There are many reasons that your nose may feel stuffy, congested or blocked. Fluctuating congestion is often the result of swelling during a cold, sinus infection or allergy attack. Constant congestion may be due to chronic swelling or anatomic blockages. Progressive blockage could be due to a tumor or chronic infection.

>> Read more

Common Cold

Most Americans will catch 3-5 colds in a year. Typically beginning suddenly with watery drainage, sneezing and malaise, a cold usually evolves into nasal congestion by the third day, associated with thicker drainage that often settles in the chest. Influenza differs from the common cold by the sudden onset of severe aches and chills, often with a high fever.

>> Read more

Large Tonsils & Adenoids

While the tonsils are fairly familiar lumps in the back of the throat, the adenoids are hidden in the back of the nose. We can best see the adenoid by looking through the nostril, or by using a mirror to look up from the mouth. Adenoid enlargement is the most common cause of nasal obstruction in small children, and frequently causes snoring and sleep apnea. Removal of the adenoids takes less than 10 minutes under general anesthesia and recovery is typically 3 days or less if the tonsils are not removed.

>> Read more

Allergies

Nasal congestion may be the only symptom of allergies in some people. Examination often reveals pale, swollen membranes and clear, watery discharge. While decongestants can be temporarily effective and fast acting, nasal steroid sprays are often more effective for chronic nasal congestion. Our allergy department offers skin testing, allergy shots and allergy drops.

>> Read more

Sinusitis

Sinusitis is inflammation (often infection) of the air-containing cavities that surround the nose and eye sockets. While acute infections may often be painful and associated with foul drainage, chronic infection may be more subtle, and characterized be nasal congestion alone. Endoscopic examination often reveals red, swollen nasal passages.

>> Read more

Deviated Nasal Septum

The nasal septum divides the nose into left and right halves. It is rarely perfectly straight in the midline. If the septum is so crooked that it causes blockage on one side, it can often be repaired in a thirty minute procedure called a septoplasty.

>> Read more

Large Turbinates

The turbinates are the baffles that warm and humidify the air as it passes through the nose toward the lungs. They have tremendous capacity to swell in response to cold or dry air, infection, or allergy. Sometimes the turbinates become permanently overgrown with soft tissue or even bone. Conservative surgical reduction of the turbinates can restore normal air flow.

Nasal Deformities

Some noses are structurally narrow or crooked on the outside and require more sophisticated reconstruction using rhinoplasty techniques. This may occur from an injury, prior surgery or as a family trait. As nasal and facial plastic surgery specialists, we have the experience and skill to help your nose breathe better and look its best at the same time.

>> Read more

Nasal Polyps

Polyps are dangling overgrowths of nasal tissue that can be so large that they are visible in the throat or nostrils. Nasal steroids and treatment of underlying sinus disease will often shrink polyps. When polyps don’t respond to medication, they can be removed with endoscopic sinus surgery. Polyps can be a symptom of cystic fibrosis, fungal infection, or even a tumor, so examination by an ENT specialist is recommended.

Nasal Tumors

In rare cases, nasal obstruction is caused by a cancer. These tumors are often diagnosed late, because the patient assumes the obstruction is due to allergies or sinusitis. An ENT specialist can recognize a nasal tumor immediately by examining your nose with an endoscope. Please don’t ignore your symptoms. If you have had a stuffy nose for more than three months, click here to find a board-certified ear, nose and throat specialist near you.