If you have symptoms such as loud breathing, snoring, or frequent sinus infections, like 80% of Americans, you could have a nasal obstruction such as a deviated septum. The doctors at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC in Somerville and Warren, New Jersey, diagnose deviated septums and provide cutting-edge procedures to correct nasal obstructions. Call Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC today if you have chronic rhinitis symptoms.

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A nasal obstruction is a structural abnormality that blocks your nasal passages. A deviated septum — the thin piece of cartilage that separates your nasal passages — is a common type of nasal obstruction. It occurs when that cartilage is off-center and makes one of your nasal passages smaller than the other.

Nasal obstructions range in severity. The condition is common, but relatively few people experience symptoms.

The condition is sometimes a congenital abnormality — a structural irregularity that you have when you’re born. You can also get a nasal obstruction later in life from an injury to the nose.

What are the signs of a nasal obstruction?

Nasal obstructions can cause various symptoms, including:

  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Noisy breathing while sleeping or snoring
  • Facial pain
  • Preference for sleeping on a particular side

You might also be aware of your nasal cycle. It’s normal to breathe through one side of your nose and then the other throughout the day.

However, if you have a nasal obstruction, when your nasal cycle sends air through the narrowed nasal passage, you are more aware of your breath and can feel the change.

How is a nasal obstruction diagnosed?

You should make an appointment at Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, if your nasal congestion or blockage doesn’t respond to other treatments or if you have chronic or recurring sinusitis or rhinitis.

The doctors provide comprehensive exams and testing to diagnose your condition. They begin by reviewing your medical history and symptoms.

Your doctor uses a bright light or an endoscope to look into your nasal passages and may use a decongestant spray to see if the medicine causes a change in your symptoms.

How do you treat a nasal obstruction?

Treatment for a nasal obstruction depends on the severity of your symptoms. For example, in some cases, medications such as decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal steroid sprays can help. For more severe cases, the team may recommend surgical options, including:

Medications only relieve swelling and excess mucus production. If you have a severe nasal obstruction, your doctor might recommend surgical repair using minimally invasive techniques to straighten and reposition your septum or correct other structural irregularities.

If you have chronic nasal congestion or frequent nosebleeds, call Ear, Nose & Throat Care, PC, or make an appointment online today for customized treatment.

*Video testimonial from one of Dr. Bortniker’s patients below:

Deviated Nasal Septum Repair/Septoplasty

Patient Video Testimonial