Nasal obstruction is a common and annoying problem, to say the least. It is also one of the more frequent reasons people come to see us at ENT specialists of Wisconsin. Nasal obstruction not only makes breathing difficult, but it can contribute to sleeping difficulties, frequent sinus infections, nosebleeds, fatigue, irritability, difficulty smelling, eating and interacting with others.
Some causes of nasal obstruction include:
Nasal obstruction can also be caused by chronic sinus congestion and obstruction. Blockage of the sinuses can be caused by infection, allergies, and debris. All the swelling and drainage from the sinuses can then lead to nasal obstruction and all the complications that come from that.
Infections are commonly caused by viruses, but bacterial and even fungal organisms can complicate the situation. Symptoms of sinus infections usually include headaches, congestion, facial pressure, and fever. Intranasal corticosteroids, antihistamines and antibiotics, if indicated, are often first-line treatments for sinus congestion. CT scans and endoscopic evaluations are helpful to identify the cause when a diagnosis is not straightforward. If chronic sinus problems are determined to be the issue, sinus surgery or in-office balloon sinuplasty may be considered for long-term relief.
If you suffer from chronic nasal or sinus congestion, suffer no more, call us today for a thorough evaluation with one of our caring and experienced specialists.
