Nasal Surgery
Nasal obstruction is usually the result of anatomic and functional problems, which can cause dysfunctional airflow in the upper airway, therefore playing an important role in OSA and snoring and can prevent CPAP use. The cause of nasal airflow problems can be a deviated nasal septum, enlarged nasal turbinates, narrowing or collapse of the nasal opening, nasal polyps, swollen nasal mucosa due to allergies or other irritants or commonly a combination of all.
Usually medical treatment options are the initial choice to target nasal obstruction, including nasal saline irrigations, steroids and antihistamine sprays, oral medication and an allergist evaluation. External nasal dilators as the Breathe Right® nasal strips can be used for some cases with narrowed or collapsible nasal aperture.
When medical treatment alone isn’t successful, surgery can improve the nasal airway either alone or in combination with these options. The most common nasal procedures include turbinate reduction and correcting any septal deviations (septoplasty). Sometimes correction of external nasal deformities (rhinosseptoplasty) or sinus surgery will be necessary and it will be performed in combination with one of our colleagues from the rhinology or facial plastic surgery team.
Nasal packing is usually unnecessary. When turbinate reduction alone is recommended, it can be performed as an office procedure.
Normal Nasal Flow
Nasal Septum