Nasal Obstruction

Nasal obstruction can be due to many causes and can occur at any age. The various causes can be:
1. Deviated nasal septum
2. Large turbinates or swelling of structures in the nasal cavity
3. Overuse of nasal decongestant drops
4. Sinusitis
5. Pregnancy
6. Diseases or tumours of the nose and sinuses
7. Blood pressure medicine

A diagnostic nasal endoscopy is a must to elicit the cause and a CT/MRI scan may also be requested. Further blood tests/biopsy etc may be suggested depending on the findings of the tests.

Treatment of the underlying cause will usually relieve the patient of their symptoms. However, for patients who do not get relief with medication, surgery may be indicated. This could be surgery for correcting the deviation of the nasal septum, shrinking the oversized turbinates etc.