The most common structural causes of nasal obstruction are septal deviation, enlarged turbinates and nasal valve narrowing; allergy and infections are common medical causes. Obstruction can contribute to snoring but is rarely its only cause. If a structural problem exists, septoplasty, turbinate reduction or septorhinoplasty can reduce symptoms.
Common causes of obstruction
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged turbinates
- Nasal valve collapse on breathing in
- Allergic and chronic rhinitis
- Polyps and sinusitis
- Decongestant spray overuse
Obstruction and snoring
A blocked nose leads to mouth breathing during sleep, which can worsen snoring. But snoring usually involves the soft palate, tongue base, tonsils and weight too, so nasal surgery alone does not always stop it. Witnessed pauses in breathing, daytime sleepiness or morning headaches need assessment for sleep apnoea.
The nose and sinusitis
Sinuses drain into the nose through small channels. Deviation or enlarged turbinates can affect drainage and predispose some patients to recurrent sinusitis. Chronic sinusitis and polyps may need assessment with other specialists.
When is surgery considered?
After identifying the cause, medical causes are treated first. Persistent obstruction proven to be structural may be treated with septoplasty, turbinate reduction or valve support, combined with rhinoplasty if external changes are wanted.
Does rhinoplasty harm breathing?
Well-planned rhinoplasty aims to preserve or improve breathing. Over-reduction or weakened support can cause breathing problems later, so the airway is part of every aesthetic plan.
Frequently asked questions
Will nasal surgery stop my snoring?
It may reduce snoring if obstruction contributes, but snoring often has several causes.
Can a deviated septum cause sinusitis?
It can predispose some patients by affecting drainage, but not every deviation does.
Why is one side always blocked?
Persistent one-sided blockage suggests a structural cause and needs examination.
Is daily decongestant spray harmful?
Use beyond a few days can enlarge turbinates and cause dependence.
Sources and further reading
General information resources; individual advice requires an examination.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons · Rhinoplasty ↗ASPS · Risks and safety ↗NHS · Rhinoplasty ↗This page is general information and does not replace an individual examination. Surgery has risks and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.