A nasal obstruction is anything that blocks proper air flow in the nose. Many things can cause a nasal obstruction, from allergies to a problem in the way the nose is formed.
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What are the signs and symptoms of nasal obstruction?
Symptoms of a nasal obstruction may include:
- Drainage from the noise
- A voice that sounds “nasal”
- Breathing through the mouth
- Frequent sinus infections
What causes a nasal obstruction?
The most common causes of a nasal obstruction in children are enlarged adenoids and colds and allergies. Other causes in children may include:
- Adenoid hypertrophy (enlarged adenoids)
- Nasal turbinate hypertrophy
- Deviated septum
- Nasal polyps (noncancerous growths in the nose)
- Foreign body in the nose
- A malformation of the nose that is present at birth
How are nasal obstructions treated?
Treatment for nasal obstruction can vary depending on the cause and may include both surgical and non-surgical options.
- A doctor may prescribe medications to help treat allergies or colds or other causes of nasal obstruction.
- Surgery may be needed to remove the adenoids or nasal polyps or to correct a deviated septum or other malformation of the nose.
Doctors at Connecticut Children’s can determine the right plan if your child requires treatment for a nasal obstruction.