subject: Innovative Procedures Offer Relief For Your Sinusitis [print this page] We will all occasionally experience problems with a cold or allergy, but persistent congestion is not normal and may lead to a number of associated problems. For this reason, nasal obstruction is one of the most common reasons for someone to visit their ENT. Some common causes of nasal obstruction often include a deviated septum and nasal polyps.
A persistent stuffy nose is not normal, and a blockage in the nasal cavity can cause sinusitis, headaches, snoring and possibly sleep apnea. A nasal blockage can also lead to chronic mouth breathing, which can cause a sore throat, hoarseness, ear problems, post nasal drip and voice changes. There are many different causes of nasal obstruction, but with help from your Manhattan ENT a proper treatment plan can be created to help you breathe easy once again.
Understanding Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are benign growths that develop within the lining of the nasal passages or sinuses. If large enough, these growths may block the passages and cause breathing difficulties, sinus infections or other complications. They are most common in adults, especially those who have asthma or allergies, and often develop in occurrence with respiratory diseases such as sinusitis and allergic rhinitis or immunodeficiency conditions.
Most patients with nasal polyps frequently experience nasal congestion, as well as a runny nose, headache, facial pain, loss of smell or taste, and sinus pressure. Some patients may not even experience any symptoms if the polyp is small. Treatment for nasal polyps is often provided through medications that can reduce the size of the polyp or even eliminate it. Medication can be found in the form of pills, nasal sprays or allergy shots. Surgery may also be required to remove the polyp if medication is unsuccessful, and may include a polypectomy or endoscopic sinus surgery to either suction out the polyp or remove it carefully with tiny instruments.
Understanding a Deviated Septum
The most common reason nasal obstruction may occur is because of a deviated septum. The septum is the wall that divides your nose down the middle, into a right and left side, and is made of cartilage and bone with a mucous membrane lining on both sides. When the septum is straight, it simply acts as the divider of your nose and allows for streamlined, aerodynamic airflow and easy nasal breathing.
In some cases, a person with a mildly deviated septum only has symptoms when he or she also has a "cold." In these individuals, the respiratory infection triggers nasal inflammation that temporarily amplifies any mild airflow problems related to the deviated septum. Once the "cold" resolves, and the nasal inflammation subside, symptoms of a deviated septum often resolve, as well.
Unfortunately, there is no medicine that can straighten your deviated septum. If your septum is causing nasal obstruction, only surgery can correct it. The surgery performed to correct a deviated septum is called a septoplasty, which is performed through a small incision made on the inside of the nose. Septoplasty might also be combined with a rhinoplasty, in which case the external appearance of the nose is altered and swelling/bruising of the face is evident.
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing, you may be experiencing a nasal obstruction. Talk to your ENT in Manhattan for further diagnosis and treatment of your nasal obstruction, whether it is a deviated septum, nasal polyps or a common cold. Breathe easy once again with help from your ENT.
