Struggling to breathe through your nose can affect everything from your sleep to your energy and focus during the day. Nasal obstruction can leave you feeling constantly congested. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our ENTs help you uncover the root cause of your symptoms and offer personalized treatments to restore easier, more comfortable breathing.
Is Chronic Congestion Affecting Your Breathing?
Nasal obstruction is a condition in which airflow through your nose is partially or fully blocked, making it hard to breathe comfortably. This can happen when the tissues inside the nose swell, narrow, or collapse. You may experience constant congestion, mouth breathing, poor sleep, or difficulty exercising. At Surgical Associates Northwest, our providers focus on identifying and then addressing the root cause of the blockage so you can breathe more freely again.
Signs & Symptoms of Nasal Obstruction
When airflow through your nose is limited, your body often gives you clear signals that something isn’t right.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Persistent nasal congestion or stuffiness
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Mouth breathing, especially at night
- Trouble sleeping or frequent waking
- Snoring or noisy breathing during sleep
- Reduced airflow during exercise or physical activity
- Facial pressure or discomfort
- Dry mouth or sore throat upon waking
What Causes Nasal Obstruction?
Standard colds and flus are likely to temporarily block the airways as they fill with excess mucus. Infections of the nasal passages can also lead to swelling and difficulty breathing, but should clear up quickly after being treated with antibiotics. If nasal cavities remain blocked for an extended period without additional cold or flu symptoms, an underlying condition is likely.
Some of the most common causes of nasal obstruction include:
- Chronic inflammation: Swollen or inflamed nasal tissues
- Nasal valve dysfunction: Structural narrowing or collapse of the nasal airway
- Deviated septum: Misalignment of the cartilage between the nostrils
- Inferior turbinate hypertrophy: Enlargement of the internal nasal tissues, restricting airflow
- Nasal polyps: Benign tissue growths within the nasal lining
- Large adenoids: Enlarged lymphatic tissue blocking airflow behind the nose
- Objects lodged inside the nasal passage
- Congenital narrowing or blockage of the nasal airway
- Ongoing swelling related to sinus disease
Your Nasal Obstruction Treatment Experience
Your care begins with a thorough, unhurried consultation focused on understanding how nasal obstruction is affecting your daily life. Our ENTs listen closely to your symptoms, review your medical history, and perform a detailed exam of your nasal anatomy. When needed, we may use nasal endoscopy or imaging to pinpoint the exact cause of your blockage. From there, we walk you through your options and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
Balloon Sinuplasty
Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked sinus passages and restores natural drainage. During treatment, a small, flexible balloon catheter is guided through the nose to the narrowed sinus opening. Once in place, the balloon is gently inflated to widen the passageway and improve airflow and drainage. The balloon is then removed, leaving the sinus pathway permanently expanded. Because no tissue or bone is removed, most patients can return to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Vivaer® Nasal Airway Obstruction
VivAer is an in-office treatment that improves nasal breathing by reshaping and stabilizing the nasal valve, the narrowest part of the nasal airway. After numbing the inside of your nose, a handheld device is used to deliver low-temperature radiofrequency energy to targeted areas. This radiofrequency energy gently remodels the nasal tissue, reducing collapse and opening the airway without incisions or surgery. The treatment typically takes about 15 minutes, and you can resume most daily activities right away.
Nasal Obstruction FAQs
Can Nasal Obstruction Go Away on Its Own?
Some short-term causes, such as colds or allergies, may resolve on their own. However, if your symptoms are ongoing or keep recurring, it often indicates a structural or chronic issue that won’t resolve on its own and should be evaluated by an ENT specialist.
Will I Need Surgery to Fix Nasal Obstruction?
Not always. Many patients find relief with medications or minimally invasive, in-office treatments. When surgery is recommended, it’s typically because the obstruction is structural and cannot be corrected with non-surgical options.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Treatment?
Recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive. In-office procedures usually involve little downtime, while surgical treatments may require a short recovery period. Your provider will review exactly what to expect and how to care for your nose during healing.
Why Choose Surgical Associates Northwest?
Surgical Associates Northwest is a trusted ENT practice that has been caring for our community for over 40 years. Our providers focus on delivering thoughtful, patient-centered care, taking the time to listen and explain your options without rushing. You’re treated like family, not a number. If nasal obstruction is affecting your breathing or quality of life, schedule your nasal obstruction consultation in Auburn or Federal Way, WA, to explore your treatment options.
