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BLOCKED
NOSE

Blocked nose or nasal obstruction can be caused by swelling of the lining of the inside of the nose or problems with the shape of the inside of the nose.

Causes of blocked nose

Noses block for a variety of reasons, which include, but not limited to the following:

  • Bent inside wall (deviated septum)

  • Swelling of the lining of the nose (turbinate hypertrophy)

  • Weakness or collapse of the outer nasal wall (valve collapse)

  • Allergies and effects of simple infections such as a common cold, often know as allergic or infective rhinitis

  • Prolonged and persistent use of decongestants

  • Polyps in the nose

  • Recreational drugs such as cocaine

Swelling of the lining of the inside of the nose

The lining of the nose is a thin mucous membrane which can sometimes swell, causing blockage. This swelling is referred to as ‘rhinitis’ and it is also a symptom of the common cold in which the lining swells as a response to viral infection. Rhinitis may also be caused by bacterial infection in the nose and sinuses, allergy or overuse of nasal decongestant medication. It is possible for the mucous membrane to occasionally swell enough to cause nasal polyps to form.

Problems with the shape of the inside of the nose

This can be caused by twisting of the nasal septum (the middle partition of the nose) or weakness of the outside of the nose. Nasal obstruction can also sometimes be caused by other structures becoming enlarged, such as the adenoids (glands in the roof of the mouth).

Treatment Options

The treatment options for your blocked nose depend on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Possible treatment options we might suggest;

  • Allergen avoidance where appropriate, i.e. allergic rhinitis

  • Medication, where appropriate. This includes steroid based nasal sprays, antihistamines and sometimes antibiotics as well as steroids tablets

  • Surgery: which may be a simple septoplasty or a more complex surgery.

  • Adenoidectomy, which is the surgical removal of the adenoids and is often done in children.

  • Desensitisation when appropriate

 

 

It may not be possible to completely cure the symptoms of nasal blockage.

LOCATIONS

NUFFIELD HOSPITAL

Nuffield Hospital,

Kingswood Rd,

Tunbridge Wells,

TN2 4UL

KIMS HOSPITAL

KIMS Hospital,

Newnham Ct Way,

Weavering,

Maidstone,

ME14 5FT

FOURWAYS DENTAL & AESTHETIC CLINICS

4 Sevenoaks Rd,

Borough Green,

Sevenoaks,

TN15 8BB

SERENITY THERAPIES

Serenity Therapies,

​42 High St,

Tunbridge Wells,

TN1 1XF

Correspondence Address: Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital, Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4UL

OUR AFFILIATIONS

OTHER TREATMENTS

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