Struggling to Breathe Through Your Nose? Here’s Why

Your nose is an essential part of your respiratory system, circulating airflow and filtering germs and dirt from the air that we breathe. Sometimes, you might find yourself unable to breathe through your nose properly. But what could be the cause?

Allergies

One of the most common causes of nasal congestion is seasonal allergies in the spring and fall. From pollen to ragweed to mold and pet dander, multiple allergens in your environment can cause your nasal passages to swell and make it harder to breathe through your nose.

That said, you have a multitude of treatment remedies at your disposal. In addition to limiting your exposure to allergens, you can also try nasal irrigation through a Neti pot, using nasal sprays to reduce your symptoms, and taking an oral antihistamine to limit your response to the allergens in the air.

Dr. Adam Gigliotti, an ENT physician at CEENTA's Uptown office, describes how you can treat your fall and spring allergies. “For those looking to be more precise in their allergy management, formal allergy testing can be arranged to determine their triggers, guide the timing of their medications, and can open the door to advanced allergy management techniques such as immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, drops, or tablets.”

Injury

Your nose is made of bones, cartilage, and soft tissue that can easily be damaged from blunt force trauma. Whether the cause is from a car accident or playing sports, an injury to the septum or nasal bones that leaves them misaligned can create uneven airflow when you attempt to breathe. Even if your nose has healed from the injury, there may be some lingering anatomical deficiencies that can leave your nasal breathing labored.

A trained surgeon who understands the unique structure of the nose can give you additional care in this case. With a septoplasty procedure, your physician can realign your deviated septum to allow for better breathing and a more comfortable lifestyle.

Infection

A viral or bacterial infection involving the linings of the nasal cavity, known as rhinitis, can also create swelling in your nasal passages. These episodes are usually part of the “common cold” and can be accompanied by postnasal drip, excessive mucus production, and even fevers.

“The key to accurately treating nasal obstruction is to first develop a full understanding of both the static (bone & cartilage structure) and dynamic (nasal lining) contributions in each individual patient, then target those specifically to achieve your desired result,” explains Dr. Gigliotti.

No matter what’s causing your stuffy nose, you can breathe easy after coming to CEENTA. Our board-certified otolaryngologists specialize in diagnosing and treating the many causes of nasal obstruction across nearly twenty offices in the Carolinas. To schedule your same-day ENT appointment with Dr. Gigliotti in Uptown today, use our online scheduling platform or through myCEENTAchart.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. To schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor, you may do so online or through myCEENTAchart.