Nasal obstruction and treatment

Nasal function

The nose warms, humidifies and filters air and contributes to smell and taste.

Causes

Common causes include septal deviation, turbinate hypertrophy, nasal valve narrowing, infection, chronic sinusitis, nasal polyposis, allergic rhinitis, and adenoid hypertrophy in children.

Treatment

Correct diagnosis is essential. Septal deviation and turbinate enlargement often need surgery; acute infections are treated medically; chronic sinusitis/polyps start with medical therapy, then surgery if needed.

Septoplasty

Usually lasts 20–40 minutes, performed inside the nose without external scars. Modern packing or pack-free techniques are possible.

Turbinate reduction

Radiofrequency reduction can be done under local anesthesia in about 20 minutes, usually without packing.