Trouble Breathing Through Nose | Causes & Treatment

 Breathing is one of the most important functions we perform unconsciously in our daily lives. However, sometimes there are problems such as not being able to breathe through the nose. In such cases, not being able to breathe comfortably through the nose can be quite uncomfortable and negatively affect the quality of life. In such cases, not only respiratory distress, but also deterioration in sleep quality, headaches, fatigue and lack of concentration can occur. If you are experiencing these and similar conditions, take a look at our “Trouble Breathing Through Nose | Causes & Treatment” content. In this way, you can learn about the solutions to the problem of not breathing comfortably through the nose and have an idea about the precautions you need to take. We wish you all healthy days and good reading.

Why Do Nasal Breathing Problems Occur?

Today, many people suffer from nasal breathing problems caused by anatomical disorders in the nasal structure, infections, allergic reactions, environmental factors and some systemic diseases. These problems can significantly reduce the quality of daily life and lead to various health problems in the long term. Therefore, problems such as sleep quality deterioration, snoring and sleep apnea may occur. If you are experiencing conditions such as the problems mentioned above, we recommend that you consult an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist immediately. Thus, the source of the problem can be accurately identified and the most appropriate treatment method can be determined and as a result, you will have a healthier life process.

What Causes Nose Breathing Problem?

There are many reasons underlying the inability to breathe comfortably through the nose. These reasons may occur later or may be congenital. At the beginning of these conditions are narrow nostrils, choanal atresia, inferior turbinate hypertrophy, nasal cancer, large adenoid, chronic sinusitis and septum deviation. To examine these conditions in detail;

• Deviated nasal septum

In general, deviated septum is a curvature of the cartilage and bone tissue in the nose. This curvature can cause problems such as difficulty breathing, nasal congestion, snoring and even sleep apnea by restricting airflow. Deviated septum can be congenital or develop as a result of blows to the nose. While mild cases can be controlled with medications, in severe deviations, septoplasty surgery can correct the nasal septum and improve breathing.

• Choanal atresia

Coanal atresia is a congenital blockage of the airways at the back of the nose. It can cause serious breathing problems in newborn babies and may require emergency intervention. It can be unilateral or bilateral. In infants, nasal congestion occurs with symptoms such as difficulty breathing during feeding and blue skin changes. Treatment is usually surgical intervention to open the nasal passages.

• Inferior turbinate hypertrophy

Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is an overgrowth of the nasal meatus, which is located inside the nose and regulates airflow. This allergic rhinitis condition can be caused by chronic infections or exposure to environmental irritants. In this context, symptoms such as nasal congestion, mouth breathing, decreased smell and sleep problems may occur. As a treatment, medications, nasal sprays or radiofrequency nasal meatus reduction can be applied.

• Nose cancer

Malignant tumors that develop in the nasal cavity or sinuses can block the airways, making breathing difficult. The resulting nasal congestion can manifest itself with symptoms such as nosebleeds, facial pain, a feeling of fullness in the sinuses and loss of smell. However, the definitive diagnosis of nasal cancer is made by biopsy and imaging tests (MRI, CT scans). Treatment may include surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, depending on the stage of the cancer.

• Oversized adenoid

Adenoid is a lymphoid tissue located in the nasal area, behind the nose. It is usually large in children and shrinks over time. However, in some cases, overgrowth of adenoids can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, leading to snoring, sleep apnea, frequent upper respiratory tract infections and speech impairment. Antibiotics, nasal sprays or, in advanced cases, adenoidectomy (adenoidectomy) can be applied as treatment.

• Chronic sinusitis

Chronic sinusitis is a long-term inflammation of the sinuses and blockage of the nasal passages. This condition manifests itself with symptoms such as headache, a feeling of pressure on the face, runny nose, loss of smell and difficulty breathing. Allergies, immune system problems and anatomical disorders in the respiratory tract can also cause chronic sinusitis. Treatment may include antibiotics, corticosteroid nasal sprays, nasal irrigation with saline and surgical interventions (functional endoscopic sinus surgery – FESS).

• Narrow nostrils

Congenital or acquired narrow nostrils can cause breathing difficulties by restricting air intake. As a result, symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring and the habit of mouth breathing may occur. Narrow nostrils may be genetically small or may occur due to weakening of the nasal cartilage after previous nasal surgeries and traumas. Treatment may include surgical widening of the nostrils or nasal valve surgery depending on the condition of the nasal structure. For more detailed information, you can check our Narrow Nostril Surgery to Treat Breathing Difficulties page.

Symptoms of Nose Breathing Problem

Today, there are many causes of breathlessness. Although these reasons vary from person to person, not every symptom appears in everyone and sometimes one or more than one symptom may occur in a person. If we need to examine these symptoms in detail, these details are as follows;

• Constant or recurrent nasal congestion

• Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down at night
• The need to constantly breathe through the mouth because they cannot get enough air through the nose

• Dry mouth and throat irritation in the morning

• Snoring or sleep apnea

• Frequent awakening during sleep and feeling unable to rest

• Fatigue and weakness during the day

• Difficulty breathing deeply

• Feeling short of breath when exercising or talking

• Feeling of pressure in the sinuses

• Inability to fully perceive odors

• Nasal speech due to nasal congestion (hyponasal speech)

• A muffled or choked voice

• Rapid fatigue and breathlessness

How to Treat Nose Breathing Problem?

With the developing technology, nasal congestion consists of very easy and short procedures, contrary to popular belief. These procedures are applied according to the cause of nasal congestion experienced by the patient. These treatment methods are divided into 5 different areas. These are Rhinoplasty Surgery, Septoplasty, Nasal Polyp Surgery, Endoscopic Sinus Surgery and Concha Radiofrequency or Concha Resection.

• Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects nasal deformities as well as nasal congestion and breathing problems. This procedure generally helps correct structural problems such as nasal hump, drooping nasal tip, or narrow nostrils. After the procedure, these structural disorders are corrected, the nasal airway is opened, and breathing is made more comfortable. Swelling and nasal congestion may continue for a short time during the postoperative recovery process. However, in a few days, nasal breathing function improves significantly within a week. For those considering rhinoplasty in Turkey, the country offers high-quality medical facilities and experienced surgeons at competitive prices.

• Septoplasty 

Septoplasty, which offers a permanent solution to breathing problems, is a surgical procedure performed to correct septum deviation (nasal curvature), which is one of the most common causes of breathing difficulties in the nose. The curvature of the cartilage and bone tissue in the nose can narrow the nasal airway and cause respiratory problems. During this surgery, the deviated septum is corrected, the airway is opened and the narrowing that prevents breathing is eliminated. Septoplasty surgery is usually performed without intervening in the external appearance of the nose and the patient can have a few

• Nasal Polyp Surgery

Nasal polyps that develop inside the nose can block airflow, causing nasal congestion and breathing difficulties. These benign tissue growths can develop especially together with conditions such as chronic sinusitis and allergic rhinitis. During this surgical procedure called polypectomy, an endoscopic camera is placed inside the nose to clean the polyps and open the nasal passages. Mild congestion may continue for the first few weeks after surgery. However, a few Within a week, the patient’s breathing becomes noticeably easier.

• Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Nasal breathing problems caused by chronic sinusitis and sinus obstruction can be resolved with endoscopic sinus surgery. Inflammation and obstruction of the sinuses can make breathing through the nose difficult, causing a constant feeling of fullness and headaches. During endoscopic sinus surgery, a small camera is placed inside the nose to clear blockages in the sinus channels and improve airflow. After the surgery, a few Within a week, nasal breathing returns to normal and patients are relieved of chronic nasal congestion.

• Konka Radiofrequency 

One of the functional rhinoplasty operations, the nasal concha reduction operation is a procedure that reduces the nasal concha by applying low-level heat. This procedure opens the airway and improves breathing function. Mild congestion may continue in the first days after the procedure, but within a week, nasal breathing will be completely relieved. For those seeking functional rhinoplasty in Turkey, the country provides advanced medical techniques and experienced surgeons to ensure optimal results.

Healing Process After Nasal Breathing Problem

The recovery process after nasal breathing problems may vary depending on the treatment method applied and the general health status of the individual. For example; In cases treated with medication, breathing usually begins to ease within a few days to a few weeks after using nasal sprays, antihistamines or antibiotics. On the other hand, in cases requiring surgical intervention, the recovery process may take a little longer. Although this is a quite natural situation, it is a phase that can be experienced by everyone.

In the first few days after surgery, days, slight swelling, bruising and stuffiness may be felt in the nose, but this process can be made more comfortable by using painkillers and nasal cleaning solutions recommended by the doctor. However, it may be necessary to wait a few weeks for the full results. In addition, while it may take 4-6 weeks for the swelling to completely go down and the inside of the nose to fully heal, it may take 3-6 months for the nasal tissue to completely settle. In addition, most patients can return to their normal lives within 2-3 weeks, and regular doctor check-ups are recommended to ensure full breathing.

If you experience problems such as severe pain, signs of infection or prolonged congestion during the healing process,If it does not, an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist should be consulted without delay.

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