Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is a common complaint often termed stuffy nose, nasal blockage, and stopped up nose. The variety of terms are used when the nasal passageway is narrowed. It is critical to determine the cause of nasal passageway narrowness with a complete nasal exam. Nasal obstruction can be caused defects in structure or in the way the nose reacts with the environment. The nose is designed for breathing. Mouth breathing can create collapse of the surrounding tissues, dries the air we breathe and subjects air to turbulent airflow.
DEVIATED SEPTUM:
A deviated septum is when the midline structure of the nose is off center. (attach diagram below) When a portion of the cartilage and bony structure enters the airway, it can make breathing through the nose much more difficult. A septoplasty involves straightening the cartilage and bony portion of the nose to help restore breathing.
NASAL PHYSIOLOGY AND PHYSICS:
For many patients who can't breathe from their nose, the last thing they want to think about is physics. However, it is the precise understanding of several principles in physics which allows a nose to function and breathe as ideally as possible.
GUIDE TO GRAFTS:
During the course of a rhinoplasty to improve the function of thse nose grafts may be used to provide support and decrease the degree of nasal obstruction.
TURBINATE HYPERTROPHY:
The inferior turbinates are normal structures necessary for humidification of air. However, if the turbinates become enlarged they can also interfere with breathing. Enlarged turbinates can be a result of either bony enlargement or mucosal involvement. In some cases, reduction of the bony mass of the turbinate can help create improved breathing through the nose, while others involve mucosal reduction of the turbinates.
SEPTAL PERFORATION:
A septal perforation, or hole in the septum, can also make it much more difficult to breathe from the nose. Closure of septal perforations can help restore normal physiology and function of the nose.
ALLERGIES:
The lining of the nose is filled with reactive tissues which can swell and drain in specific circumstances. Allergans can cause the nose to swell and create clear drainage from the nose, blocking nasal function. Other non-allergic causes of nasal obstruction such as birth control pills, irritants and other causes can create a similar response in the nose.
