Nasal Obstruction and Congestion Surgery

Nasal obstruction and congestion can be the result of a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Allergies, which can lead to enlargement or hypertrophy of sinus tissues
• Deviated septum or crooked nasal septum
• Sinus inflammation
• Nasal polyps
• Swelling of the adenoids at the back of the throat, usually found in children but also a possibility in adults

These conditions cause varying degrees of nasal obstruction and congestion. In some cases, symptoms can flare up due to weather or environmental factors that trigger allergies and swelling within the nasal cavities. Other conditions develop over time, such as nasal polyps, or can be the result of trauma, such as a deviated septum.

The team at Specialty Physician Associates can recommend an over-the-counter or prescription medication to relieve sinus congestion. Common medications include:

• Antihistamines
• Oral decongestants
• Topical decongestant sprays
• Steroid decongestants

In many cases, decongestant medications shouldn’t be used long-term as they can cause rebound symptoms that make your congestion worse when the medication wears off. If you experience chronic congestion due to nasal obstruction, your provider could recommend surgery.

Yes. A number of different nasal and sinus surgeries can relieve nasal obstruction and congestion. These surgeries are often referred to as functional rhinoplasties.

A functional rhinoplasty focuses on breathing issues associated with deviated septums, inferior turbinate enlargement, and nasal polyps. These surgeries involve procedures performed under anesthesia to correct the anatomical issues causing your nasal obstruction and congestion.

In many cases, only a couple of incisions are needed to perform the surgery, making it a minimally invasive solution to chronic breathing problems.

To determine if a functional rhinoplasty is right for you, your provider first examines your nose and sinuses using a hand-held tool with a light to determine the cause of your obstruction. In some cases, an MRI or a CT scan is needed to evaluate the internal structures of your sinuses.

Once your provider explains your diagnosis, they’ll discuss surgical treatments that can help. Some surgeries are more complex and can take longer to perform, though most provide fast results to improve your breathing once you’ve fully healed.