Nasal Obstruction
Nasal obstruction is a blockage of the nose and nasal cavity and can be caused by a variety of problems:
Causes Nasal Obstruction
Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy
The pink lining of the nose (sponge mucosa) cover tiny bony structures called turbinates. Turbinates are very susceptible to irritation by dust and other allergens, and if they become inflamed, impede normal nasal and sinus drainage, causing congestion, infection and sinus disease.
Foreign Bodies
Foreign bodies in the may nose cause nasal obstruction.
Enlarged Adenoids
Small masses of tissue located behind the nose. Adenoids form part of the immune system of babies and young children. They protect the body from harmful bacteria and viruses and they fight off infection. If the adenoids themselves become infected and enlarged, sinus drainage and risk for sinus disease becomes an issue.
Deviated Septum
The nasal passage way is divided into two different sections by a piece of cartilage known as the septum. If, because of injury or another reason, this cartilage becomes out of place, it is known to be ‘deviated’. A deviated septum greatly disrupts sinus drainage and breathing and if not repaired, can cause recurrent sinus infection.
Symptoms of Nasal Obstruction
Below are some of the distinguishing symptoms of sinus disease, nasal polyps, and nasal obstruction and may indicate sinus infection in your child:
- A cold or cold symptoms lasting 10-14 days
- Thick, yellow-green mucus secretions
- Mucus secretions with a foul odor
- Bad breath
- Post-nasal drip, sometimes leading to coughing, gagging and vomiting
- Irritability
- Headache ( in children 6 or older)
- Swelling around the eyes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing through nose
Dr. Gamble and Dr. Kubala are ear, nose, throat, and sinus surgeons in Plano and Dallas. If you would like to schedule an appointment with our office, please call our Plano office at 972-378-0633 or Dallas office at 214-239-1641.
