Bávaro, Punta Cana.- Nasal obstruction, which hinders the flow of air from the nasal passages to the lungs, can be caused by various factors. Seeking the expertise of an otorhinolaryngology specialist is necessary for its treatment.
Inflammatory factors, such as allergies, infections, medications, and hormonal imbalances, as well as anatomical factors like choanal atresia, deviated septum, swollen inferior turbinates, hypertrophy of the adenoids, and alar insufficiency, are the main causes of this condition.
Dr. Lilia Reyes, an otorhinolaryngology specialist at Hospiten Bávaro, explains that nasal obstruction leads to both local and systemic effects, including increased secretory activity, changes in nasal pH, blocked ciliary function, and impaired ventilation of the middle ear, pharynx, and larynx, affecting speech.
In addition to the mentioned causes, Dr. Reyes also highlights tumors, both benign and malignant, in the nasal sinuses, as well as miscellaneous causes like foreign bodies and various traumas.
Dr. Reyes mentions that in pediatric patients, nasal obstruction can cause skeletal abnormalities, such as deformities in the palatine vault, upper dental arch, dental occlusion disorder, and jaw hypoplasia.
To prevent these complications, a timely diagnosis is crucial in pediatric patients. A thorough interview must be conducted to understand the specific characteristics of the nasal obstruction, such as unilateral or bilateral, continuous or sporadic, accompanying rhinorrhea (clear, mucus, or bloody), presence of allergic symptoms, and associated headaches or facial tightness.
A complete otorhinolaryngological physical examination and diagnostic studies, including nasal and paranasal sinus tomography and an allergic profile, are necessary to determine the nature of the obstruction.
“Treatment options for nasal obstruction depend on the underlying cause. It is always advisable to consult a specialist who will provide individualized care,” Dr. Reyes advises.
However, treatments can be broadly categorized into clinical treatment, which involves intranasal steroid and antihistamine administration, or surgical treatment, such as inferior endoscopic turbinoplasty (reduction of the inferior turbinates) or primary functional septorhinoplasty to correct a deviated septum or remove tumors obstructing the sinonasal tract.
About the Hospiten Group
Hospiten Group is an international healthcare network dedicated to providing high-quality services. With over 50 years of experience, it operates 20 private medical centers in Spain, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica, and Panama, as well as over 100 outpatient medical centers under the brand Clinic Assist. Founded by Dr. Pedro Luis Cobiella, the group annually serves more than two million patients from around the world and has a workforce of over 5,000 people.
