Are You Struggling with Nasal Airway Obstruction?

If you are having trouble breathing through the nose, then you know how uncomfortable and difficult a nasal airway obstruction can be.

What are the symptoms of nasal airway obstruction?

• Chronic congestion - Constantly feeling blocked up as if dealing with a cold or allergies
• Persistent nasal blockage - Dealing with a blockage that doesn’t seem related to a cold, infection, or allergy
• Difficulty breathing through the nose - Severe breathing difficulty that impacts day to day activities
• Trouble sleeping - the nasal blockage may cause snoring, disrupted sleep, or sleep apnea
• Inability to get enough air during activities - You feel like you just can’t get enough air when exercising.

What can cause Nasal Airway Obstruction?

When the nasal passage is narrowed in some way, nasal airway obstruction occurs. The nasal valve is a triangular area that is the narrowest part of the nasal passage and it is where most nasal blockages occur. The three structures that make up the nasal valve include the septum, the lateral nasal walls, and the turbinate. When something causes one of these structures to become enlarged you will notice reduced airflow and nasal blockage.

• Septum - a narrow ridge of bone and tissue separating the nostrils that can cause a blockage when inflamed.
• Lateral nasal walls - the side tissues that make up the outer wall of each nostril. When the wall becomes weak it can collapse when you inhale and cause a blockage.
• Turbinates - finger-shaped tissues that warm and channel the air as it enters the nasal passage. Enlarged turbinates can reduce the area inside the nasal cavities.

Nasal Airway Obstruction Treatments

While the cause of your obstruction will help to determine the treatment needed, your options include medications, inserts, minimally invasive procedures, breathing strips, and surgeries.

Home Remedies

Home remedies will not get to the source of your blockage but they may help with symptoms in the short term. Some home remedies include:

• Breathing strips
• Nasal dilators
• Nasal sprays

Traditional Nasal Surgery

In the past, the only long-term treatment option for advanced nasal blockages has been sinus surgery. Oftentimes, surgery comes with mixed results and involves cutting, removal of tissue, and an extended recovery time. You now have minimally invasive modern procedures that can help with your nasal blockage

Modern Nasal Blockage Treatments

Three minimally invasive modern treatments that we offer at Capo Nose and Sinus Center include:

• Clarifix - a cryotherapy approach to treating a nasal blockage
• Balloon Sinuplasty - a small balloon that gently opens the sinuses
• Latera - an absorbable implant that supports the nasal cartilage