Nasal Obstruction & Sleep Apnea

Nasal obstruction — the feeling that one or both sides of your nose are blocked — is one of the most common reasons patients visit an ENT specialist. When you can't breathe well through your nose, it affects everything from your sleep quality to your ability to exercise comfortably.

Common Causes

Nasal obstruction can result from structural issues, inflammation, or a combination of both:

• Deviated septum — a crooked or shifted nasal septum that narrows one or both passages
• Turbinate hypertrophy — swelling of the bony structures inside the nose that filter and humidify air
• Nasal polyps — soft, painless growths in the sinuses or nasal passages
• Allergies — chronic inflammation from allergens like cedar, mold, or dust
• Nasal valve collapse — weakened cartilage in the sidewall of the nose

How It Affects Your Health

Chronic nasal obstruction forces you to breathe through your mouth, which can lead to snoring, disrupted sleep, dry mouth, and fatigue. Over time, poor nasal breathing can contribute to sleep-disordered breathing and reduce your overall quality of life.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Medical management with nasal steroid sprays, antihistamines, and saline rinses is often the first step. When these don't provide lasting relief, minimally invasive procedures can make a significant difference:

• Septoplasty — straightens a deviated septum (30–60 minutes, outpatient)
• Turbinate reduction — reduces swollen turbinates (in-office, minimal downtime)
• Nasal valve repair — strengthens collapsed nasal sidewalls
• Balloon sinuplasty — opens blocked sinus passages

These procedures are often combined in a single session so you only need one recovery period. Our in-office CT scanner allows us to evaluate your anatomy and develop a personalized treatment plan during your first visit.