August 10, 2022 When there is a nasal obstruction, we feel what is commonly called having a stuffy nose , that is, we have difficulty breathing through the nose. Breathing through the nose is so natural that feeling it blocked can cause discomfort and have a negative impact on the quality of life , leaving us feeling ill, having difficulty sleeping or concentrating. Nasal obstruction can have numerous causes, and these can be related to the nose on the outside or to its internal structures. The most common causes of nasal obstruction are: Inflammation / dysfunction of the nasal passages, which is called rhinitis . In rhinitis, the structures inside the nose, in particular the nasal turbinates, increase in volume (called turbinate hypertrophy), which reduces the flow of air through the nose; Inflammation / infection of the paranasal sinuses, which is called sinusitis ; Nasal polyps : presence of benign dilatations, in the form of a drop or grape, which grow and fill the nasal cavities and paranasal sinuses; Nasal septum deviation : this is perhaps one of the best-known causes for most people. However, nasal septum deviation is very common, but is not always a reason for nasal obstruction; Changes in the nasal pyramid : if the has been a nasal trauma, if the nostrils are narrow or asymmetrical, if there is a collapse of the nose on inspiration (called nasal valve insufficiency), these are all changes in the shape / structure of the nose that may cause obstruction, interfering with the air flow into the nose; Nasal tumors : the growth of a mass/tumor inside the nose will at some point (when it is large enough) cause nasal obstruction usually only on one side of the nose. In each case it is important to identify the cause of nasal obstruction and exclude potentially serious problems. To identify the cause of a nasal obstruction and determine the correct treatment, the otolaryngologist is the doctor to whom we should go . Depending on the cause there are nasal obstructions which treatment is medical (using medication), particularly when the cause is rhinitis, in other cases it may be surgical, for example to correct changes in the nose (septoplasty or rhino-septoplasty). When to see an otolaryngologist Seek medical care from an otolaryngologist whenever nasal obstruction: Has an impact on quality of life , whether in everyday life, work, sport, sleep; It has a progressive onset (within weeks), particularly when unilateral (on one side) and is associated with nosebleeds, facial pain, changes in the shape or color of the nose, changes in the sensitivity of the face and/or a bad smell in the nose. This article was written by the Hospital da Luz otorhinolaryngology team. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
