Nasal Blockage

Each side of the nasal cavity is separated by a midline structure, the septum. The septum is made of cartilage and bone. The internal lining of the nose is constantly producing mucus, the production of this mucus keeps the lining moist and in a healthy status. The secreted mucus is then moved to the back of the nose and into the throat. This is possible because the nasal lining is covered by special cells that have what is called “ciliary” function. Nasal blockage may occur if there is any disruption of the above structures or mechanisms.

Causes of nasal obstruction include:

Anatomical blockage due to:

1. Deviation of the septum to one side with encroachment on the nasal cavity on that side. This can be corrected with an operation called “septoplasty”.

2. Presence of a foreign body, polyp, or any other mass with in the nasal cavity. This blockage can usually be relieved by appropriately problem directed therapy.

Functional blockage due to:

 This may be secondary to disease processes that lead to:
 
1. thickening of the lining of the nasal cavity & excessive mucus production, too much for the normal lining to handle, to the extent that it stagnates with in the nasal cavity (this may occur in allergy e.g hayfever, rhinitis, or infective conditions e.g a “cold”)

2. abnormal “ciliary” functioning of the lining (e.g cystic fibrosis)

3. inadequate mucus production, giving rise to a dry lining, and crusting (e.g rhinitis medicamentosa, which occurs with overuse of some decongestant nasal sprays like Otrivine, and Sinex).
 

The processes that cause functional blockage are commonly treated by medical, rather than surgical means.