Nasal Congestion

If you have a blocked or obstructed nose that makes breathing, eating, and sleeping hard, contact Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center: Philip T. Ho, MD, FACS, in Los Gatos, California. Board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Ho uses cutting-edge diagnostics to identify the cause of nasal congestion and various advanced in-office procedures to resolve persistent problems. Get relief from nasal congestion by calling Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center or using the online booking form to request an appointment today.

What is nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion is when you experience difficulty breathing through your nose. You might be able to draw in limited amounts of air or have a complete blockage.

At Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center, Dr. Ho completes a comprehensive physical exam, symptom check, and medical history review to diagnose the cause of your nasal congestion.

He may also perform a sinus endoscopy, an in-office procedure that lets Dr. Ho view the inside of your upper nasal passages and sinuses.

What causes nasal congestion?

Nasal congestion causes include:

Swelling

Congestion often develops when the mucus membranes inside your nose swell. The swollen tissues block airflow through your nasal passages, causing congestion. The turbinates — bony areas that form part of your nose’s air filtering and warming system — can also swell and cause congestion. This condition, rhinitis, can result from colds, flu, and respiratory allergies.

Excess mucus

If your nose produces excess mucus, it can block the nasal passages.

Sinus problems

The sinuses are hollow spaces behind your nose, cheeks, and forehead. Colds and allergies can cause inflammation in the tissues lining these spaces, making them swell.

Although the congestion isn’t in your nasal passages, the air has to go through the sinuses to reach your lungs, so the effects on your breathing are often similar. Infection can also set in, causing worsening symptoms.

Nasal polyps

Polyps are growths inside your nasal passages. They aren’t cancerous but can interfere with your breathing and make you feel congested.

Deviated septum

The septum, the thin cartilage, and the bone separating your nostrils should divide the space equally. A deviated septum is one that’s misaligned, narrowing or blocking one nostril and causing nasal obstruction.

Trauma can also lead to nasal congestion. A blow to the face could cause swelling and bleeding, or the nose might break, blocking your nasal passages.

How is nasal congestion treated?

Nasal congestion treatment varies depending on the cause. Dr. Ho offers a comprehensive range of therapies, including:

• Antibiotics for bacterial infections
• Decongestant medications
• Steroid nasal sprays
• VivAer® radiofrequency remodeling
• RhinAer® radiofrequency nerve treatment
• ClariFix® cryotherapy nerve treatment
• Balloon sinuplasty
• Septoplasty surgery
• Polypectomy
• Turbinate reduction surgery

Dr. Ho uses medical treatments where appropriate before considering surgery. He also works closely with allergists to provide complete respiratory allergy care.

Call Silicon Valley ENT & Sinus Center or book an appointment online today for an effective solution to nasal congestion.