Nasal Obstruction and Deviated Septum
A blocked nose is one of the ENT complaints that most reduces quality of life: it leads to open-mouth sleeping, snoring, daytime fatigue, reduced smell and recurrent sinusitis. Obstruction is not a disease but a symptom — effective treatment starts with finding the cause.
Common causes
- Deviated septum: a bend in the cartilage-bone wall dividing the nose. It may be congenital or follow trauma, and typically causes a fixed blockage, worse on one side.
- Turbinate enlargement: the fleshy structures inside the nose enlarge with allergy, smoking and overuse of decongestant sprays; blockage varies and worsens when lying down.
- Allergic rhinitis: blockage with sneezing, itching and watery discharge.
- Nasal polyps, adenoids (in children), rarely tumours.
- Rhinitis medicamentosa: long-term use of decongestant sprays makes the nose dependent on them — a common and often missed cause.
When does a deviated septum need surgery?
Even if a deviation is seen on examination, surgery is decided by symptoms. Septoplasty is recommended when deviation causes significant obstruction, open-mouth sleeping, snoring, recurrent sinusitis, frequent nosebleeds or ear pressure problems. Medication cannot straighten a deviation; it only relieves accompanying mucosal problems.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils, leaving no external scar. The bent cartilage and bone are corrected, and enlarged turbinates can be reduced in the same session (radiofrequency/coblation). Today packing is often avoided or replaced by soft silicone splints, making recovery far more comfortable than in the past. Patients usually go home the same day and return to daily life within a week.
When should you see a doctor?
An obstruction lasting more than three weeks, a one-sided blockage, or blockage with bleeding or loss of smell warrants an ENT examination. Persistent obstruction after previous unsuccessful nasal surgery (revision septoplasty) is a particular interest of mine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a blocked nose?
A blocked nose is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying problem. The most common causes are a deviated septum, turbinate (fleshy tissue) enlargement, allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps; long-term use of decongestant sprays can also cause rhinitis medicamentosa, a frequently missed cause.
What is a deviated septum?
The septum is the cartilage-and-bone wall that divides the nose into two passages, and a deviated septum is a bend in this wall. It may be present from birth or follow an injury, and it typically causes a fixed blockage that is worse on one side.
Does a deviated septum always need surgery?
No. Even when a deviation is seen on examination, surgery is decided by symptoms rather than by the appearance alone. Septoplasty is recommended when the deviation causes significant obstruction, snoring, open-mouth sleeping, recurrent sinusitis or frequent nosebleeds.
How is septoplasty done and how long is recovery?
Septoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils and leaves no external scar; the bent cartilage and bone are corrected and enlarged turbinates can be reduced in the same session. Packing is often avoided nowadays, so most patients go home the same day and return to daily life within about a week.
When should I see a doctor for a blocked nose?
You should see an ENT specialist if the blockage lasts more than three weeks, is one-sided, or comes with bleeding or loss of smell. Medication cannot straighten a structural deviation; it only relieves accompanying mucosal problems.
Would you like to book an appointment?
You can call our office or pick a convenient time slot on DoktorTakvimi.