The nasal passageways are the openings that extend from your nostrils to the top of your throat that allow you to breathe through your nose. If you have narrow nasal passageways, not only can it affect your ability to breathe while working out at Foley’s Fitness, it can have other effects on your wellbeing, as well. We review some of these below.
Effects of Narrow Nasal Passageways
Narrow nasal passageways can cause difficulty breathing, loud breathing, nosebleeds and sleep problems. In adults, it can also contribute to sinus infections. In babies and children, it can cause feeding difficulties and even ear pain.
Causes & Treatments of Narrow Nasal Passageways
Narrow nasal passageways can be caused by genetics, aging, trauma or an underlying condition. Knowing the underlying cause of your narrow nasal passageways is key to successful treatment.
Some underlying conditions that cause narrow nasal passageways include:
- Deviated septum. The septum is the cartilage that divides your nostrils. A deviated septum means the septum is off-center, and you breathe more air through one side of your nose than the other. This is corrected with a surgical procedure known as a septoplasty.
- Nasal valve collapse. This refers to weakness or narrowing of the nasal valve, which is the narrowest part of the nasal airway. It’s commonly caused by trauma to the nose and is corrected with a nasal valve dilator or surgery.
- Inferior turbinate hypertrophy. The turbinates are long, narrow passageways that moisten and warm the air you breathe through your nose. If the turbinates are too large, it can lead to blocked airflow, frequent infections and nosebleeds. This condition can be managed with over-the-counter or surgical solutions.
- Nasal vestibular stenosis. This condition occurs when the vestibular lining of the nose becomes disrupted due to injury of infection and can cause trouble breathing through the nose. It’s treated with nasal stents.
- Choanal atresia. This condition occurs at birth when the back of the nasal cavity is blocked. If both sides are blocked, immediate surgery is necessary.
- Pyriform aperture stenosis. This condition also occurs from birth and means the newborn has a narrow opening inside the soft tissue of the nose because the maxilla is overgrown. It is treated with saline spray or surgery, depending on the severity.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Benjamin Liess MD today.