WHAT IS NASAL AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION?
Nasal Airway Obstruction (NAO) is a condition that affects more than 20 million Americans. It is caused by a blocked airway or inflammation, reducing the airflow through the nasal passage.
WHAT CAUSES NASAL AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION?
The slightest narrowing of the nasal passage can reduce your airflow. 70% of airflow to the lungs is delivered from the nasal passage; therefore, even a slight reduction can have a significant impact.
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THE ANATOMY THAT CONTRIBUTES TO NASAL AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION INCLUDES:
NASAL VALVE COLLAPSE (NVC)
Weak or excessively flexible upper / lower cartilage in the outer nasal wall may cause it to collapse inward when a person inhales.
SEPTAL DEVIATION
The cartilage wall between the nostrils can bend and block the nasal passage.
TURBINATE HYPEROPHY
Ridges of bone and tissue inside the nose can limit airflow when enlarged.
OUR TREATMENT OPTIONS
SEPTOPLASTY
If indicated by your history and comprehensive physical examination, straightening the wall between your two nostrils (septum) may significantly improve your nasal breathing. A simple procedure where the crooked pieces of your septum are removed and straightened to open up your nasal airway.
TURBINATE REDUCTION
If medical management hasn’t been the answer for you, a turbinoplasty may be. Farragut ENT offers a simple in-office procedure to remove the excess tissue inside the turbinate that causes it to swell when irritated.
Viver
VivAer is a great option for people with chronic nasal congestion who want long-term relief without surgery or downtime. VivAer is a non-invasive treatment for nasal obstruction that uses gentle, temperature-controlled radiofrequency to reshape nasal tissue and improve airflow, without cutting or removing tissue. It’s done in-office with local anesthesia, involves minimal discomfort, and has little to no downtime.
LATERA
You may benefit from Latera if your symptoms improve with the use of nasal strips during normal activity or sleep. Lateral is an absorbable nasal implant for the lateral wall. It works by supporting the cartilage and reducing the collapse of your lateral wall when you breathe in. Latera is a minimally invasive treatment option done in a relaxed office setting. The procedure requires very little downtime and gets you back to your activities quickly.