Nasal Obstruction

An otolaryngologist is the specialist who studies nasal obstruction, a sensation of a stuffy nose that hinders the passage of air through one or both nostrils. It is not a disease in itself, but a symptom that can have very different origins.

What causes it: deviations of the septum, inflammation of the mucous membranes due to allergies or infections, polyps, or other abnormalities of the nasal structures.

Associated discomforts: mouth breathing, snoring, altered sense of smell, and, at times, headache or unrefreshing sleep.

When to seek care? When the obstruction is persistent, recurrent, or affects rest, the prudent course is for a specialist to examine it; in certain cases an oncologist may also be involved if a cause that warrants it is suspected. A timely review makes it possible to identify the origin and guide the most appropriate management.