Anything that obstructs the airflow in and out of the nose, affecting one or both nasal passages, is referred to as nasal obstruction. Whether the nasal obstruction is caused by a deviated nasal septum, nasal polyps, enlarged turbinates, or some other cause, the specialists at Del Rey MD can provide a quick diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Nasal Obstruction Surgery
Nasal obstruction can affect one or both nasal passages, and includes any condition hindering airflow coming in and out of the nose. Nasal obstruction is not classed as a disease but rather a symptom of an underlying disorder.
The University of Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness1Â revealed in a study someone who has nasal obstruction may have an increased possibility of sleep-disorder breathing issues, such as hypopneas (episodes of extremely shallow breathing) snoring, and apneas (suspensions in breathing).
Our expert teams at our Del Rey MD in locations in Marina Del Rey / Los Angeles, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California are highly skilled in assessing what condition is causing a nasal obstruction in patients. After an in-depth consultation, one of our physicians can assess the best treatment plan to ease your symptoms and which type of nasal obstruction surgery is the right fit for your needs.
1 University of Wisconsin Institute for Sleep and Consciousness
Why You May Need Nasal Obstruction Surgery
Our expert teams at our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, , Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California see a number of different conditions in patients which can lead to the necessity for nasal obstruction surgery.
Deviated Septum
In some cases, patients can have a deviated septum, which is when one side of your nasal passages is smaller than the other. This is the case for many people – their nasal septum is off-center.
Nasal Polyps
Other patients who may need nasal obstruction surgery can have nasal polyps, which are soft, painless, noncancerous growths on the lining of your nasal passages or sinuses. The polyps hang down like teardrops or grapes and can cause chronic inflammation.
Typically patients develop these polyps in their 30s and 40s, and the condition is usually associated with asthma, allergies, drug sensitivity and recurring infections.
Small nasal polyps may not cause symptoms. However, if the polyps are larger, they can block your nasal passages, leading to breathing problems, and a loss of the ability to smell.
Other Contributing Factors
Another contributing factor to the necessity for nasal obstruction surgery is enlarged adenoids. Your adenoids are lymph tissues located in your upper airway between your nose and the back of your throat. When the tissue of your adenoids is swollen, they become enlarged. Children can frequently suffer with enlarged adenoids as well as nasal allergies when they have a nasal obstruction.
What Does Nasal Obstruction Surgery Involve?
Here at Del Rey MD, we specialize in solving problems associated with nasal obstruction, and there are a number of different surgeries we can perform to help patients breathe more easily.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty is a surgery that can straighten the septum. Depending on the problem at hand, a septoplasty can be performed endoscopically, with small incisions inside the nose, or if necessary, as an open procedure.
At Del Rey MD, in 99% of cases, we can carry out any necessary septoplasty in the office. Our procedure is minimally invasive and the patient usually returns to work after 3-4 days. For more detailed information on septoplasty, you can read more here.
Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
The procedure utilizes an endoscope to restore regular ventilation and drainage within your nasal cavity.
Turbinate Reduction (turbinectomy or turbinoplasty)
Patients who undergo this type of nasal obstruction surgery have the procedure under general anesthesia. The process can reduce airway resistance by making your turbinates smaller.
Nasal Valve Surgery (functional rhinoplasty)
The process is carried out while the patient is under general anesthesia. The inside and outside of your nose is repaired and also reconstructed, so airflow is more optimal.
VivAer
At our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California, we offer patients VivAer as a way of relieving the discomfort of nasal obstruction. When patients have this procedure, one of our expert ENT physicians first applies local anesthesia so the inside of the nose is numbed.
Then, a low-temperature radiofrequency (RF) energy is used on the area through a small wand.The process involves using the tip of the wand which is inserted into the nostril to precisely target and treat the blockage.
VivAer can gently remodel the nasal passage to improve airflow. The process typically takes around 10 minutes, is incredibly effective and can be carried out with minimal discomfort. Patients can experience improved breathing a day after having the procedure. The full benefit of having VivAer is usually experienced in around four to six weeks.Typically patients get right back to their daily activities in a matter of days.
A two year clinical study into the effectiveness of VivAer demonstrated 97% of patients experienced a significant improvement in nasal breathing.
In the same study, 94% of patients reported an increase in air flow while exercising.
What Are the Positive Outcomes of Nasal Obstruction Surgery?
Patients who have nasal obstruction surgery can often experience relief almost immediately.
Our patients at Del Rey MD who have undergone nasal obstruction surgery experience a positive change in their quality of life. They can enjoy outdoor activities and exercise, and no longer have to worry about being able to breathe freely.
Patients who have had a nasal obstruction corrected through one of our nasal obstruction procedures can also enjoy social situations again without feeling embarrassed by a continuously runny nose or by having to blow their nose excessively.
Common Questions Associated with Nasal Obstruction Surgery
Is there any risk my nose may look different after nasal obstruction surgery?
It is highly unlikely that your nose will look any different after your surgery.
Is there any pain after nasal obstruction surgery?
Our teams at our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California, have a vast amount of experience, so patients get through any procedure with the least amount of pain and the quickest recovery time.
Any mild to moderate temporary discomfort may feel similar to a sinus infection, with mild pain distribution across the cheeks, upper teeth, around the eyes, or in the forehead. When patients experience discomfort, one of our experts prescribes medication to ease your symptoms. The course usually lasts for a few days.
Will there be any bruising or swelling after nasal obstruction surgery?
You may be prescribed antibiotics after your procedure to prevent infection.
How long does it take to recover from nasal obstruction surgery?
The majority of patients can return to work or school in a few days and to a normal routine in around three weeks. However, your job and your specific surgery can impact how quickly you can get back to a normal way of life. Typically people recover fully in one to two months.
At Del Rey MD, we believe our patients get a superior quality of care because we do the highest number of nasal obstruction procedures in the state of California.
Does insurance cover nasal obstruction surgery?
All of our Del Rey MD locations in Marina Del Rey, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California are in-network with a wide variety of insurance plans, so the majority of our patients can utilize their health insurance for nasal obstruction surgery. At Del Rey MD, we do not have to charge a facility fee, and there is no necessity to see a primary care doctor for a referral.
Schedule an Appointment with Del Rey MD, the Top Reviewed Ear, Nose and Throat Experts in Los Angeles
If you have a recurring or persistent ear, nose, throat or allergy problem, it is likely your condition can be treated. Our expert team of ear, nose and throat specialists can discuss your options at one of our Del Rey MD locations to see if what specific treatment is appropriate for your condition. Contact our practice locations in Marina Del Rey / Los Angeles, Long Beach, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and surrounding Southern California today to book an appointment.
