- Loss of sense of smell
- Snoring
- Runny nose
- Dry throat in the morning
Many patients may notice that they have difficulty breathing through one nostril, however it is also normal for patients to, at times, favour one side of the nose. This is part of the normal nasal cycle where one inferior turbinate [tissue within the nose] swells while the other inferior turbinate decreases in size.
In general there are 2 treatment options for nasal obstruction:
- Nasal Sprays
- Surgery
Most people should have a trial of combination nasal sprays for treatment of their nasal obstruction. The combination most commonly used is saline douche and intranasal steroids. This trial should continue for a total of 6 weeks to assess response to treatment.
If a trial of nasal sprays has not been effective at improving your nasal obstruction then you may be a candidate for surgery. The type of surgery differs between individuals however the general principle remains the same in most people, increase the cross sectional area of the nasal airway whilst ensuring that the nose still functions normally.
Most patients will benefit from a septoplasty and turbinoplasty. For patients who have severe nasal obstruction or have previously had an operation which has not been successful, a functional rhinoplasty may be required.
For more information on how the treat your nasal obstruction make an appointment with one of our surgeons at ENT Clinics.