Condition

Nasal Obstruction

Nasal obstruction is an inability to breathe through the nose at a required volume of air. It is abnormal and in most cases can be treated. Symptoms vary from the obvious sensation of a blocked nose to less obvious symptoms. First-line treatment is a 6-week trial of saline douche and intranasal steroids. If this is not effective, surgery may be indicated — most patients benefit from a septoplasty and turbinoplasty. For patients with severe nasal obstruction or previous unsuccessful surgery, a functional rhinoplasty may be required.