Why is it difficult to breathe through my nose?
As a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon), I often see patients who say, “I just can’t breathe through my nose.” Chronic nasal obstruction can affect sleep, exercise, focus, and overall quality of life. There are several common causes, and identifying the right one is the first step toward lasting relief.
Common Causes of Nasal Obstruction
Difficulty breathing through the nose can be caused by inflammation, structural issues, or a combination of both. The most common culprits include:
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are soft, noncancerous growths that form inside the nasal passages or sinuses. They can block airflow and contribute to chronic congestion, postnasal drip, and a reduced sense of smell.
There are many methods to treat nasal polyps, including:
Nasal steroid sprays or oral medications to shrink polyps
In some cases, a simple surgical procedure to remove them and restore normal breathing
Allergies
Seasonal or environmental allergies can inflame the nasal lining, making it harder to breathe through the nose. Common triggers in Arizona include dust, pollen, and mold.
There are many other ways to treat ENT-involved environmental allergies, including:
Allergen avoidance and environmental control
Antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays, and saline rinses
Allergy testing and immunotherapy when symptoms persist despite medication
Deviated Septum
The nasal septum is the wall that divides the nostrils. When it’s crooked or off-center, it can block one or both sides of the nose, leading to chronic congestion.
A deviated septum can be fixed with a septoplasty, a simple outpatient surgical procedure that straightens the septum and improves airflow. Most patients return home the same day and experience significant relief once healed.
Enlarged Turbinates
Turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify the air you breathe. When swollen, they can narrow the nasal passages and contribute to congestion.
Enlarged turbinates can be treated via turbinate reduction, which can be performed in the office or in the operating room during a septoplasty. Both options are safe and highly effective in restoring normal breathing.
Nasal Valve Obstruction
The nasal valve area is the narrowest part of the nasal airway and a frequent cause of blockage. Nasal valve obstruction may result from aging, trauma, prior nasal surgery, or a person’s unique nasal anatomy.
Nasal valve obstruction can be corrected with surgical or minimally invasive procedures performed in the office, depending on the severity of the obstruction.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
Because several conditions can contribute to nasal blockage, an in-office evaluation with nasal endoscopy is the best way to determine what’s causing your symptoms. Once identified, treatment can be tailored to your specific needs, whether that means medical therapy, a minimally invasive procedure, or outpatient surgery.
I am currently accepting new patients and would be glad to help if you are struggling to breathe through your nose. Together, we can identify the cause and find the most effective, lasting solution, helping you breathe, sleep, and feel better every day.
Do you need to schedule an appointment to discuss treatment options for nasal obstruction? Contact my office, located in Scottsdale, AZ.
Call my office: (480) 273-8448
Schedule an appointment: Click here