+nasal obstruction + snoring+
Common causes of nasal obstruction include allergy, deviated nasal septum, nasal turbinate enlargement and nasal polyps.
Deviated nasal septum
The midline of the nose consists of a cartilage and bony nasal septum that separates the two sides of the nasal cavity. A deviation or bend in this structure can be present at birth or can occur following a nasal trauma. The obstruction caused by such a deviation can be corrected by surgically straightening the septum, called a septoplasty. A septoplasty is a commonly performed surgery done through incisions within the nasal cavity, removing the obstructing portion of bone and cartilage.
Nasal turbinate enlargement
The nasal turbinates are three bony and soft-tissue structures lining the sides of the nasal cavity. In some people, the turbinates can be excessively large, resulting in significant nasal obstruction. Allergy treatment, typically with nasal steroid sprays, may help to decrease this swelling. When allergy management cannot sufficiently relieve nasal obstruction, the inferior turbinates can be surgically reduced. In many cases this can be done as a day procedure.
Nasal polyps
Nasal polyps are a type of inflammatory tissue that can grow in the nasal cavity and sinuses. They occur more frequently in persons with allergies and/or asthma. Nasal obstruction is the most common symptom. The sinus drainage tracts may also be blocked, resulting in chronic sinus disease. Nasal polyps are controlled with steroid sprays as well as removal by endoscopic surgery.
+sinusitis+
Sinusitis is a common condition that may affect many people during their lifetime. There are two types of this condition, acute and chronic sinusitis. In acute sinusitis, the patient has severe symptoms that last for about a week only. The symptoms usually occur following a cold which changes to ‘green/yellow’ discharge, with severe pain around the cheeks and occasionally the eyes and forehead. Some patients also get toothache as a symptom of sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis continues for many weeks, and can result after an attack of acute sinusitis that has not settled down completely. It can also occur due to untreated allergies, chemical irritants, nasal polyps, and structural problems in the nose such as deviation of the nasal septum. The symptoms are milder than in acute sinusitis. Patients often complain of nasal congestion as if they have a “permanent cold” with some nasal discharge and/or mucus in the back of the throat (post nasal drip). Some patients have heaviness or pressure in the cheeks, around the eyes or forehead.
What causes Sinusitis and how is it treated?
Infection of the sinus cavities often occurs due to inflammation and obstruction of the sinus drainage pathways. Typical symptoms of a sinus infection include facial pain and pressure, nasal obstruction, yellow or green nasal drainage, fatigue and fever. Acute sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Chronic sinusitis requires long-term treatment, which can include antibiotics, steroid nose sprays or drops, and also possibly antihistamines if needed. Many cases of chronic sinusitis will improve on medical treatment, but occasionally patients will require surgery.
Treatment of a sinus infection may include nasal decongestants and antibiotics. People with chronic sinus drainage may benefit from endoscopic sinus surgery. This is surgery designed to open up the sinus drainage pathways.