Nasal Obstruction
Breathe easier with answers for constant stuffiness and blocked airways.
If you’re always feeling congested, relying on nasal sprays, or struggling to breathe through your nose, you’re likely dealing with nasal obstruction. It can be frustrating, exhausting, and even affect your sleep, focus, or sense of smell.
At Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists, we take a closer look at what’s causing your blockage — whether it’s inflammation, a structural issue, or something else entirely. Once we understand the cause, we’ll work with you on a treatment plan that helps you breathe freely again.
If nasal congestion is part of your daily life, schedule an appointment today. Relief could be closer than you think.
Common Symptoms
Nasal obstruction can be constant or come and go. Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose
- Chronic congestion or stuffiness
- Frequent mouth breathing
- Snoring or worsening sleep apnea
- Post-nasal drip or sinus pressure
- Loss of smell or reduced sense of taste
- Frequent use of decongestant sprays
How We Diagnose
We start with a detailed history and physical exam. To understand what’s causing your nasal obstruction, we may also recommend:
- Nasal endoscopy to examine the nasal passages and detect swelling, blockages, or anatomical issues
- CT scan to look for deeper sinus or structural problems like a deviated septum
- Allergy testing if we suspect inflammation is driven by allergic reactions
- Discussion of symptom triggers, such as seasonal changes, medications, or previous infections
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will depend on the root cause of the blockage, whether it is structural, inflammatory, or both. We may recommend:
- Nasal steroid sprays or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and improve airflow
- Saline rinses or irrigation to flush out mucus and allergens
- Allergy treatment if seasonal or environmental triggers are a factor
- Septoplasty to correct a deviated septum that’s physically blocking airflow
- Polyp removal if nasal polyps are contributing to the obstruction
- Balloon sinus dilation to open narrow sinus pathways and relieve pressure
- Turbinate reduction to shrink swollen tissues that narrow your airway
- VivAer®, a non-invasive, in-office procedure that uses radiofrequency energy to gently remodel nasal tissue and improve airflow
Our goal is to help you breathe more easily, day and night.
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be caused by many things — swelling from allergies, structural issues like a deviated septum, chronic sinusitis, or nasal polyps. We’ll help identify what’s going on.
Not always. Many people find relief with medication, rinses, or allergy care. If a structural issue is the main cause, we’ll discuss surgical options like septoplasty or balloon dilation.
Yes — many people with blocked nasal passages snore, wake up frequently, or develop sleep apnea. Improving airflow often leads to better rest.
Overusing decongestant sprays (like oxymetazoline) can actually make symptoms worse. If you rely on them often, it’s time to talk to a specialist.
It often improves once inflammation or obstruction is treated — but it depends on the cause and how long it’s been affected.
Breathe Clearly Again
If you’re tired of feeling stuffed up or relying on sprays that only offer temporary relief, Michigan ENT & Allergy Specialists is here to help. Schedule a consultation today to explore lasting solutions.