Nasal obstruction is a symptom and not a diagnosis. It can significantly affect a patient’s quality of life. Causes include:

• Rhinitis. If an allergen is identified, then allergen avoidance is the mainstay of treatment. Topical steroids and/or antihistamines can be tried. If severe, then oral antihistamines or referral to an allergy clinic for immunotherapy may be warranted.
• Septal deviation. Correction of this deviation can be undertaken surgically.
• Nasal polyps. This condition occurs with inflammation and oedema of the sinus nasal mucosa. This oedematous mucosa prolapses into the nasal cavity and can cause significant nasal obstruction. In allergic rhinitis the mucosa lining the nasal septum and inferior turbinates are swollen and a dark red or plum colour. Nasal polyps can be identified as glistening swellings which are not tender. Treatment with intranasal steroids may help but if polyps are large or unresponsive to medical treatment then surgery is necessary.
• Foreign bodies. These are usually seen in children who present with unilateral nasal discharge. Clinical examination of the nose with a light source often reveals the foreign body, which requires removal either in clinic or in theatre with a general anaesthetic.
• Sinonasal malignancy. This is extremely rare. The diagnosis must be considered if unusual unilateral symptoms are seen, including nasal obstruction, epistaxis, pain, epiphoria, cheek swelling, paraesthesia of the cheek and proptosis of the orbit.

4 Comments »

1. [...] post: Common disorders. Rhinitis. Nasal obstruction Share and [...]

   Pingback by Common disorders. Rhinitis. Nasal obstruction | Health News — February 4, 2010 @ 10:19 pm

2. [...] conditions like nasal polyps and diseases like cystic fibrosis may also lead to sinusitis. …Health Nova: Your Ultimate Medical Portal Common disorders …In allergic rhinitis the mucosa lining the nasal septum and inferior turbinates are swollen and a [...]

   Pingback by nasal polyps — April 2, 2010 @ 2:50 am

3. 

   i have been suffering from sinusitis for so many years and i can only relieve the stuffiness of the nose by means of decongestants.”*-

   Comment by Sarah Graham — May 6, 2010 @ 7:49 am

4. 

   there are also some alternative medicines that you can try for sinusitis. i have tried some herbal stuffs and it is good for relieving sinusitis too. “

   Comment by Gianna Patterson — May 6, 2010 @ 9:00 am

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