Nasal Obstructions

at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN

Nasal obstructions are blockages of the nasal cavity that interfere with airflow in and out of the nose. Either one or both nostrils may be affected. Many nasal obstructions are temporary and caused by colds, allergies, sinus infections, or medications. Other causes may require medical intervention.



At Allergy & ENT Associates, we evaluate nasal airway obstruction to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.

What Nasal Obstruction Can Affect

Nasal obstruction can impact breathing and quality of life and may contribute to:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose

• Chronic congestion



• Mouth breathing

• Sleep disruption or snoring

• Recurrent sinus infections

Because symptoms can have many causes, proper diagnosis is important.

Types of Nasal Obstruction

There are several different types of nasal obstruction. These include:

Deviated Nasal Septum

The nasal septum divides the left and right nostrils. A deviated septum is one that is crooked. This is common—approximately 80 percent of people have septal deviation to some degree. Symptoms include difficulty breathing through the nose (especially one nostril) and a runny nose.

Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy

Turbinates are bony structures inside the nasal cavity. They can become irritated by allergies and dust, causing swelling and breathing difficulties.

Choanal Atresia

Choanal atresia is a congenital condition where excess tissue in the nasal airway causes partial or complete blockage, leading to difficulty breathing.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps are benign growths on the mucosal lining of the nasal passages. Although noncancerous and often small, they can obstruct the sinuses and contribute to congestion, breathing problems, and sinus infections.

Foreign Objects in the Nose

Foreign objects in the nose are most common in toddlers and children. Objects may include food, tissue paper, beads, toys, and rocks.

Oversized Adenoids

Adenoids are soft tissue masses located behind the nose and roof of the mouth. They trap germs and produce antibodies that support the immune system. When infected, adenoids can enlarge and block airflow through the nose.

Swelling of the Nasal Lining Due to Allergies

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a harmless substance. When an allergen is encountered, antibodies trigger the release of histamines, which causes allergy symptoms including swelling of the nasal lining.

Treatment Options for Nasal Obstructions

To diagnose nasal obstruction, we may examine the nose using a lighted scope and may recommend imaging such as a CT scan or MRI.

The first step in treating nasal obstruction is controlling symptoms. Medications and nasal steroid sprays are often helpful in reducing inflammation of the nasal lining and turbinates and providing short-term relief.

Long-term treatment may require surgery, especially if the obstruction involves a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal polyps. Newer surgical techniques may include shrinking the turbinates using radiofrequency energy or a small tissue-shaving device.

If you are suffering from nasal airway obstruction and have exhausted all treatment options, you may be a candidate for the surgical intervention VivAer.

For more information about VivAer, Click Here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Call Allergy & ENT Associates at (615) 889-8802 to learn more or schedule an appointment.