What Causes Chronic Nasal Obstruction and How to Treat It? 

You take breathing easily for granted until you can’t. Chronic nasal obstruction is a persistent and frustrating condition that can make simply breathing feel almost impossible. It can feel like dealing with a never-ending cold or allergies that never go away. Chronic nasal obstruction can disrupt your sleep, lower your energy levels, and even make simple activities like eating or exercising uncomfortable. 

Because of overlapping symptoms, it’s easy to confuse chronic nasal obstruction with sinus infections or seasonal allergies. However, unlike these conditions, chronic nasal obstruction persists until you address the root cause. 

Structural abnormalities like a deviated septum, chronic inflammation from allergies, or nasal polyps can cause persistent blockage. Regardless of the cause, the impact on quality of life is unquestionable. 

The good news is that chronic nasal obstruction is treatable. 

If you’ve been struggling to breathe freely, Mani Zadeh, MD, our board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist, has the experience and advanced diagnostic tools to help you find relief.

What does chronic nasal obstruction feel like?

Chronic nasal obstruction is a long-term condition that causes difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils. Symptoms may include constant congestion, difficulty sleeping due to blocked airways, and breathing through your mouth, leading to dry mouth or a sore throat.

Over time, this condition can affect your sleep quality, energy levels, and even your sense of smell and taste. Many people live with these symptoms for years, assuming they just have to tolerate them. However, understanding the underlying cause can help you find effective treatments and long-term relief.

Common causes of chronic nasal obstruction

Here are some of the most common reasons behind this condition:

Deviated septum

The septum is the wall that divides your nose into two sides. When this wall is crooked or displaced, it can block airflow, causing one or both nostrils to feel constantly congested. 

Nasal polyps

Polyps are soft, noncancerous growths in the nasal passages that can develop due to chronic inflammation. They can grow large enough to block airflow and make breathing difficult.

Chronic sinusitis

Sinus infections that persist for weeks or recur frequently can cause swelling and blockage in your nasal passages. This inflammation can contribute to long-term congestion.

Allergies

Allergic reactions to environmental triggers like pollen, dust, or pet dander can lead to nasal swelling and obstruction. Poorly managed allergies can result in chronic nasal obstruction.

Enlarged turbinates

Turbinates are structures inside your nose that help filter and humidify the air you breathe. If these structures enlarge due to inflammation, they can narrow the nasal passages and make breathing difficult.

Treatment options for chronic nasal obstruction

Here’s an outline of the most common treatment options for chronic nasal obstruction:

Medication

For cases caused by allergies or mild inflammation, medications such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, or decongestants can help reduce swelling and improve airflow. Dr. Zadeh may also recommend saline rinses to remove allergens and irritants from your nasal passages. 

Surgery

If structural issues, such as a deviated septum or nasal polyps, are causing the obstruction, surgery may be the most effective solution. Procedures such as septoplasty (to straighten a deviated septum) or endoscopic sinus surgery (to remove polyps) can improve airflow.

Advanced techniques

In some cases, Dr. Zadeh may recommend new treatments, such as radiofrequency ablation to shrink enlarged turbinates or nasal valve reconstruction. These procedures precisely target specific causes of obstruction.

Whether your chronic nasal obstruction is caused by a structural issue, inflammation, or another underlying condition, effective treatments are available. If you’ve been struggling, schedule a consultation with Mani Zadeh, MD, today.