Constant congestion can affect how you sleep, breathe, exercise, and get through a normal workday. Some people blame allergies every time their nose feels blocked, but nasal obstruction can come from several different issues.
With 39 providers and five locations across the Richmond area, Virginia Ear Nose & Throat is built to handle both everyday and more complex ENT concerns close to home. Our team includes board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, and audiologists with experience in ear, nose, and throat care, including nose conditions that can interfere with comfortable breathing.
A Deviated Septum
The septum separates the left and right nasal passages. When it is off-center, one side of the nose may be smaller than the other. A deviated septum can lead to trouble breathing, chronic nasal congestion, and frequent sinus infections.
Some people are born with a deviated septum. Others develop one after an injury. Symptoms can include one-sided blockage, mouth breathing, snoring, or congestion that does not fully clear with medication.
Swollen Nasal Tissue
The inside of the nose can swell from allergies, irritation, infection, or inflammation. This swelling narrows the nasal passages, making it harder for air to move through the nose.
You may notice swelling more during pollen season, after exposure to pets or dust, during a cold, or when lying down. If swelling keeps returning, our ENT providers can help determine whether allergies, sinus inflammation, or another issue is involved.
Chronic Sinus Problems
Sinusitis can cause congestion, facial pressure, runny nose, postnasal drainage, yellow or greenish drainage, and trouble breathing. Chronic sinus infections can persist for weeks to months and may be linked to allergies, a deviated septum, narrow sinus passages, or nasal polyps.
When congestion is paired with facial pain, headaches, thick drainage, or repeated infections, the sinuses may need a closer look.
Nasal Polyps or Narrow Sinus Passages
Nasal polyps are soft growths that can develop inside the nasal passages or sinuses. Narrow sinus passages can also keep mucus from draining well. Both can contribute to blockage, pressure, and repeat sinus infections.
These issues are not always visible without an ENT exam. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may recommend a nasal endoscopy or imaging to see what is happening inside the nose and sinuses.
When Congestion Needs Medical Care
Occasional congestion from a cold usually improves. Ongoing nasal obstruction deserves attention when it affects sleep, exercise, work, or quality of life.
You should consider an ENT evaluation if you have:
- Congestion on most days
- Trouble breathing through one side of the nose
- Frequent sinus infections
- Nosebleeds that keep returnin
- Snoring or poor sleep linked to nasal blockage
- Symptoms that do not improve with usual remedies
Nasal Obstruction Care in Richmond, VA
Breathing through your nose should not feel like a daily struggle. For persistent congestion in Richmond, VA, Virginia Ear Nose & Throat offers care from our large regional ENT team across five local offices. To discuss nasal obstruction care, schedule a consultation or call 804-484-3700.