What Is a Nasal Airway Obstruction?
More than 20 million Americans suffer from some form of nasal airway obstruction, a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through the nose due to a blockage or narrowing somewhere in the nasal passages.
There are several possible causes of nasal obstruction. Some are related to inflammation, such as allergies or chronic irritation, while others are structural, such as a deviated septum. One of the most common structural causes is nasal valve collapse, which occurs when the wall of the nose falls inward during breathing. This can make it feel like your nose is pinching shut when you inhale.
Common symptoms of a nasal airway obstruction include:
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Persistent congestion
- Snoring
- Poor sleep
- Trouble getting enough air during exercise
If you regularly suffer from any of the above issues, reach out to our providers at Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance or El Segundo, CA to receive a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for nasal airway obstruction. Our specialists offer state-of-the-art therapies, including VivAer® airway reshaping and LATERA® implant placement, both of which are designed to support better breathing with minimal downtime.
How Do You Treat Nasal Airway Obstruction?
Treatment for nasal airway obstruction depends on the cause of the obstruction and how it's affecting your ability to breathe. Your provider at Beach Cities ENTS will help you decide on the best treatment plan after performing a thorough evaluation of your symptoms and nasal structure.
The treatment options we offer include:
- Medications and nasal sprays: These may be used to reduce inflammation and improve airflow if swelling or irritation is part of the problem. If the obstruction is caused by a deformed nasal passage, surgery may be recommended instead to open up your airways.
- Breathe Right® strips or external supports: These over-the-counter options can help hold the nasal passages open temporarily and may indicate whether structural support would improve breathing. If they fail to provide relief, the next step may be a LATERA procedure or VivAer treatment.
- LATERA nasal implant: This minimally invasive, in-office procedure is used to treat nasal valve collapse. Your surgeon will use a thin instrument to place a small, absorbable implant inside your nose, providing support for the weakened cartilage. The implant gradually dissolves over time while leaving behind structural support to keep the airway open. The procedure is performed through the nostrils without external incisions and typically takes only a short time to complete.
- VivAer treatment: This noninvasive procedure gently reshapes and opens the nasal airway with carefully controlled radiofrequency energy to improve airflow. VivAer treatments are performed at our Torrance and El Segundo, CA offices with minimal discomfort and no incisions, helping patients breathe more easily without traditional surgery.
What Are the Benefits of Treatment for Nasal Airway Obstruction?
Nasal airway obstruction may seem like a minor concern for those who haven't experienced it, but it can have a significant impact on patients who live with it day-to-day. Without proper management, it can lead to serious health issues, including obstructive sleep apnea, chronic fatigue, and strain on your organs as they struggle to get the oxygen they need to function. Our minimally invasive treatments at Beach Cities ENTS can provide long-term relief for nasal airway obstruction, offering benefits that include:
- Making it easier to breathe through your nose during the day and at night
- Reducing that constant stuffy or blocked feeling in your nose
- Improving airflow during exercise and physical activity
- Helping you sleep more comfortably with fewer interruptions
- Decreasing the need to rely on temporary fixes like nasal strips
- Supporting more natural, comfortable breathing without mouth breathing
- Allowing you to feel more rested and less fatigued throughout the day
Beach Cities ENTS Reviews
Very knowledgeable and personable - She has been seeing our son since he was one year old for ongoing ENT-related issues. She has helped us navigate complicated issues and seems to favor lowest level of intervention medically required, which we prefer. She always seems genuinely happy to see her patients and she is good with him. We will continue to see her only as long as she is practicing.
A++
Dr. Levine was great. My Son had surgery and he made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. He even called on a Sunday to see how he was doing. He was professional, caring, and took the time to answer all of our questions. I am in healthcare and am really particular. The office staff was also friendly, welcoming, and efficient, making every visit a pleasant experience. I highly recommend Dr.Levine and his entire team.
I highly recommend the clinic staff for the great job and their passions that they show to their patients, in and out! thank you guys!!!
Excellent. Got in at my exact scheduled time. Staff is awesome.
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Open Up Your Nose
Nasal airway obstruction is a common condition that often goes undiagnosed. If you regularly have trouble breathing through your nose, don't wait for your quality of life to decline before doing something about it. Schedule a consultation with our specialists at Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance or El Segundo, CA to learn how we can help you open your airways and breathe more easily.
Nasal Airway Obstruction FAQ
Can a deviated septum cause nasal airway obstruction?
A deviated septum is one of the most common causes of nasal airway obstruction because it narrows the nasal passages and restricts airflow, making breathing more difficult, especially on one side of the nose.
Will treating nasal airway obstruction improve sleep?
For many people, improving nasal airflow can reduce snoring, mouth breathing, nighttime congestion, and sleep disruptions. Better breathing may also contribute to improved energy levels and overall quality of life.
Is nasal airway obstruction permanent?
Not necessarily. Some causes, such as temporary inflammation from allergies or infections, may resolve with appropriate treatment, while structural conditions often require procedural correction for long-term improvement.