Chronic nasal obstruction ("blocked nose") is defined by a sensation of nasal respiratory gene for more than three months. Many pathologies can cause this gene and are schematically subdivided into two groups: mucosal abnormalities, and nasal architecture abnormalities.
Mucosal abnormalities include all the causes that will lead to a thickening of the mucosa and are often associated with other symptoms such as loss of smell, runny nose and sneezing. The treatment is in medical order. Surgery will be discussed in the event of failure of the various local treatments. Nasal obstruction can sometimes be related to the presence of nasal tumors, which makes a consultation essential in case of obstruction of a single nostril.
A nasal obstruction of architectural origin is generally secondary to a deviation of the nasal septum, hypertrophy of the cones or insufficiency of the nasal valve. The treatment is generally surgical.
Septoplasty — deviated nasal septum
This procedure is offered to patients with a deviation of the nasal septum responsible for obstruction. The scar is located in the nasal cavity.
The septum is straightened, then plated by splints placed in the nose. There are no tampons. Breathing is possible through the nose as soon as you wake up. The exit can be considered on the evening of the intervention and it is necessary to schedule an appointment between 5 and 7 days later for the removal of the splints. The pain is modest. There are no post-operative marks on the face.
Example :
Patient with a deviation of the nasal septum resulting in a deviation of the columella and nasal obstruction. Photos before and after septoplasty :
Lower turbineoplasty
The function of the lower cones is to humidify and filter the air inspired by the nose. In some cases, the cones may be too large and/or swell when lying down and cause a respiratory gene. Radiofrequency or electrocoagulation turbinoplasty consists of sending an electric current inside the cornet, causing a retraction that causes the improvement in breathing. It is frequently associated with a septoplasty.
The procedure can be carried out under local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia is performed by buffering with an anesthetic solution. The probe is then placed in the lower cornet for 30 seconds on each side. This procedure is painless.
The consequences are frequently marked by edema of the mucous membrane that can cause an aggravation of nasal obstruction, which can last up to 3 weeks. It is common to have crusts, which will be removed by nose washing.