Ever feel like you're constantly fighting to get a good breath through your nose? If you're always reaching for nasal sprays or resorting to mouth breathing, you might be dealing with a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates. While these terms sound intimidating, the good news is that a simple surgical procedure can help you breathe freely again. Let’s break it down!
Why Does My Nose Always Feel Blocked?
Nasal obstruction is a common issue that affects millions of people. If you're experiencing constant congestion, difficulty breathing through your nose, or worsening symptoms when you lie down at night, you’re not alone. This condition can lead to poor sleep, dry mouth, and even sinus infections.
Two major culprits behind nasal obstruction are:
- Deviated Septum – The septum is the thin wall that divides your nasal passages. If it’s crooked or off-center, airflow is restricted.
- Enlarged Turbinates – Turbinates are structures inside the nose that help warm and humidify the air you breathe. However, when they become swollen (due to allergies, inflammation, or genetics), they can block airflow.
How Do I Know If I Need Surgery?
Not all nasal blockages require surgery. Many people find relief with medications, nasal sprays, or lifestyle changes. However, if your symptoms persist despite trying these options, it might be time to consider septoplasty (to straighten the septum) or turbinate reduction (to shrink enlarged turbinates).
A visit to an ENT specialist will determine if surgery is the best solution. During your evaluation, your doctor may perform a nasal endoscopy to get a closer look inside your nose.
What Happens During Septoplasty & Turbinate Surgery?
These procedures are typically outpatient surgeries, meaning you can go home the same day.
- Septoplasty: The surgeon makes small incisions inside the nose to straighten the deviated septum. Sometimes, pieces of cartilage or bone are removed to improve airflow.
- Turbinate Reduction: Using specialized tools, the surgeon shrinks the swollen turbinates while preserving their function. This may involve radiofrequency energy, cauterization, or partial removal of tissue.
The goal of both procedures is to clear your nasal passages and help you breathe more easily—without changing the external appearance of your nose.
What’s the Recovery Like?
Most patients experience some nasal stuffiness, mild bleeding, and swelling for the first week. Here’s what you can expect:
- Minimal pain – Most discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Breathing improvement – While your nose may feel congested at first, significant improvement is usually noticeable within a few weeks.
- Saline rinses & rest – Keeping your nasal passages clean and avoiding strenuous activities will help with healing.
Are There Any Risks?
As with any surgery, there are potential risks, though complications are rare. These may include bleeding, infection, or minor numbness in the nose or front teeth. Your surgeon will discuss all precautions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Ready to Breathe Freely Again?
If you’re tired of constant congestion and struggling to get a full breath, septoplasty and turbinate surgery may be the long-term solution you’ve been looking for.
Author
Ramie A. Tritt, MD
Ramie A. Tritt, MD, FRCSC, specializes in nasal and sinus surgery as well as snoring and sleep apnea surgery at Atlanta ENT, Sinus & Allergy Associates, P.C.’s Sandy Springs location in Atlanta, Georgia.
Dr. Tritt graduated from medical school with honors from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He completed his otolaryngology residency at McGill University and his fellowship in otology and head and neck surgery at Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, New York.
He is a diplomate of the American Board of Otolaryngology and a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Tritt is a member of the Medical Association of Georgia and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Dr. Tritt has been an instructor at national ENT meetings, a Medical Advisory Board member for computer image-guided sinus surgery, and been recognized by Atlanta Magazine as a “Doctor Who Doctors Go To”.
