Home
Introduction
Septal Deformity
Turbinate Enlargement
My Drugs
My Pictures
|
|
Anatomic Causes of Nasal Obstruction
Many anatomic factors cause nasal obstruction. You might suspect an anatomic blockage when your breathing always seems worse on one side of the nose, and if the blockage has been present for many months or years. The two major components of the nasal passages are the septum and the turbinates. Significant abnormalities of these structures will impair breathing. In addition to nasal blockage, they can lead to snoring (which can be disruptive to the individual if he has apnea or pauses in breathing, but is more often a nuisance to a sleeping partner). Additionally, areas that block airflow in the nose can also block mucous flow and sinus drainage, and lead to sinus infections.
Causes of Nasal Obstruction
Although I focus on two particular anatomic causes of nasal obstruction, from my reading online I was able to see that there are many potential causes for such problems. Here are some key words that I would recommend searching:
Nonanatomic Causes
chronic sinusitis
allergies
overuse of nose sprays
birth control pills
hypertension
thyroid abnormality
Anatomic Causes
deviated septum
nasal polyps
large adenoids
nasal foreign body
hypertrophic
turbinate bones
|
