What is Nasal Obstruction?
Difficulty breathing through the nose is one of the most common complaints seen by ENT doctors — and one of the most undertreated. Many people assume that a chronically blocked nose is simply something they have to live with. It isn't. Nasal obstruction affects sleep, energy, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in ways that are easy to underestimate — and in many cases, it is very effectively treated.
Nasal blockage can have several different causes, and identifying the right one is essential to finding the right solution. For some people, the problem is structural — a physical issue with the shape or anatomy of the nose that restricts airflow. For others, it is driven by allergies, chronic sinus problems, or inflammation that causes the nasal lining to swell. Often, it is a combination of both — which is why a thorough evaluation is so important.
Common Causes of Nasal Obstruction
- Deviated septum — a shift in the wall dividing the two sides of the nose, narrowing one or both nasal passages
- Turbinate hypertrophy — enlargement of the bony structures lining the nasal cavity, reducing airflow
- Nasal valve collapse — weakness or narrowing at the narrowest part of the nasal airway, often felt as a pinching sensation when breathing in
- Chronic sinusitis or nasal polyps — inflammation or growths that block the nasal passages
- Allergies or chronic rhinitis — ongoing nasal swelling driven by the body's response to irritants or allergens
Diagnosis & Treatment
Dr. Benjamin Rafii evaluates nasal obstruction with a thorough history and nasal endoscopy — a direct, in-office examination of the nasal passages that identifies the specific cause or causes of blockage. Because nasal obstruction often has more than one contributing cause, a precise diagnosis is the essential first step before any treatment is recommended.
Treatment is tailored to the underlying cause and may range from medical management to minimally invasive in-office procedures or surgery — all performed at our Beverly Hills practice with the same standard of personalized, unhurried care that defines every patient experience here.
Related Conditions: Deviated Septum | Turbinate Hypertrophy | Sinusitis & Sinus Problems | Allergies | Chronic Rhinitis / Runny Nose
Related Treatments: Septoplasty | Turbinate Reduction | Vivaer® Nasal Valve Treatment | Balloon Sinuplasty
Related Services: In-Office Nasal & Sinus Procedures
If you are struggling with nasal obstruction or difficulty breathing through your nose, Dr. Rafii and his team are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at The Laryngology & Voice Center of Beverly Hills — same- and next-day appointments are available.