Blockage to nasal airflow may be
due to septal deviation. The septum is bone and cartilage and is often bent into one or
both airways obstructing the free flow of air. "Breathe-Right" strips may help
and can be diagnostic of anterior nasal soft-tissue obstruction due the nasal valve.
Turbinate hypertrophy usually accounts for
alternating blockage of the air flow. This can be tested with decongestants or steroid
sprays.
Polyps are fleshy 'tear-drop' shaped benign masses
that often relate to allergic rhinosinusitis. They may fluctuate in size and therefore
obstruction.
Sinusitis can inflamed the membranes and account
for swelling and blockage of the air flow
Once the cause (s) are determined, treatment is
begun with turbinate reduction using Somnoplasty or
turbinate excision. Deviated septum problems are surgically repaired. If polyps
are present, these should be treated with steroid sprays, allergic shots and sinus
surgery.
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