental irritants, such as dust, pollutants, chemical fumes, pet danders, and pollen, can cause nasal obstructions by inflaming and swelling the nasal passages. 
• Cold or flu: Swelling and irritation of the nasal or sinus cavities because of cold or flu can narrow the nasal passage.

Common anatomical factors that may cause nasal obstruction include:

• Deviated nasal septum: A deviated nasal septum within the nose blocks one or both nasal passages, causing obstructions and difficulty in breathing. 
• Enlarged turbinates: Turbinates are bony structures covered with mucous membranes located inside the nasal passages. When the turbinates become enlarged, they can obstruct airflow and cause nasal congestion.
• Nasal polyps: Nasal polyps are benign growths within the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. When these polyps become enlarged, they obstruct normal airflow through the nasal passages. 

Symptoms of nasal obstruction include:

• Nasally voice
• Nasal drainage
• Recurrent sinus infections
• Nasal discharge
• Persistent nasal congestion
• Inability to smell
• Breathing through the mouth
• Difficulty breathing through the nose
• Trouble blowing nose
• Stuffy feeling in the nose, sinuses, or head
• Eye itching or watering
• Nosebleed
• Sneezing
• Facial pain
• Headache

At Kimball Health Services, Dr. Dickey takes a systematic approach to identify the severity and underlying cause of the nasal obstruction. He asks about your symptoms and medical history and also conducts a thorough physical examination of the nose and throat. 

He may perform nasal endoscopy using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera to examine the nasal passages and assess for abnormalities such as nasal polyps, tumors, or structural deviations. 

Depending on the suspected cause of nasal obstruction, we may order additional tests, such as a CT scan, MRI scan, nasal endoscopy, or blood tests, to identify specific allergens.

Based on the findings of diagnostic tests, Dr. Dickey offers personalized treatment. He may recommend medications such as:

• Nasal corticosteroid: It helps reduce inflammation and swelling of nasal tissues.
• Antihistamine: It helps control allergic reactions and reduce nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis.
• Decongestant: It provides temporary relief by shrinking swollen nasal tissues.

In case of anatomical factors causing nasal obstruction, Dr. Dickey may recommend surgical interventions, such as:

• Septoplasty: It is performed to correct a deviated nasal septum and improve nasal airflow.
• Turbinate reduction: It is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of enlarged turbinates.
• Sinus surgery: Dr. Dickey may perform sinus surgery to treat chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps that do not respond to medications.

At Kimball Health Services, we treat nasal obstructions depending on the underlying cause of the condition. Our team employs a comprehensive diagnostic approach to find the reasons for congestion in your nasal passages.

As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. 

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or request an appointment online. We're here for you whenever you need us.