Treatments for nasal obstruction
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged turbinates
- Acute sinus infection
- Chronic sinus infection
- Nasal polyps
The treatment for your nasal blockage depends upon what is causing the obstruction, as well as your current medical condition and history. A CT scan (computed tomography) may be necessary to aid in this assessment. It's crucial to arrive at a correct diagnosis of the cause of the obstruction so you can proceed with the most appropriate treatment.
For example, if your nasal blockage is caused by a deviated septum and enlarged turbinates, but you only have surgery to correct the deviated septum, then it's unlikely your breathing and/or sinus problems will be resolved.
Some conditions may be treatable with medication and/or lifestyle changes, while others may require surgery. Generally speaking, conservative treatments are attempted first, and surgery is used only when conservative measures have failed. With any treatment, it's important to try to preserve the normal mucous lining in your nose because this is vital to healthy nasal/sinus function.
There are risks associated with any surgery, so be sure to ask your doctor about potential complications. You also should find out how many similar procedures your physician has performed to gauge his or her experience level.
If you do need to have surgery, it is critical that you have a CT scan of your nose and sinuses beforehand, since this anatomy varies somewhat from person to person. A CT scan before your procedure can help your surgeon operate with a more accurate picture of your anatomy and help avoid mistakes. It is usually performed as a routine step before surgery.
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