Nasal obstruction is anything that restricts the flow of air in and out of the nose affecting one or both nasal cavities and causing difficulty in breathing through the nose. Nasal obstruction is usually caused by either swelling of the nasal tissue or an anatomical obstruction that results in narrowing of the nasal cavity and a sense of nasal congestion. Often, nasal congestion is due to excess mucus production or a runny nose and usually goes away on its own. When persistent, nasal obstruction may be a symptom of other causes, a condition that warrants further investigation.
Nasal obstruction & colds or flu
The nasal cavity can become blocked from various causes, the main ones being colds and flu. The mucus that accumulates due to such diseases can gather in the nasal cavity and cause temporary nasal obstruction. At the same time, infections of the sinuses or adenoids in several cases can cause nasal obstruction. Sinus infection is referred to as sinusitis, which is the development of inflammation in one or both sinuses located on the right and left side of the nose. The sinuses may become filled with mucus due to infection by a virus or bacteria resulting in sinusitis.
Obstruction of the nasal cavities & adenoid hypertrophy
Among the diseases that are responsible for the manifestation of nasal obstruction is the adenoid hypertrophy, which appears in the majority of cases during childhood. Adenoid growths are a part of tissue located at the back of the nose and offer protection to the body from viruses and bacteria. However, the constant attack of the organism by microbes and viruses can lead to their swelling or hypertrophy. Hypertrophic adenoids cause obstruction of the nasal cavity, which can lead to more serious problems, such as facial deformity, snoring and episodes of sleep apnea during sleep.
Nasal Obstruction & allergies
Nasal congestion can also result from allergies or from a nasal reaction to allergens such as pollen or pet dander. This condition is commonly known as allergic rhinitis, and it usually causes excessive production of mucus, leading to blockage of the nasal cavity. At the same time, rhinitis can take on a non-allergic character, where in this case the excessive production of mucus can result from a nasal reaction to an irritant such as smoke or pollutants.
Obstruction of the nasal cavities & nasal septum scoliosis
Scoliosis of the nasal septum is one of the most basic causes of nasal cavity obstruction. The nasal septum is a structure located inside the nose with the main role of separating the nasal cavities into two. If the diaphragm deviates to one side or the other, it causes significant difficulty in breathing through the nose. This deviation may be present at birth or as a result of trauma to the nose later in life. Nasal obstruction due to scoliosis of the nasal septum is accompanied by conditions that make it difficult for the patient in his daily life, such as intense snoring, episodes of sleep apnea and pharyngitis, sinusitis and rhinorragea.
Obstruction of the nasal cavities diagnosis
The ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou carefully diagnoses the pathological cause that causes nasal obstruction. The examination used to diagnose such conditions is the endoscopy of the nose and nasopharynx, which is performed to investigate the interior of the nasal cavity. This specific examination is indicated for both adults and children, allowing the diagnosis of many diseases of the nose and nasopharynx.