Nasal Congestion Treatment in Torrance and El Segundo, CA

Nasal congestion makes it difficult to breathe, smell, exercise, and sleep. When your nose is congested, it means that the tissues and blood vessels throughout the nasal passages have become swollen with excess fluids. There are many possible causes of nasal congestion, including:

Rhinitis

Rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the inside of your nose. The most frequent cause of rhinitis — and the top cause of nasal congestion — is the common cold. Rhinitis can also develop due to seasonal allergies or addiction to nasal decongestant sprays.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when the membranes lining your sinuses become inflamed, mucus gets trapped inside the sinus, and an infection develops. Allergies that are not controlled or polyps can cause sinusitis.

Nasal polyps

These noncancerous growths appear in your nasal passages, where they can get large enough to cause nasal congestion and can also lead to sinus infections.

Deviated septum

The piece of cartilage and bone separating your two nostrils, called the septum, can be so crooked or off-center that it leads to nasal congestion.

If you suffer from frequent nasal congestion, our specialists at Beach Cities ENTS can help identify the cause and provide relief. Schedule a consultation at our ENT practice in Torrance or El Segundo, CA to learn more.

While you may have nothing but nasal congestion, it often comes together with other symptoms. Depending on the underlying cause, you may experience:

• Runny nose
• Thick nasal discharge
• Itchy nose
• Sneezing
• Post-nasal drip
• Headache
• Low-grade fever
• Facial pain or pressure
• Sore throat
• Dry mouth

The doctors at Beach Cities ENTS will customize your treatment based on the cause of your nasal congestion. Rhinitis that arises from a common cold needs to run its course because it's a viral infection.

In the meantime, you can treat your symptoms with different nasal sprays. Should you develop a bacterial infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

If your Beach Cities ENTS doctor suspects allergies are at the root of your nasal congestion, they can be treated with avoidance of what you are allergic to or medications that are over the counter or prescription. You may also need to undergo allergy testing. Some patients with long-standing allergy symptoms may be good candidates for immunotherapy, depending on the severity and frequency of their symptoms.

Patients with structural abnormalities, such as polyps or a deviated septum, may need surgery to correct the problem. The following are a few examples of minimally invasive procedures performed by the doctors at Beach Cities ENTS.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is surgery to straighten a deviated septum, allowing air to flow freely through your nose.

Polypectomy

This is an endoscopic procedure to remove polyps from inside your nose.

Balloon sinuplasty

During balloon sinuplasty, your doctor at Beach Cities ENTS uses a narrow wire to pass into a clogged sinus and inflate a balloon to open the blocked passage, and the wire and balloon are removed.

Nasal valve implant

If the collapse of the cartilage supporting the airway causes your congestion, your doctor can insert a nasal valve implant to support the cartilage and keep the airway open.

To get relief from nasal congestion, call Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance or El Segundo, CA, or schedule an appointment online.