Difficulty in breathing through the nose is one of the most common reasons for admission to Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinics. Causes of nasal obstruction vary according to the patient's age, sometimes gender, duration of complaint and accompanying complaints.

Main causes of nasal obstruction:

Anatomical (Structural)

Septum deviation: It is the shifting of the wall (septum) separating the nasal cavities from the midline to the rightward or leftward.

Septal perforation: These are the holes formed in the septum. Patients complain of whistling during breathing in the small and frontal holes. In large holes, crusting and bleeding are the most prominent complaints.

Concha hypertrophy: Swelled meat in both side walls of the nose.

Nasal valve stenosis: Narrow angle of the nasal dorsal cartilages at the entrance of the nose with the septum. Excessive narrowing of the nose and back during rhinoplasty is one of the most important reasons.

Alar collapse: Collapse of the nose wings. As well as being structural, the removal of excess cartilage for the reduction of the tip of the nose in rhinoplasty surgery is also a factor.

Choanal atresia: It is the occlusion of the nasal cavities to the nasal cavity.

Inflammation

Rhinitis (cold)
             Microbial, Allergic, Non-Allergic (Vasomotor)

Sinusitis
             Viruses, Bacteria, Fungus

Foreign body

It is frequently seen in children and those with poor mental health. It manifests itself with unilateral nasal obstruction and ill-smelling discharge.

Masses

Adenoid vegetation (adenoid): It is the most important cause of nasal obstruction, which does not disappear especially in childhood.

Nasal polyps: It can be unilateral or bilateral. Apart from nasal obstruction, complaints such as discharge, difficulty in smelling, and headache may also accompany.

Intra-nasal and nasopharyngeal (nasal cavity) tumors: Tumors should be suspected in cases of symptoms such as bleeding and swelling in the face as well as nasal obstruction.

Note: The above information was compiled from the book "Current Nose and Sinus Surgery", of which editorship was conducted by Prof. Dr. Selim Sermed Erbek. It is for purpose of informing the patients and patients should consult an Otorhinolaryngologist for diagnosis and treatment details.